"Dreamkill" from Black Phone Spinoff V/H/S/85
Unbelievably, a spinoff short film called "Dreamkill," included in the anthology horror film "V/h/s/85," surfaced in the "Black Phone" universe in 2023. The brief, directed and co-written by Scott Derrickson, who helmed the original "Black Phone," offers a terrifying look into the psychic legacy of Finney Shaw and Gwen Shaw, the heroes of the original film, so preparing the events of the 2021 hit.
"Dreamkill": a closer look at the Black Phone World
Although "The Black Phone" drew on Joe Hill's short story of the same name, "Dreamkill" broadens the universe of the film by including the family background of Finney and Gwen. The short film centers on a police investigator looking at a series of murders only to find that Gunther, a teen, is seeing these murders in his dreams. Bobby, Gunther's father, tells Finney and Gwen that his family has a history of psychic ability, which links them. Bobby hints at the shared lineage with the Shaw siblings by mentioning his sister, who killed herself over overwhelming visions, and his nephew who tried to use his visions to save his kidnapped brother.
Found footage horror: a technique for narrative
The "V/H/S" series has regularly produced gripping horror tales using the found-footage technique. Combining this approach with Derrickson's signature visual style sets "Dreamkill" apart from other franchise entries. Filmed with an era-appropriate camera, the Super 8 footage of the murders, reminiscent of Derrickson's work in "Sinister," and the single-take dream sequence including Bobby's outburst at the police station produce a singular and elegant experience. Though it stays true to the franchise's ethos, this innovative approach to the found-footage technique highlights Derrickson's artistic vision and raises the segment above many other releases.
The "Dreamkill" Connection: Growing the Black Phone Universe
Including "Dreamkill" in "V/H/S/85" is important since it offers the "V/H/S" series a fresh avenue. Although earlier entries have mostly concentrated on stand-alone segments, "Dreamkill" is a direct spinoff of a past movie that deftly expands upon its story. The subtle but powerful link to "The Black Phone" lets those who have seen the original movie value the extra depth while still being reachable for those who haven't. This deft narrative technique emphasizes the possibilities of the "V/H/S" series as a forum for creating linked stories inside the horror genre.
"V/H/S/85": a variegated horror anthology
Comprising five horror pieces, "V/H/S/85" itself exhibits a variety of subgenre and technique. Set in the 1980s, Scott Derrickson's main narrative ties the movie together. The segments center on a group of gullible people viewing five enigmatic tapes connected to an old Aztec cult. Deeper into the tapes' contents, they discover they are getting more and more caught in the horrible universe of the cult.
"Dreamkill": a noteworthy segment
Apart from its link to "The Black Phone," "Dreamkill" stands out for its narrative and graphic approach. While some parts in "V/H/S/85" mostly rely on the conventional found-footage technique, "Dreamkill" offers viewers an original aesthetic and narrative depth. Offering a thrilling and terrifying addition to the "Black Phone" universe, the short film is evidence of the creative possibilities of the "V/H/S" franchise and the skill of Scott Derrickson.
