From Shudder comes 6 all new short films that make up V/H/S Beyond. Directors Kate Siegel, Justin Martinez, Jay Cheel, Justin Long, Christian Long, Jordan Downey, and Virat Pal have compiled 6 very different yet effectively terrifying tales that make V/H/S Beyond a worthy addition to the franchise. See my instant reaction below.

SYNOPSIS: Six bloodcurdling tapes unleash horror in a sci-fi-inspired hellscape, pushing the boundaries of fear and suspense. From Directors Kate Siegel, Justin Martinez, Jay Cheel, Justin Long, Christian Long, Jordan Downey, and Virat Pal.

Better Man is based on the true story of international pop sensation, Robbie Williams. Unlike every biopic you’ve witnessed there is one major factor which sets this film apart. Robbie Williams is played by a CGI ape. He sings, he dances, he is very much Robbie Williams except for the fact that he is an ape. Visionary director Michael Gracey went with the bold decision after asking Robbie how he sees himself. In that conversation Michael instantly knew the decision to have Robbie appear as an ape would transcend the project and have audiences understand him in a true and intimate way. See my out of theater reaction to seeing Better Man, which hits theaters in January.

SYNOPSIS: Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-braking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.

Director Robert Eggers is known for his meticulous style in classical horror films like The Witch and The Northman, both features receiving high praises. In Nosferatu, its obvious Eggers spent a good amount of time in the quality of the cinematic sceneries but fell short on the screenplay.

The first few minutes grabbed my attention but dimmed quickly like the darkness throughout the film. Nosferatu is a slow, sluggish burn drama, horror about Count Dracula – Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård) and the young lonesome, depressed Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp) that falls into the desires of the Count. The majority of the story revolves around Ellen’s husband Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult) desperately trying to save her and the town from Count Orlok’s macabre intentions. Thomas is joined by Friedrich Harding (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and the eccentric Prof. Albin Eberhart von Franz (Willem Dafoe). The storyline gets lost in the extensive scenes of the immense gothic castle and stone tombs. Ultimately, the conclusion was exciting but not worth the wait.

Lily-Rose Depp had a bland performance. I did not find her Exorcist like convulsions one bit thrilling, much less the crotch shots. Lily-Rose did not present the aspects of purity and innocence the way Dracula likes them. She is definitely no Mina Harker.

The other performances from Nicholas Hoult and Aaron Taylor-Johnson were typical. Hoult was better as Renfield and Taylor-Johnson was better as Kraven. Willem Dafoe could have toned down the comedic sarcasm and added some Green Goblin madness.

Last, but not least, Bill Skarsgård earns my praise. He was fang-tastic! He rarely disappoints, especially when it comes to horror characters. He brought the chill factor with the dark creepy voice and haunting looks. I wanted to see more Skarsgård. If more quality time was put into Count Orlok, Nosferatu would not have ended up leaving me coals in my stocking this Christmas.