REVIEW: ‘Love, Death, + Robots’ Volume 4 Shows The Power Of Versatile Storytelling

The acclaimed Netflix original series returns with Love Death and Robots Volume 4. In the newest entry in this anthology series, the creators continue to show versatility and depth as they showcase just how much you can do with a small amount of time to tell a story.

One of the more subtle aspects of this ten-episode season is the excellent arrangement of the episodes. With genres ranging from humor to horror, getting the maximum effect out of the watching experience, especially given how easily the whole season can be binged, requires a proper flow to the entries.

Like a singular narrative, if a comedic episode is placed immediately after a tragedy, it can undercut the feelings created by its preceding story. This never happens, as the production carefully places each entry, crafting a fantastic thematic rhythm to the season.

The individual entries composing Love Death and Robots Volume 4 each deliver their targeted styles with skillful effectiveness and creative flair in equal parts. From the ridiculous to the emotional, each episode brings something special. But while all hit, there are definite standouts.

Love Death and Robots Volume 4 continues to expertly blend style and genre.

The most laughs in this season can be found in the spectacular “Smart Appliances, Stupid Owners.” This 8-minute story, directed by Patrick Osborn, is made up of brief interviews with various smart appliances. From a toothbrush to a dildo, nothing but humorous judgments are dished out by the electronic gizmos as they spill the beans on the humans who use them.

The fantastic dialogue comes to life via a claymation style that is the perfect visual choice to contrast with its subjects. The high-tech appliances telling their stories through the rougher animation style fit in a way special way. The way the art style delivers the expressiveness of the appliances works superbly. The sarcasm in the words comes through in the visual presentation in a way that feels natural for the design choice.  It works wonderfully and lends a layer of humor to the fantastically funny dialogue.

While the least touched on of the genres explored in Love Death and Robots Volume 4 is horror, nothing is held back when it goes for it. In the episode “How Zeke Got Religion” directed by Diego Porral (Scavengers Reign), we follow the crew of a World War II bomber as they strike an occult site as a dark ritual is performed.

The monstrosity that assails the crew and their harrowing struggle to survive is utterly terrifying in its delivery. The completely unnatural way the creature functions is enough to send the senses of those who observe it into a tailspin, and that is before the brutally horrific killing starts.

“Spider Rose” is the unquestionable standout in Volume 4 of the Netflix series.

Again, the animation that brings this episode to life is perfect in choice and implementation. The hand-drawn style captures the vintage feeling of the setting, as the strikingly harsh color choices craft a hellish look and feeling to the aircraft as flames dance around the demonic entity that looks to slaughter the crew.

Standing above all the rest is the singular achievement, “Spider Rose.” Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson (The Sea Beast), it tells a deep space sci-fi story of a woman who lost everything and now lives to enact revenge on those who have wronged her. That is until a business deal sees her paired with an adorable creature that soon changes the focus of her life.

This exploration of grief, trauma, and healing is a phenomenal piece of work. How smoothly it explores Rose’s growth over a scant 15 minutes is a stunning example of how efficient a story can be while still wielding an emotionally powerful conclusion.

The human emotions explored here are brought to life through the most polished, life-like animation Love Death and Robots Volume 4 implements. The sorrow, hate, pain, and warmth that play out over the narrative’s brief time hit with a tremendous punch. This push towards realism instead of stylization helps the piece stand out amongst the season’s entries, as most land sharply at the other end of the design spectrum.

Love Death and Robots Volume 4 takes a lot of swings and manages to land all of them. Despite going in many different directions, the season balances its many genres, animation styles, and moods, allowing for a superbly executed and entertaining journey filled with memorable moments.

Love, Death + Robots: Volume 4 is streaming now on Netflix.

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