V/H/S/MIXTAPE (2026)

 

Directed By: Ernest Dickerson (THE MUSIC OF MR. SZE) Rza (DEATH TONE) Flying Lotus (ANOTHER CABIN) David Moreau (HEART BEAT) Renee Zahn (DANCE DANCE DANCE) Tobias Forge (PREMATURE BURIAL)

Written By: Rza And Matt Landsman (DEATH TONE) Zoe Cooper (DANCE DANCE DANCE) 

Ernest Dickerson (THE MUSIC OF MR. SZE) Flying Lotus (ANOTHER CABIN) Tobias Forge (PREMATURE BURIAL) David Moreau (HEART BEAT) 

Story By: Renee Zahn (DANCE DANCE DANCE)

Cinematography: Crille Forsberg (PREMATURE BURIAL) Sean McDaniel (DEATH TONE) Patrick Murguia (THE MUSIC OF MR. SZE) Kevin Stewart (DANCE DANCE DANCE)

Editor: Brad Basser (DEATH TONE) Emil Klinta (PREMATURE BURIAL) Thom Newell (DANCE DANCE DANCE) 

Cast: Barbara Frampton, Alex Hsu, Neela Jolene, Maise De Krassel, Jihad Brent, Josh Willis, Nour El Refai, Gustaf Hammerstein

It presents a new anthology in which music and sound become a source of terror.

---

This franchise has always been a mixed bag. The first two films in the franchise were probably the most successful and coherent. As well as staying on theme, as each feature is an anthology, that usually comes out every Halloween, but usually have a general theme. This films theme is music most of the stories or short films all revolved around music as well as it seeming like the linking connection is having the band war kind of host these films rather than really helping to link them all together, however closely. As this more plays like a promo for them. So it comes off as a movie special specifically chosen by them. With little rhyme or reason 

This isn’t the first of these film films that it felt like a struggle to sit through but here this one really tested my patience

That was typical at first only one or two of these short films is actually worth watching in any of the time and effort. As none of the films are really noteworthy and most are pretty predictable. As most of the shorts are kind of disposable. 

The first short DANCE DANCE DANCE by Renee Zahn is truly the only memorable one. As it comes across as the most vicious ADULT SWIM type horror short. That reminds one of the work of Director Casper Kelley, who actually directed a segment from the VHS compilation horror film. 

The second segment ANOTHER CABIN is an animated short directed and scored by FLYING LOTUS that plays so quick it barely registers before it is over and feels like it’s missing an ending. 

The Third Segment HEARTBEAT directed by David Moreau is certainly vividly shot and styled, but by the end of the film. I almost forgot about this segment entirely. It’s ok, but far from memorable of that impressive. 

The Fourth Segment THE MUSIC OF MR. SZEis the longest one and feels like an over-the-top TALES FROM THE CRYPT episode and not one of the good ones. It’s told mostly from POV and is the one that feels the most predictable, but at least it’s coherent and watchable. Directed By: Ernest Dickerson

The 5th short PREMATURE BURIAL by Tomas Forge is more a music video short seemed like it was just more graphic than the usual music videos. As he seems to be part of this band again this more feel an opportunity to showcase his band. C

The 6th & final segment DEATH TONE directed by THE RZA is at least a little fun. Even if it is ridiculous and feels a bit inspired. Even if it endsbip playing kind of basic. C+

I am still a fan of the franchise is as much of if they make another one, will be interested but maybe they need to hold off a bit and get inspired or new directors looking to make their shot or take some random short films from up and comers on the film festival circuit. Put them under the blanket of the franchise and find a way to link them. 

it’s a shame as this seems to be the first in the anthology that has more Africa, American talent in front of the screen, as well as behind the scenes. 

Grade:

DANCE DANCE DANCE – C+

ANOTHER CABIN – D

HEARTBEAT – C – 

THE MUSIC OF MR. SZE – C

PREMATURE BURIAL – C-

DEATH TONE – C+

 (OVERALL) D 

OTHER (2025)

 

Directed By: David Moreau

Written By: David Moreau and Jon Goldman

Cinematography: Julien Ramirez Hernan

Cast: Olga Kurylenko, Jean Schatz, Lola Bonaventure, Philip Schuler, Julie Mae’s, Anne Pascale-Clairembourg, Jacqueline Ghaye, Sacha Nugent

Alice returns to her childhood home after her mother's death, only to find the house is rigged with surveillance tracking her every move, as a sinister presence lurks, driving her towards a terrifying revelation.

————————————————————————

I can think of worse ways to spend 90 minutes then with acresss Olga Kurylenko, not the worst way to pass time Especially getting to witness her and states of different outfits. She is good in the role. As the lead stretch stretching some acting muscle muscles. She hasn’t really been challenged to do before.

this is the rare starring role for her where she is front and center and truly gets to show dramatic depth in a role as for the most part, the film just follows her throughout this treacherous adventure that stays mysterious for most of the film so that it’s almost like we’re watching her play dress up through half the film as a former teen beauty contestant

This is one of those films, the end resolution you just wonder why we had to go through all of what we just did just to get here as it plays more weirder than it truly needs to be 

if there was a reason for the peculiarities, then at least it might’ve been worth it, but it just seems like the film is made that way just for that and I guess to keep it more of a mystery to the audience which again by the end just feels like it was over the top for no reason 

Now, while the film does have its moments and an ending, we should see coming, but still comes across as a very big moment of surprise. Which at least makes it feel somewhat satisfying though getting there just feels annoying.

As there are other characters in this film, but it pretty much feels like a one woman show throughout as Miss Kurylenko does most of the work and the heavy lifting.

As with her, we are experiencing the events and trying to figure what’s going on partially with her as she has a whole pass that we only slowly learn throughout

now, while this film might work for others as it is definitely a slow burn that is more of a drama with a thriller or horror elements. One can say that they were with the film halfway as it’s not much to do about nothing as there is substance here that seems to be yelled out a lot

Until all is revealed, and the impact and capacity truly takes over. So thoroughly throughout, you admire the filmmaking and how far it pushes the story and keeps the audience and suspense with the sense of mystery.

As it’s about buried hidden trauma that the film gives some clues along the way. Though I think we figured it out before her and the film literally spell out the ending what we come up with might be scarier than what we actually see at the end.

Even as it tries to be subtle about it, you can’t help but notice it just feels like the film is missing an element that would truly make it more noteworthy instead of feeling underwhelming by the end.

The film stays visually inventive, but at times it does feel like it’s being weird just to be weird. 

They left to wonder if there is a sequel will it keep the same mood? Will there be new secrets or become more audience friendly with Gore and blood baths?

By the end of you make it that far. You sneered you can decide if all of this film was worth the journey. That might have been just as effective as a short.

Grade: C