This middling anthology sports a pretty high production value, but is not an anthology in the traditional sense. That is to say that there is no framing story of any kind. This leads to a level of inconsistency that is amplified by the fact that the individual vignettes are only separated by either their own credits reel or abrupt jump cuts that lead into the establishing shot of the next short. The jump cuts can feel totally jarring and will leave a bad taste in your mouth. Unfortunately, these jump cuts also draw one's attention to the abrupt, inconclusive endings that plague some of the short films - lookin' at you Sleepwalker.
Of course, as is always the case with horror anthologies, the stories tend to be all over the place, and this anthology definitely checks that box. We've got everything from shady hitchhikers and sci-fi prisoner exchanges to time manipulation and home invasions.
Also in typical fashion, some stories are much stronger than others. I loved the premise and ending of The Hourglass Figure, the cleverness of Exit 7A, and the delivery of The Silent Treatment. These stories are easily the most fleshed out and well-executed ideas. Meanwhile, Sleepwalker felt too inconclusive, Bannon's Lookout was a creative idea that really needed to be explored further, and My BFF was too rushed and didn't fully deliver on any of its ideas as a result.
That's right! We've got 6 tales in total, and below are brief synopses:
The Hourglass Figure:
Failing to meet the demands of her family, a struggling housewife discovers a helpful trinket in her attic, but it must be handled with care.
Sleepwalker:
Struggling with the recent loss of her husband, a troubled woman begins experiencing strange phenomena in her sleep.
Prisoner Exchange at Bannon's Lookout:
In a bid to save their daughter, an exchange is made between man and beast. It's hard to say who's saving who. . . And from what.
Exit 7A:
On the way to his family reunion a young man gives an ominous hitchhiker a ride to Exit 7A.
My BFF:
A young and ailing single mom's relationship with her daughter becomes strained when a new doll shows up on their doorstep one night.
The Silent Treatment:
Two teens are enjoying a horror movie marathon until it is interrupted by the intrusion of an unexpected third wheel sporting his own style of entertainment.
