The Mortuary Collection (2019) is a stylish and inventive horror anthology that breathes new life into the portmanteau format. Set in the eerie Raven's End mortuary, the film follows a young woman named Sam who applies for a job under the watchful eye of the enigmatic mortician, Montgomery Dark. As part of her interview, Dark regales her with four distinct tales of terror, each exploring themes of consequence, morality, and the supernatural with a darkly comic twist. The stories range from a cautionary fable about a pickpocket in a haunted bathroom to a more sinister narrative involving a caregiver with ulterior motives, all framed by the increasingly tense dynamic between Sam and her prospective employer.

Writer-director Ryan Spindell demonstrates a clear affection for classic horror anthologies like Creepshow and Tales from the Crypt, infusing The Mortuary Collection with a rich, gothic atmosphere and practical effects that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Clancy Brown delivers a wonderfully theatrical performance as Montgomery Dark, anchoring the film with gravitas and a twinkle of menace. The segment actors, including Barak Hardley and Caitlin Custer, commit fully to the film's tone, which seamlessly blends horror with dark fantasy and grim humor.

Viewers should watch The Mortuary Collection for its clever storytelling, impressive visual style, and the sheer joy it takes in the macabre. It's a film that understands the appeal of a well-told scary story and executes its visions with confidence and flair. The framing narrative builds to a satisfying and clever conclusion that ties the anthology together thematically, making it more than just a collection of disconnected shorts. For fans of imaginative horror that prioritizes atmosphere and narrative over mere jump scares, this is a hidden gem worth discovering online.