Rating of
2.5/4
Shaking Up the Horror Anthology
Unknown - wrote on 05/24/16
‘Southbound’ adds something new to the ‘horror anthology’ format in it’s storytelling. The segments are presented as one (loose) continuity, in which the ending of one occurrence leads directly into the next. It’s as if each filmmaker is visually handing the baton over to the next between segments, as to have no break in the sequence of events. The tweaked format works to quicken the pace and tighten up what can make most ‘anthology’ films seem fragmented. The only drawback is that there never felt a clear finality to any one story - or the whole film for that matter. Each of the stories offers an interesting riff on horror tropes that we’ve seen before, but does them all with a slight surreal edge. This works to make even the lesser stories feel involving. I liked all of them to varying degrees, with the standout being the middle piece, ‘The Accident’. It got the most significant reaction from me. The other four were not as strong by comparison, but each did offer something of entertaining value. If you’re a fan of horror, you will definitely find something to enjoy here. Neat little experiment.
