How are recent advancements in VFX enhancing storytelling in film and TV?

In mainstream film and television, visual effects often seem to add little value overall.

However, in independent cinema, the growing accessibility of VFX has led to a noticeable shift. Even lower-budget films can significantly enhance their production value when the creators have a strong understanding of how visual effects work and a clear creative vision to guide their use.

I don't think that they are. Storytelling is a skill. Every professional designer has to keep an eye on the development of new tools and adapt new workflows, because technology helps visualizing concepts faster and easier every year, but it will not make anybody a good director.