United States of Horror is not the horror anthology of yesteryear. In fact, it isn't even a horror anthology at all! . . .if you ask me.
What it IS: sporting 14 original titles from various up and coming talents, this is a compilation of proofs of concepts - and incredibly convincing proofs at that - containing several refreshing, if not partially-baked, renditions of both new and tired ideas alike.
And I think it actually works pretty well. Just don't take it too seriously and you'll have a good time.
The central theme of telling stories based on the copious amounts of folklore originating from all over the United States is ingenious. After all, the exogenous origins of the horror anthology stem from the timeless tradition of telling myths and legends by campfire or candelight, embellished fables with a prudent message at heart: "heed this tale and you may survive."
Doug Bradley (Hellrasier's Pinhead) is our host for this anthology, offering a simple and stylized, yet deeply impersonal frame story.
My top picks were:
California - Vexed:
In a bid to create a compelling and surreal thriller, "Vexed" utilizes splendid practical effects and pointed acting to sell an overall gripping and unnerving story.
Connecticut - The Locket:
Offering a wonderfully delicious and engrossing atmosphere, this vignette employs one of my favorite ploys of the cinematic world: we are given a generally unlikable character for which we aren't quite certain as to whether or not we'd like for her to experience a generous or favorable outcome.
Arizona - Entropic:
Man, this thing is just utterly repulsive in the best way possible. The dark humor is so well-crafted, but is the chaperone to brilliant overtones of pure shock value. Using a rapid-fire approach to the story-telling, we are inundated with crass renditions of some of the best sci-fi scenes and tropes ever to grace the big screen from films such as Dreamcatcher, Alien, Predator, and ABC's of Death's "T is for Toilet." And, somehow, it all comes together to create a tangible storyline.
Washington - Needlework:
If Sweeney Todd is the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, then Martin is the Demon Seamster. . . Of Honnoji Gakuen (Kill la Kill).
My least favorite include:
Utah - Billy: Ungodly Hour:
Demonstrably weak, the acting takes a dip with this tale. The lead role sells the script like a mannequin sells an outfit.
Maine - Dirigo:
With poor pacing, flat characterization, and a mostly threadbare plot, this disorganized mess of a story haphazardly hurls itself at you from so many different directions at mach speeds.
Michigan - Red Abyss:
Do you remember those old dessert Lunchables: chocolate icing, m&ms. . . Bread - the good stuff! Imagine using a fully loaded dessert Lunchable as the top part of a sandwich, and a fully loaded cheese pizza Lunchable as the bottom part of the sandwich. That's kinda what Red Abyss tastes like. Tries to achieve too much - that's my point.
Everything else lands somewhere in the middle.
Below are brief Plot Summaries:
Nevada - Dark Lights:
Awakened from her slumber by some very visually stunning, yet disconcerting dreams, a young woman harboring a sinister urge sets out to splurge on unsuspecting locals.
North Carolina - Don't Drink the Water:
A vagabond trying to hitchhike his way to I-40 finds himself in desperate need of water. He accepts the aid of a beautiful young woman, a decision which proves deadly.
Florida - The Succubus:
After we are treated to a considerably tame softcore porn video, tastefully accompanied by a jazz version of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone," we see a young man waking up to a horrible sight - a succubus has perched itself atop of his petrified body.
California - Vexed:
After a diatribe against the exhausted efforts of horror films to scare their viewers, a young couple begins experiencing some very strange phenomena in their home.
Connecticut - The Locket:
She's conceited; she's self-righteous, and she's the host of her own hit vlog, Cryptids. She's "Char-lit, cryptid extraordinaire." Cryptids' latest episode features our prickly host taking on a challenge issued by her fans to look into the ghost of Mary Hawthorne.
New Hampshire - Teddy Scarebear:
A playful little jaunt through the splendors of dark comedy, this short sports a facetious slasher film that is presented in the style of a movie trailer.
Utah - Billy: Ungodly Hour:
Her home away from home, for a novelist seeking refuge from a troubled relationship and hoping to finish her latest work, there is no better destination than a boarded-up cabin on the outskirts of town.
Maine - Dirigo:
Not long after a strained group of friends arrive at their seaside cabin, a distressed woman comes darting through the trees in their direction. They offer her aid, a decision they quickly come to regret.
Arkansas - Claw Hollow:
While outside playing ball, a young boy spots a peculiar woman standing in his garage.
Michigan - Red Abyss:
As three unfastened siblings discuss some of the finer points of their fathers recent death, including the inheritance, it becomes every man for themselves when a malevolent force descends upon them.
Arizona - Entropic:
This is an awesome claymation piece depicting the age-old tale of "guy goes camping; guy gets abducted by alien; guy becomes pregnant."
Washington - Needlework:
They demand more, and so the seamster plies his trade, weaving with diabolical threads, dresses that women are sure to lose their minds over.
Pennsylvania - Elysia:
Elysia and her partner Molly are vampires, and while time may stand all-too-painfully still for them, the world continues turning, aging, changing. A rift develops between the evergreen couple when Molly's actions begin to prove how dangerous their kind can truly be.
Missouri - Crockpot:
She receives a new crockpot from her mother-in-law, which she perceives as a clever ruse devised by her mother-in-law so she'll have another reason to admonish her during Thanksgiving. Rest assured, she will make the perfect Thanksgiving dish this year.
