Introduction
The anthology horror film has always been a curious beast. A collection of short stories bundled together under a single, often overarching, theme, it promises a diverse range of scares and creative visions. However, it also inherently carries the risk of unevenness, where some segments shine while others fall flat. In twenty twelve, the original *ABCs of Death* took this concept to its extreme, assigning twenty-six different directors a letter of the alphabet and tasking them with crafting a short film centered around death, related to their assigned letter. The result was a chaotic, often bizarre, and ultimately divisive collection that left many wondering if the potential of the anthology format had been fully realized.
Enter *The ABCs of Death 2*, released in twenty fourteen. Again, the premise remained the same: twenty-six directors, twenty-six letters, twenty-six deaths. But did this sequel learn from the mistakes of its predecessor? Did it elevate the concept or merely offer more of the same? While *The ABCs of Death 2* boasts a larger budget and a more diverse directorial pool, it ultimately fails to deliver a consistently engaging or genuinely frightening experience due to its reliance on shock value over substance and the uneven quality of its segments. The journey through the alphabet of annihilation proves to be a bumpy one, with fleeting moments of brilliance overshadowed by a sea of mediocrity and outright misses.
A Sequel’s Context
The original *ABCs of Death* was a conversation starter, to say the least. Praised for its ambition and sheer audacity, it was equally criticized for its amateurish segments, reliance on gross-out humor, and lack of overall cohesion. Its scattershot approach meant that viewers were bound to find something they enjoyed, but also plenty that left them scratching their heads or reaching for the remote. The sequel, *The ABCs of Death 2*, arrived with the promise of addressing these issues. Producers aimed for higher production values, a more diverse selection of directors from around the globe, and a greater emphasis on narrative and thematic depth. The intention, it seemed, was to refine the formula and deliver a more polished and satisfying experience. In interviews, many of the directors spoke of aiming to deliver stories that were more than mere gorefests, aiming for a psychological impact or a disturbing narrative that lingered long after the credits rolled.
Diving into the Depths of Death: Key Segments Analyzed
Let’s delve into some specific segments of *The ABCs of Death 2* to illustrate the film’s highs and lows.
W is for Wish
Directed by Steven Kostanski, this segment features a boy tormented by bullies who finds a mysterious amulet granting him wishes. The segment stands out thanks to its impressive practical effects, reminiscent of classic eighties horror flicks. The creature design is genuinely unsettling, and the gore is both plentiful and creatively executed. “W is for Wish” works because it blends classic horror tropes with a dark, fairytale-like narrative. It’s not just about the blood and guts; it’s about the consequences of unchecked desires and the corrupting influence of power.
H is for Head Games
Moving on, we have “H is for Head Games,” helmed by Rodney Ascher. This segment deviates significantly from the more straightforward horror fare, offering instead a surreal and disorienting experience. It presents a series of increasingly bizarre and disturbing images, seemingly culled from the darkest corners of the internet. The segment is undeniably unsettling, and Ascher’s experimental approach is commendable. It attempts to tap into the anxieties of the digital age, where the line between reality and illusion is increasingly blurred. However, “H is for Head Games” also suffers from a lack of narrative coherence. It’s more of a visual collage than a story, and its impact ultimately depends on the viewer’s tolerance for the avant-garde. Some may find it thought-provoking; others may simply find it confusing and pointless.
P is for P-P-P-PUPPY!
Finally, let’s examine “P is for P-P-P-PUPPY!,” directed by Todd Rohal. This segment is perhaps the most controversial of the entire anthology. It depicts a group of children playing a disturbing game involving the torture and killing of animals. The segment is undeniably shocking and disturbing, and it’s likely to be offensive to many viewers. While Rohal has stated that the segment is intended as a satire of violence and desensitization, its execution is undeniably problematic. The line between satire and exploitation is often blurred, and in this case, the segment leans heavily towards the latter. While it may provoke a strong reaction, it’s difficult to argue that “P is for P-P-P-PUPPY!” offers any meaningful insight or artistic merit.
Strengths and Weaknesses as a Whole
*The ABCs of Death 2* certainly brings a diverse range of directorial talent to the table, with filmmakers hailing from across the globe and representing various horror subgenres. This eclecticism is both a strength and a weakness. On the one hand, it ensures that there’s something for everyone. On the other hand, it contributes to the film’s overall lack of cohesion. There’s no unifying vision or thematic thread connecting the segments, making it feel more like a random assortment of shorts than a cohesive anthology.
Furthermore, the film undeniably pushes boundaries in terms of gore, violence, and shock value. Some segments feature impressive practical effects and genuinely unsettling imagery. However, the reliance on shock value often feels gratuitous and ultimately detracts from the overall impact. Many segments seem to prioritize shocking the audience over telling a compelling story or exploring meaningful themes. This emphasis on sensationalism ultimately undermines the film’s potential for genuine horror.
The high production values are a step up from the original, and some of the segments are visually striking and well-crafted. However, the quality is still inconsistent. Some segments suffer from poor acting, weak writing, or simply a lack of originality. This unevenness is inherent in the anthology format, but it’s particularly pronounced in *The ABCs of Death 2*. Ultimately, the film is a mixed bag, with moments of brilliance interspersed with stretches of mediocrity.
Exploring Potential Themes
While not explicitly stated, certain themes do emerge across multiple segments of *The ABCs of Death 2*. The exploration of death and mortality is, of course, central to the entire premise. Many segments grapple with the fear of death, the inevitability of decay, and the meaninglessness of existence.
Human cruelty and depravity are also recurring motifs. Several segments depict acts of violence, torture, and exploitation, highlighting the darker aspects of human nature. Some segments even offer a form of social commentary, albeit often heavy-handed. These segments may critique violence in the media, societal anxieties, or the dehumanizing effects of technology. However, these thematic explorations are often superficial and underdeveloped, serving more as window dressing than as genuine attempts at deeper meaning.
Concluding Thoughts on The ABCs of Death 2
Returning to the initial question: Is *The ABCs of Death 2* a bloody good anthology, or not? The answer, unfortunately, is a qualified “not.” While it attempts to improve upon the original in terms of production values and directorial diversity, it ultimately falls short of delivering a consistently engaging or genuinely frightening experience. The reliance on shock value, the uneven quality of the segments, and the lack of thematic unity detract from its overall impact.
Within the horror anthology genre, *The ABCs of Death 2* occupies a strange space. It’s more ambitious and visually polished than many low-budget anthologies, but it lacks the narrative sophistication and thematic resonance of the best examples of the form. It’s a film that’s likely to appeal to hardcore gorehounds and fans of extreme horror, but it may leave more discerning viewers feeling disappointed.
Ultimately, *The ABCs of Death 2* is a film that’s best approached with low expectations. It’s a chaotic and uneven ride, but it offers fleeting moments of brilliance and a fascinating glimpse into the diverse sensibilities of contemporary horror filmmakers. If you’re prepared to wade through the muck to find the gems, you may find something to enjoy. But if you’re looking for a consistently satisfying and thought-provoking horror experience, you’re better off looking elsewhere. Expect extreme gore, boundary-pushing visuals, and a healthy dose of the bizarre. Whether that equates to a “bloody good time” is entirely up to you.
