‘V/H/S Mixtape’ Review: Shudder’s Helter-Skelter Horror Anthology Still Has Some Killer Tracks

Shudder's latest installment in its found-footage horror franchise, "V/H/S Mixtape," offers a collection of short films that, while featuring some standout segments, ultimately presents a somewhat uneven viewing experience. The anthology brings together a diverse group of directors, including Renee Zhan, RZA, Ernest Dickerson, and David Moreau, each contributing their unique vision to the series' established format. The inclusion of segments such as those featuring "evil puppets escaped from Jim Henson's Creature Shop" hints at the varied and often bizarre content audiences have come to expect from the "V/H/S" brand.

The "V/H/S" series has built a reputation for its raw, often low-fi aesthetic and its commitment to delivering a barrage of scares and unsettling narratives through the found-footage conceit. "V/H/S Mixtape," as its title suggests, aims for a curated selection of horror, akin to a musical compilation. However, the critical reception indicates that while some individual tracks on this particular mixtape are "killer," the overall flow and coherence might benefit from further refinement. The strength of an anthology often lies in the consistent quality of its constituent parts, and the review suggests that this installment, the ninth in the franchise, may not achieve that ideal balance.

The presence of established genre filmmakers like Ernest Dickerson alongside newer voices like Renee Zhan and RZA, who also has a background in music, points to an effort to blend established horror sensibilities with fresh perspectives. This approach has been a hallmark of the "V/H/S" series, allowing it to experiment with different subgenres of horror, from supernatural hauntings to slasher elements and psychological dread. The mention of Jim Henson's Creature Shop, known for its iconic puppetry, suggests a venture into more practical effects and creature features, a potentially exciting, albeit perhaps jarring, addition to the franchise's typical offerings.

Ultimately, "V/H/S Mixtape" appears to continue the "V/H/S" tradition of delivering a mixed bag of horror shorts. While the individual contributions from its directors provide moments of genuine terror and creativity, the overall impact of the anthology may leave viewers wishing for a more tightly curated or thematically cohesive experience. The success of such a project hinges on its ability to consistently engage its audience across multiple narratives, and the review suggests that this iteration, while containing notable highlights, may not fully hit all the right notes.