J. Daughter presents: Scary Stories

This is one of a collection of anthologies I dub the "Presents Anthology Series" that are comprised of the winners of different indie horror film festivals.

"Indie" doesn't necessarily mean bad; and a low budget doesn't necessarily mean a poor production value. This anthology presents us with some of the best indie tales, crafted by some of the most competent up-and-comers from the indie horror industry. Whether they made it to the big leagues or not, nearly every entry is top notch.

As always, it is a mixed bag when it comes to the potency of the different vignettes, but, on the whole, I'd say J Daughter is the weakest entry in the Presents Anthology Series. This anthology starts with a considerably weak note with "Silent Frame," which sports flimsy and tired source material. Afterward, each following entry improves over the previous one. "August in Remission" is a notable entry that forgoes outlandish horror tropes in favor of a much more corporeal and lucid story about the all-too-real sensations that drive our everyday lives, for better or worse.

However, the worst is saved for last. Mwah ha ha ha ha!

We are treated to 6 tales.

Below are brief Plot Summaries:

Silent Frame: Upon moving into her new home, a young woman is terrorized by a malevolent entity. 5/10

Wreckvlogs: Three film students are invited to participate in an underground film festival with some strikingly heinous rules. 6/10.

Shadows: Having just received a large inheritance, an ailing artist is treated to a relaxing staycation in an extravagant low-rise by her conceited husband. 7/10

The Stuck Ones: A father and daughter discover a bizarre venue to host the finale of their long-awaited reunion. 7/10

August in Remission: A man narrowly escapes manifesting a terrible alternate reality. 8/10

The Dog Barks: This segmented tale showcases the depravity of man. 3/10.