Tales of the Uncanny

Tales of the Uncanny, released in 2020, is a unique documentary-style anthology film helmed by internationally recognised directors Ashim Ahluwalia, Chris Alexander, and Joko Anwar. This film is an intriguing exploration of the horror genre, with an emphasis on anthological storytelling, and an unorthodox approach that enthralls and captivates its viewers. Not explicitly your average horror movie, it is instead an ode to anthologies, a noteworthy and often overlooked sub-category of the horror genre.

Tales of the Uncanny begins as a documentary celebrating the anthology genre of filmmaking, taking a deep dive into the history and craftsmanship of short storytelling within a larger framework of a film. It features interviews with a host of filmmakers, writers, historians, and programmers from around the world, each offering their unique perspectives and experiences. From the seminal film Eerie Tales (1919) to modern classics, the film dissects the nuances that make anthological narratives so appealing.

Ashim Ahluwalia, Chris Alexander, and Joko Anwar thoroughly grasp the conceptual narrative style that sets anthology filmmaking apart. Their perspectives help enrich the discourses around horror storytelling, illuminating the ways in which creative minds have navigated the exciting landscape of anthological horror over the years. The movie allows audiences to understand that despite its underrated status, the segment is fundamental to the evolution and sustenance of horror as a genre.

In Tales of the Uncanny, we witness much more than interviews, as the film also delivers us with two realised anthology stories, making it a film within a film; an anthology about anthologies. Fed into the mix of long-existing anthologies, these two new stories pay homage to the eclectic style of terrifying narratives, replicating that sense of connection and disconnection between each short tale that is characteristic to the anthology sub-genre.

The first story is "Attack of the Herbals", directed by Chris Alexander, known dimensionally for blending horror, science fiction, and the surreal. This short episodic tale walks the line between traditional narrative structures and abstract storytelling, creating an enduringly chilling and bizarre atmosphere that harks back to vintage horror aesthetics, whilst remaining unique, fresh and innovative.

The second story, "Subject 89P13", is directed by Joko Anwar and ventures into the realm of psychological horror with elements of suspense and mystery that keeps the viewers on their toes. As a seasoned director, Anwar expertly crafts an undercurrent of apprehension that lurks beneath the drama, suspending viewers in a state of terror until the very end.

While the main body of the documentary draws on a wealth of archival film footage, rare photographs, and ephemera, Tales of the Uncanny also employs more traditional documentary methods. Interviews with an array of figures from the industry bring insightful commentaries on anthology horror. Filmmakers, critics, and horror fans alike share their favourite anthologies, citing reasons that span historical, cultural, aesthetic, and personal relevance.

Tales of the Uncanny invites us to reevaluate our understanding and appreciation for anthology horror, inspiring viewers to revisit beloved classics and discover overlooked gems. At the same time, it's an homage to the art of short, scary storytelling and the ability of filmmakers to push boundaries within that format. It is the strange love letter to a sub-genre of horror that many tend to overlook. Combining academia, cinema, and a pure affection for horror, this film makes a genuine claim that anthology horror is a unique and essential part of film history.

In conclusion, Tales of the Uncanny is a thorough dissection of a beloved cinematic underdog that effortlessly blends critique, survey, and celebration. From the perspectives of distinguished filmmakers to featuring their own captivating mini stories, it proves itself as a robust examination of anthological horror. This film should be appreciated not only by ardent horror addicts but anyone fascinated by the evolution and diversity of cinematic storytelling. Certainly, it pays homage to the history of anthology horror, showing that there is nothing quite like a spooky tale well-told, proving that solidified narratives aren't the only players in the grand scheme of film but rather that collections of narratives can deliver equally in chilling experiences.