Aliens and Cams: A New Twist in the Found-Footage Series

The "V/H/S" franchise is back with a sci-fi twist, but does it deliver? This seventh installment, "V/H/S/Beyond, " hits Shudder on Oct. 4. While it's a draw for horror fans, the new thematic twist doesn't quite hit the mark. The five segments feel familiar and forgettable, with only a few standouts. The wraparound story by Jay Cheel mixes real-life UFO enthusiasts and a fictional alien encounter. The first three segments are action-packed but blend together, with "Stork, " "Dream Girl, " and "Live and Let Dive" offering quick escalations to chaos."Fur Babies" tries comedy but falls flat. The highlight is "Stowaway, " directed by Kate Siegel and written by her spouse Mike Flanagan. It offers character depth but ends on a frustrating note. Overall, the found-footage format grows repetitive, and the film relies too heavily on gory action. Future installments could benefit from more inventive writing.