One thing about “Horror Stories” that brings it down from the get go is its lack of ambiguity. Often times this anthology over explains the stories, and can never seem to have confidence in its own plot elements. That said, while “Horror Stories” surely won’t be confused with the brilliant “Three… Extremes,” it’s definitely a solid and often times very scary horror anthology with four really entertaining stories that will keep audiences watching, even when they falter and stumble.
A serial killer has kidnapped a young girl, and is keeping her in his basement. He’s intent on murdering her, but the girl is willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive. The killer is in no rush though, and is exhausted from the kidnapping. He asks the girl to tell him a scary story, which when he blood boils, puts him to sleep. She then opts for the challenge hoping to seize the opportunity to escape. What I love about “Horror Stories” is that the six directors applied to the four stories really offer some atmospheric and incredibly unique scares, all of which are based on build-up and massive explosions. There’s a heavy emphasis on people being bound, peep holes, and doors, all of which are implemented as a means of signifying terror, while also acting as a parallel to our narrator’s dilemma where she hopes to escape.
In effect, she tells four stories of people attempting to escape. Story one is a very creepy tale of two kids living in a high security condo on a snowy night. With their mother on the way home, they’re left to their devices and are warned not to let anyone in. When big sister Moon realizes the front door’s lock was left open, things go from bad to worse. The first story is accelerated by its tension and use of darkness in much of its setting. We can never be sure if we’re seeing shadows, or just our imaginations, most times. While the finale is convoluted and much too melodramatic, the segment is a very good opener. Story two is rather good based on a jet that has to ship a vicious serial killer across the country. The basic premise is just a slasher mixed with a cat and mouse thriller, as the killer breaks free and begins wreaking bloody havoc on the few crew members aboard.
He also delights in stalking the surviving stewardess who fights for her life. While the premise isn’t amazing, the way the killer enjoys his murders is amusing, especially his usage of a rolled up newspaper as a weapon. The third story is a twist on the Cinderella tale, where a beautiful sister being courted by a young surgeon. Her younger sister is a homely and jealous rival who garners surgery and makes a play for her husband to be. She and her mother begin scheming to win him over, as the older sister is left confined and forced to watch him marry her. The doctor is a man who loves to court young women, and has a particular taste for brides. The less said the better. Segment four is easily my favorite, as it involves a bona fide zombie apocalypse.
When a traveling ambulance speeds off to drive to a safe haven, a mother and her wounded daughter beg for help. Taking them on board, the daughter lies comatose and, like the mysterious infection spreading across victims, paranoia washes over the crew in the ambulance, as the mother desperately attempts to convince the doctors her daughter is wounded and not bitten. What ensues is a fast paced and horrifying trip through a wasteland, as the doctor and nurse battle over the fate of the wounded girl, offering plenty of blood shed, horrific chase scenes, and a killer ending. While imperfect, it’s nice to see a very good horror anthology that doesn’t just aim for scares and tension, but delivers four stories that stand alone as genuine glimpses in to madness. “Horror Stories” is high in production quality, and scares, and I had a very good time with this installment.