The Mortuary - Jeder Tod hat eine Geschichte

'The Mortuary Collection (2019)' is, essentially, an anthology of short horror films that each focus on a different sort of 'poetic justice'. Though, at times, it can often feel like the framing story exists only to house these disconnected experiences, it ultimately ties itself into at least one of the shorts in a satisfying and unexpected way. The thing is often a little clunky, don't get me wrong, but it tells a complete narrative when viewed as a whole. The four shorts generally improve as the piece progresses, with the first being the simplest (and, by extension, worst) and the last being the most ambitious. The final short is far and away the best thing about the entire affair, so it's a bit of a shame that I can't give this film full credit for it. That's because it is comprised entirely, I believe, of one of director Ryan Spindell's previous outings. Still, it's undeniable that the story is suspenseful, subversive and surprising; its twist is genuinely unexpected and proves that the filmmakers are keenly aware of audience expectation. It also ties into the framing narrative very closely, making the final third of the movie its most cohesive and successful. Although the actual ending may be a little silly, it's generally entertaining in a pulpy sort of way and unveils yet another layer to the overall experience. For a while, the flick is a bit too slow-moving for its own good. It also seems to lack a distinct drive for quite some time. The first two short stories aren't all that great, to be honest. I mean, they're fine for what they are but they don't exactly inspire the imagination. The third is much better and, as I've mentioned, the fourth is straight-up fantastic (though not technically created for this). The whole thing has an almost tongue-in-cheek vibe, too, which helps smooth over its rough edges. Even though it gets properly dark and features some fairly full-on gore, it's generally fun horror as opposed to terrifying horror. That's okay, though; not every horror film has to scare you to the bone. In the end, this is an uneven yet enjoyable anthology that knows what it is and seems to relish it. 6/10.

The stories in this collection are quite good and enjoyable. The atmosphere created adds the charm. It's really enjoyable horror anthology. And the way it is ended is nice finish.A good treat for horror fans.

A creepy ol mortician manages a very strange mortuary all alone until a young woman shows interest in working in the mortuary for the mortician. The mortician tells the young apprentice a series of stories about those that have died in the town.

The first seg is set in the 50s n the location is the restroom with enuff suspense, tension n mayhem.

The second seg is set in the 60s n showcases the horrors of not wearing a condom. It is funny, gross n has a big wtf end.

The third seg is set in the 70s n is about a depressed and devoted husbad taking care of his comatose wife. It is surrealistic, gory n has two very lol scenes, elevator hand scene n the doc cutting off the phone.

The fourth seg is about a psycho on the loose targeting babysitters n kids. It is a bit heavy cos of child at peril stuff, very violent n has a good twist.

The wrap-around story is predictable though.

I agree with those rather negative reviews that The Mortuary Collection is nothing special or unique - but, and this is a great but, everything we get served is well produced and good looking (nice settings, costume designs etc.). The actors (Clancy Brown and Caitlin Custer!) do very well, and some fine gory special effects spice things up. The twist in the end is also a nice one. Anyway, if you like all those oldskool Hammer Films anthologies (Vincent Price, Peter Cushing etc.) or shows like Tales From the Crypt, this one is just waiting for you.

Ok in an effort to keep this short as possible I had a longer review pointing out that this film has pretty much been done before. I mean c'mon how many set-ups can you use for an anthology horror movie before you need to rehash older themes. How many times has the funeral director/ crypt-keeper/ grave-digger/ pathologist/ mad-scientist ect. telling horror stories thing been done? Countless, right?

But, one thing those others didn't necessarily have was.... Clancy Brown, if the name doesn't ring a bell think of the hardest screw in Shawshank. Yeah, that Clancy Brown. And he is fantastic as a very low-key yet perfectly gnarly old funeral director.

So, does having one of the arguably finest character actors of our time (maybe even all time) save this movie from the horror movie scrap-heap? No it does not. In fact, it didn't need saving, yeah Clancy Brown is as always great in this but, he's just the cherry on top of this pretty damn good little collection of horror stories. Admittedly there's nothing particularly new here but.... So flipping what!! Its a fun horror movie. There's some twists, jumps, laughs and more than enough blood and gore to satisfy even the more jaded horror fans out there.

Looking for new blood to add to this years creepy crawly movie binge? The Mortuary Collection is one of the better new offerings for Halloween 2020