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[Review] Final Transmissions (2026): Found Footage Anthology Presents Analog Terror Tales (GenreBlast X)

Joseph Perry

Official synopsis

Final Transmissions is an upcoming six-episode analog horror anthology series that features six short, found-footage films, set to be created using analog technology and VHS tapes to evoke a ’90s television aesthetic. 

Review

Three episodes and a wraparound story of the found footage series Final Transmissions was presented as a portmanteau feature film at GenreBlast. The anthology series from husband-and-wife cocreators Steven Hugh Nelson and Erica Nelson automatically garners approval from me as the episodes were all shot on camcorders including Sony Hi8 and the PXL2000. Give me traditional technology over AI generative slop any day!

Wraparound “The Broadcast,” written/directed/edited by Steven Hugh Nelson, finds down-on-his-luck TV host Richard Slate (Brian Villalobos) attempting a comeback with the help of wife and show producer Mary (Akasha Villalobos). He presents analog “true stories” that he obtained from a mysterious source.

“Doctor Midnight,” written/directed/edited/sound design by and starring Steven Hugh Nelson, kicks things off. He portrays a man intent on performing a ritual that will manifest the titular character. If this wasn’t actually filmed inside an actual abandoned building, then huge compliments to those who worked on the set design! Either way, the segment boasts truly eerie atmosphere throughout. Nelson does a fine job as the daring if not exactly wise protagonist. One small quibble I had was that the character wanted to see the ritual through but more than once shouted for Dr. Midnight to get away during the process, even though he wanted to summon the entity. Overall, though, “Doctor Midnight” is a solid effort that brings on the goosebumps.

“You Were Never Alone” from codirectors Sophia Cacciola and Michael J. Epstein —  Epstein also wrote and edited, and did sound design — concerns astronaut Mikey Adams (Fayna Sanchez), who encounters increasingly strange sounds during a space mission. Sanchez does engaging work as the only onscreen character and is aided by a sizable support cast of terrific voice talent. Cacciola and Epstein build the tension and terror in a fantastic manner, and Sanchez portrays the urgency of the proceedings wonderfully.

Writer/director/editor Alex Hera crafts “Bethel Hill,” which involves hunters Vivienne (Cassidy Terracciano) and Silas (Andrew Dobbie), two members of the titular religious village. Vivienne has seen some anomalies in the night sky and skeptical Silas accompanies her during an attempt to film the mysterious occurrences. Both know that this can get them in hot water with the higher-ups in the group. They encounter a young woman named Imogen (Athy Northern), who claims to be an angel. Hera blends science fiction, religious horror, and outright horror in remarkable fashion with “Bethel Hill,” which also boasts gripping performances from Terracciano and Dobbie, and  Northern delivering the truly chilling goods in a mostly voice-acting role and also with her onscreen time.

This feature-length edition of Final Transmissions is a winning independent anthology feature that showcases the work of many gifted individuals. I’m greatly looking forward to the next three episodes of the first season, and I’m sure that with the talent on both sides of the camera on display here, many more seasons are sure to follow.

Final Transmissions screened as part of GenreBlast X, which ran September 3–6 in Winchester, Virginia. For more information, visit https://www.genreblast.com/.