No, V/H/S/94 is not a traditional sequel to V/H/S; rather, it functions as both a soft reboot and a prequel to the first three installments in the popular found-footage horror franchise.
Understanding V/H/S/94's Place in the Franchise
Unlike a direct sequel that continues the narrative chronologically, V/H/S/94 is set in 1994. This specific setting positions the film's events before those of the original V/H/S, V/H/S/2, and V/H/S: Viral, making it a prequel to these installments.
As a soft reboot, V/H/S/94 offers a fresh starting point for the series while still acknowledging its established universe and themes. The film itself is structured around four found footage segments, which are cleverly linked together by a fifth overarching frame narrative. This unique anthology format is a hallmark of the V/H/S series. The directorial team for V/H/S/94 includes returning franchise talent such as Simon Barrett and Timo Tjahjanto, who are joined by newcomers Jennifer Reeder, Ryan Prows, and Chloe Okuno, bringing both continuity and fresh perspectives to the series.
Key Terms Explained
To fully grasp the relationship between these films, it's helpful to understand a few common cinematic terms:
- Prequel: A film or story that portrays events that occurred before the events of an existing work, often revealing the origins or background of characters or plot elements.
- Soft Reboot: A film or series that re-energizes an existing franchise by making significant changes to its style, tone, or narrative direction, but without completely discarding previous continuity. It often reintroduces characters or themes in a new way, allowing new viewers to jump in while still appealing to established fans.
V/H/S Franchise Overview
The table below illustrates the narrative placement of V/H/S/94 within the franchise:
| Film Title | Release Year | Narrative Role Regarding V/H/S | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| V/H/S | 2012 | Original | The inaugural film that established the found-footage anthology format and premise. |
| V/H/S/2 | 2013 | Sequel | Continues the series with new, interconnected found-footage segments building on the established themes. |
| V/H/S: Viral | 2014 | Sequel | The third installment, further exploring the viral nature of the mysterious tapes and their disturbing content. |
| V/H/S/94 | 2021 | Prequel & Soft Reboot | Set in 1994, it provides a new entry point and backstory elements for the franchise, functioning as a soft reboot that precedes the events of the first three films while introducing new narratives and directorial voices. |
