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V/H/S/Beyond

V/H/S/Beyond

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

2024

Director

Jordan Downey, Justin Martinez, Kate Siegel, Virat Pal, Christian Long, Justin Long, Jay Cheel

Runtime

114 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

V/H/S/Beyond operates as a visceral genre exercise that prioritizes shock value over narrative complexity or social commentary. The anthology structure relies on established clichés, such as the victimization of women and the dominance of male aggressors, without challenging traditional power dynamics. This approach results in a landscape where progressive representation is largely absent, and conservative values regarding gender and race remain unchallenged. The creative team, including directors like Kate Siegel, has not demonstrated a multi-layered approach in this installment. The narrative structure reinforces traditional hierarchies, with women defined by suffering and men by violence or survival. The lack of diverse casting and the absence of meaningful cultural critique result in a low overall diversity score, reflecting a missed opportunity for deeper thematic resonance. While the film avoids explicit derogatory stereotypes, its homogeneous portrayal of the human experience fails to engage with contemporary progressive values. The alien invasion plot serves as a backdrop for horror mechanics rather than a metaphor for social issues. Consequently, the work offers no meaningful critique of systemic oppression, adhering strictly to the exclusionary standards of the subgenre.

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Category Breakdown

Does V/H/S/Beyond have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film presents a strictly heterosexual landscape with no LGBTQ+ characters or subtext. There are no same-sex relationships or non-cisgender identities, reflecting a complete exclusion of queer narratives within the horror anthology format.

How does V/H/S/Beyond portray gender?

Limited

Women are predominantly portrayed as victims of violence, reinforcing traditional patriarchal hierarchies. Male characters often hold leadership roles, while women's ability to drive the story is minimal, relying on the 'final girl' cliché and feminine vulnerability for horror effect.

How racially and ethnically diverse is V/H/S/Beyond?

Fair

The cast is predominantly white, defaulting to traditional horror norms without meaningful non-white representation. The narrative lacks characters of color with ability to act, failing to challenge the assumption of whiteness as the standard human experience.

How does V/H/S/Beyond represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film maintains a neutral, secular worldview that avoids progressive cultural critique. It does not challenge Western institutions or explore themes of colonialism, offering no social commentary on power dynamics or systemic oppression.

Does V/H/S/Beyond include disability representation?

Limited

All characters are able-bodied, with no visible or invisible disability representation. The film ignores themes of neurodivergence or chronic illness, maintaining a status quo where disability remains entirely invisible and unengaged.

Present on Screen

  • The found-footage aesthetic effectively creates immediate tension and immersion for the viewer.
  • The anthology format allows for varied horror styles, keeping the pacing dynamic and unpredictable.
  • Practical effects and gore are executed with high production value, satisfying genre enthusiasts.

Limited or Absent

  • The film lacks diverse casting, relying heavily on white protagonists and traditional horror clichés.
  • Female characters are largely passive victims, missing opportunities for ability to act or subversion of gender norms.
  • The narrative avoids social commentary, failing to engage with themes of race, culture, or systemic oppression.

Official Synopsis

The infinite playground of forbidden worlds and dangerous lifeforms offered by the sci-fi horror genre will lead to the biggest, maddest, bloodiest V/H/S ever.

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