Released in 2015, “Southbound” is a horror anthology film that leaves you not only scared but also intrigued. Each of the stories are separate, but end up weaving together perfectly to create a coherent narrative. It does something unique and lets the audience discover it.
Each of the five stories in “Southbound” have their own directors, allowing for a variety in storytelling. “The Way Out,” directed by Radio Silence, follows two men fleeing from floating monsters. “Siren,” directed by Roxanne Benjamin, features a musical band who gets stranded in the desert. “The Accident,” directed by David Bruckner presents a man who runs over someone. “Jailbreak,” directed by Patrick Horvath, follows a man looking for his lost sister. And finally, “The Way In,” directed by Radio Silence, shows a family going on vacation. All of the stories are brilliant but if I had to pick one, “The Accident” is probably my favorite.
The film not only connects the stories narratively but also thematically. They are always heading south for the most part and they never listen to the DJ on the radio. By then end more questions appear then answered, and you are left wanting more of the world shown in the film. About how this world works and the different anomalies we are shown. But I think the brilliance of the film is that these aren’t explained. The mystery isn’t ruined, and we are left to dwell on the unexplainable.
The acting is mostly great, and you can feel the fear the characters are supposed to have. Mather Zickel, who plays Lucas in “The Accident,” does an especially good job. Other actors feel kind of amateurish and some of the characters act more candid than they should.
The editing is worthwhile, and the score absolutely engrosses you into the world. While each story has its own theme, I believe the overarching themes of the films are being trapped and feelings of guilt. And that choice forces them into an unwinnable horrid situation in which they cannot come out as the person they once were. And guilt for past actions that will come to haunt the main characters forever. That if they hadn’t done that one thing, they wouldn’t be in their current situation. The ending of the film reveals deeper things about all the stories and is the most important part.
The fact that I had only heard about this film last week is a crime. It is easily one of the better horror movies released in the 2010s. The film is highly underrated, and I suggest any fan of horror movies watch it.
Overall, “Southbound” stands out as unique compared to most horror movies of the last decade. In a sea of uninspired slop, it shines among the rest. It doesn’t hold your hand, and it doesn’t overexplain itself. In the end I would give “Southbound” a 9.2 out of 10.