Many of my friends grew up in the horror genre. The generation before us gave way to icons like Chucky, Pinhead, Leatherface, Michael Myers, and Jason Voorhees. Growing up in a fairly conservative Christian household made it challenging to indulge in the subject of fear. However, the moment I turned 18, I proudly made my way up to Blockbuster to change that. I had waited so long to see iconic moments like Michael hiding in the laundry, the infamous Psycho shower scene, and for Ghostface to ask Sidney what her favorite movie was.
I found all the classics I could get my hands on. Some more of the hidden gems would come later. Horror anthologies were well among those treasures. Sure, I had grown up with the concept in Are You Afraid of the Dark? and Goosebumps. However, these projects hit just a little bit differently. Films like Creep Show, V/H/S, and Trick R’ Treat wouldn’t come into my viewing path until I was well established into adulthood and a self-proclaimed cinephile. The truth is horror anthologies have always been a blind spot for me. Even the ones I have seen have always been hit or miss. Some of the segments hit hard, while others feel like a chore in order to get out through.
Enter Final Transmissions—an anthology film that feels akin to Unexplained Mysteries that tackles everything from cults to cursed technology, and did I mention it takes place in the 90s? It’s a found film that circles around unaired episodes of a television series of the same name. The film is the follow-up from The Once and Future Smash filmmakers, Sophia Cacciola and Michael J. Epstein, alongside Steven Hugh Nelson and Alex Hara. The four directors instantly carve themselves alongside some of the greatest horror anthologies of all time. Final Transmissions embodies the very definition of the word: exceptional.
As I previously mentioned, the entire concept of the film revolves around a television series from the 90s that never really aired, and we, as the viewer, are experiencing lost media in real time. The wrap-around story depicts series host Richard Slate, played by Brian Villalobos, in between segments until the crazy finally crescendos into one of the craziest finales I’ve come across this year in any film this year. The film works as well as it does because of the writing throughout the film. Even more than that, Villalobos is the anchor to this film without question. There is an undeniable charm to Villalobos when he is filming the in-universe show, but there is an intoxicating element to him when the cameras aren’t rolling. It’s nothing short of spectacular.
While the film as a whole explores a myriad of stories and themes, it’s “Bethel Hill” that has the strongest elements across the board. From the writing to the insane development of the characters and story—this segment just sends the film off on the highest note possible. That is before we hit the previously mentioned Richard Slate crescendo. The narrative also feels very reminiscent of the time period that the film as a whole is taking place in. With the rise of shows like The X-Files and the previously mentioned Unexplained Mysteries, the decade certainly saw a rise in cults and religious movements that were geared towards something bigger than ourselves.
“Doctor Midnight” is arguably probably the segment I respect the most. The segment is written, directed, and starring Nelson. Nelson crushes it both in front of the camera and behind the camera. While the concept of the segment doesn’t break any new ground, it’s arguably the scariest entry of the four here. Nelson’s story crawled under my skin and drew me to the edge of my seat. Much like “Bethel Hill," it hit on some of those occult feels of the time. There was no bigger question out there than, "Are we alone in the universe?" “You Were Never Alone” dares to answer that exact question. This is probably the one segment throughout the film I just found myself completely neutral on. I didn’t love it but also didn’t hate it. While it’s simple in its concept, I found it to be familiar and a bit predictable.
Overall, Final Transmissions deserves to be on your watchlist. The collaborative brainchild of multiple independent writers and directors serves as not only a great period piece but also one hell of a horror anthology. The film is beautifully anchored by Brian Villalobos. Villalobos is a standout performance that exceptionally borders between the charming and unpredictable. Each segment unearths some true nostalgia alongside some true fear. Final Transmissions signs off to be one of the best horror anthologies of the decade
RORSCHACH RATING:
Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. We do not own nor claim any rights. Final Transmission is property of . We do not own nor claim any rights.
You can now support us on Patreon. Help us get mental health resources into schools and get exclusive content at the same time. Click here to join today!