This is a four part horror anthology that does not have the familiar general over-arcing framework connecting the stories. The lack of this really makes it more of a compilation of four individual, unrelated short films opposed to what we have come to be familiar with as far as horror anthologies go. Some of them being more successful than others, without a connecting aspect It's hard to write a true overall movie review because as stated it's not really a movie...
The first two were shot beautifully. Aesthetically, they were a joy to watch. Intriguing, innovative shots that created two specific, stylized atmospheres. Both of the stories were interesting and entertaining, but they didn't really bring you anywhere. The essence of a good short story is often times hard to capture... finding that balance between keeping it concise yet still engaging and also not so wildly open ended that it feels like a waste of time. The first one was probably my favorite I think, mostly because conceptually I found it very interesting and it had some gnarly body horror. I also quite liked the second one, particularly for some cool monster creating effects and an interesting concept.
I don't like to dwell or harp on the negative but the third one was jarringly unsuccessful after experiencing the first two. The concept was tired and unoriginal and the acting was poor. Not to be too harsh, but I didn't find anything particularly redeemable about it. The fourth one was generally entertaining while also being quite simple. Solid dialogue and acting from the three actors, probably the best of the bunch as far as that goes.
As a whole the only thing connecting these stories, even as a cultivated collection, is the fact that they're horror-based. I thought there was a theme of little to no dialogue as the first three didn't have much, but then the fourth one ruins that notion primarily being centered around constant dialogue.
At the end of the day it was a positive experience but not a special one. I would still recommend, especially for the first two, but I'm not going to be pressuring anyone to put it at the top of their list.
