The V/H/S horror anthology series has been a roaring success for the streaming platform, Shudder. Debuting in 2012, the franchise has been a launchpad for many of the genre's finest directors. Filmmakers such as Ti West, David Bruckner, Radio Silence, and Scott Derrickson have all showcased their talents in shorts throughout the years, and delivered a consistent series that keeps audiences coming back for more.

Beyond boasts a new collection of filmmakers looking to put their own spin on the franchise. Katie Siegel, Justin Long, Christian Long, Virat Pal, Jay Cheel, Jordan Downey, and Justin Martinez take the stage this time around.

While following the traditional formula of its predecessors, V/H/S Beyond takes the franchise into exciting new terrain and puts the focus on science fiction elements. The film's overarching story is told from the perspective of a documentary team who examine video cassettes that supposedly contain evidence of alien encounters. Beyond wastes no time in thrusting us right into the action and delivers frenetic carnage throughout.

While an overarching theme is present, each short takes the film into strange, and sometimes disturbing, places. And, as is the case with anthology stories, not all will work to everyone's taste. That said, Beyond does a good job in blending multiple genres together, which should give the majority of viewers at least something to sink their teeth into.

Director Jordan Downey helms the film's first segment and delivers one of the franchise's most intense and bloodcurdling shorts to date. Comparisons to other genre filmmakers could be made, but it's to Downey's credit that he makes the sequence his own. A heart-pounding opening filled with gnarly kills sets the tone for what's to come, making Beyond one of the goriest V/H/S entries to date.

A heavy emphasis on practical effects elevates the gorier scenes, bringing a much welcomed sense of authenticity. Each kill is executed in a brutal, visceral way that will have gore-hounds salivating. Although there are some questionable CGI moments, they are largely relegated in favour of a hands-on approach.

Despite individual preferences to their stories, it is clear to see the talent on display behind the camera, as each new creative does a good job in bringing their vision to life. There is much ambition shown, which pushes the boundaries of film-making on a tighter budget. The inventiveness and execution of certain sequences gives Beyond a different dynamic and keeps the adrenaline flowing.

V/H/S Beyond is an anxiety inducing, science-fiction bloodbath that stands high amongst the franchises better entries. A combination of other worldly occurrences and real life nightmares create a heart-pounding, blood-soaked experience that proves there is much life left in this series.

Blu Ray Bonus Features Include:

Pre-visuals on Live and Let Dive.
Libby Letlow Fur Babies Audition tape.
Do You Want a Selfie? The Making of Dream Girl.
Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery – Live and Let Dive, Dream Girl, Stork, Stowaway.
Behind the Scenes of Stork with IGN.
Stowaway Set Timelapse.

V/H/S Beyond is out now on Blu-ray, DVD and digital