When it comes to horror anthology films, many may think of V/H/S or The ABCs of Death, but The Void (2016) is another work that brings together short films from famous festivals. The film consists of 4 segments, each directed by a different director, resulting in varied styles and atmospheres. Our editorial team will take you through what makes The Void good and where it could improve.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The Void is an anthology film presenting 4 horror stories from different worlds. It starts with Dystopia St., about a young woman lost in a dangerous neighborhood, followed by Fairy Knowledge, about a mysterious bookstore. Carrier Crow tells the story of a young man who encounters a strange crow, and ends with A Bird's Nest, about a babysitter on a dark night. Each story is connected by themes of fear and the supernatural, without spoiling the endings.
Acting and Characters
In this film, most actors are newcomers and not well-known, but they perform adequately. Notably, Christine Chen as the babysitter in A Bird's Nest effectively conveys fear and tension. Tanner Burke as Devin Hume has a challenging role, but his performance is not particularly outstanding. However, characters in each segment have limited development due to the short runtime.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
The direction of each segment is clearly distinct. Dystopia St. uses dark, low-light imagery to create an eerie atmosphere, while Fairy Knowledge employs warm, mysterious tones. Carrier Crow has a semi-documentary style, and A Bird's Nest uses static camera techniques to build tension. The musical score enhances the mood, especially in the final segment where silence is used to create fear. However, some scenes may look unrealistic due to budget constraints.
Editorial Analysis
The editorial team views The Void as a daring experiment with diverse ideas, but the lack of a strong connecting theme makes the film feel disjointed. The quality of each segment is uneven, with the best being A Bird's Nest, which has high tension and a surprising ending. Other segments may feel drawn out or lack emotional engagement. This film is suitable for those who enjoy experimental horror and are open to different styles, but not for those seeking perfection or straightforward horror.
Verdict
The Void is a horror anthology with charm in its diversity, but suffers from uneven quality across segments. If you are a fan of experimental horror and enjoy discovering unique films, give The Void a chance. But if you seek a perfectly polished horror film, you may be disappointed.
👍 Pros
- +Variety of styles in one film
- +Some segments create a creepy atmosphere well
- +Concise length, not drawn out
👎 Cons
- −Uneven quality across segments
- −Some stories are forgettable
- −Acting of some cast members is not good enough
Top Cast
FAQ
The Void is an experimental horror film that blends science fiction and fantasy, with each segment having a different approach.
The Void has 4 segments: Dystopia St., Fairy Knowledge, Carrier Crow, and A Bird's Nest.
The Void can be found on some streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video or online rental services.
