Woah! That first story had some stellar effects! I've seen a ton of movies, and I've never seen rendering in that style before.
Anyhow, this anthology is much more than the standard fare. Each vignette has an obviously high production value, demonstrated by excellent camera work accompanied by proper lighting, great acting that is the chaperone to brilliant scripting, and intelligent use of well-designed special effects. Plus, each vignette has a clear direction and actually tells a convincing and/or creative story. It's arguable that some of them are stale and/or obvious, yet the entertainment value is still high, I would argue.
While some may chastise the film for the doll's inanimate mouth, I actually really loved how they took Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas approach to the doll, changing out it's face with different expressions to embellish the doll's emotionality. It added much more character and immersion than a moving mouth would have, in my opinion. However, even with the approach to the doll, the wraparound story is the weak point of the film in terms of both scripting and acting. . . As well as the use of tired tropes. But the ending was refreshing.
Below are brief Plot Summaries:
Wraparound: A woman is held captive in her basement by a sinister doll, the result of some sideways experiments. In order to buy herself some time, she begins telling stories to the doll. The opening and closing of the wraparound tie together in an interesting way at the very end.
First Story: When her son suddenly goes missing in a local art museum, a strong-willed mother, the curator of the museum, and a local guard team up to retrieve him. 10/10
Second Story: Upon waking up from her nap in a local park, a woman must contend with sinister forces. 7/10
Third Story: Awaking inside of a morgue, a man is given a second chance to right some wrongs. 9/10
Fourth Story: A young woman and her partner are haunted by a minacious jinn. 6/10
Fifth Story: Young film makers arrive upon a farm to shoot a documentary about odd experiences the owners have had over the years. 8/10.
