V/H/S Halloween Fantastic Fest Review

I think it’s no secret at this point that I love horror films. One subgenre that always gets me is found footage. When it’s done right, it can create such a powerful sense of emotion and realism. That raw, authentic feel seeps under your skin and stays there, making it one of the scariest ways to tell a horror story. That’s why I’ve always had a soft spot for the V/H/S franchise. Not every segment is a hit, but the overall collection of stories, told through this immersive format, makes each entry worth watching. V/H/S/ Halloween is a perfect addition to the season, packed with chilling tales that highlight exactly why this series is so beloved. Over the years, the franchise has introduced both fresh and established voices in the horror community, and this installment proves once again what makes it so special. As a longtime fan, I can honestly say V/H/S/ Halloween is one of my favorites. It has so many excellently crafted horror shorts that will connect with a wide range of audiences.

This time around, the franchise leans into nostalgia and the spirit of October and Halloween. It feels like the perfect film to drop during Halloween season, especially on Shudder, which is one of the best streaming services ever. At this point, with new entries arriving almost yearly, it’s a challenge for new V/H/S movies to stand out, but this one exceeded my expectations. Each story is steeped in the Halloween atmosphere, filled with unforgettable characters and moments that horror fans will eat up. It blends everything that makes the series work, which is gore, grit, and creativity, with a seasonal twist that feels tailor-made for October nights. If you want to get into the Halloween vibe, this movie will get you there. It is a celebration of horror movies and Halloween. With that said, I can easily see myself watching this movie every year for that reason.

What makes V/H/S such a unique franchise, is the collaborative nature behind it. Multiple directors bring their own voices and visions, and together they weave a feature-length anthology that feels both chaotic and cohesive. Each filmmaker leaves their personal stamp while still contributing to the larger identity of the franchise: bizarre, disturbing, hilarious, terrifying, and everything in between. From the opening short to the final moments, this entry is gripping, shocking, and endlessly entertaining. Even the in-between segments, the connective tissue between the stories, are cleverly intergrated and add to the fun. I wanted more and more of each story. These stories created so much fun and endless amounts of lore. I would want a feature length versions of all theses movies.

Overall, V/H/S/ Halloween is one of the strongest installments in the series. It’s tailor-made for horror fans and perfect for the season. This installment truly had a mix of inventive scares and twisted creativity, that makes watching with friends an absolute blast. Shudder continues to deliver when it comes to original horror films, and this film is no exception. If you love this franchise, or just love Halloween, you won’t want to miss it. This is horror made by fans, for fans, and it deserves a spot on your October watchlist. There will be a segment that won't be for you, but im confident in saying there will be plenty of segments that do work for you. It has a wide range of incredibly talented filmmakers. It is the start of the best time of year and happy that we have a strong start to be in the mood for Halloween. V/H/S is a good time and fans of the franchise and genre will not be disappointed.

Rating 70/100