PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Shudder’s newest spectacle, V/H/S/85, the latest installment to the V/H/S franchise. If you’ve been reading some of my articles, it’s no secret that I adore this anthology. See my “Ode to Found Footage” article HERE. Now, I’m gonna level with ya – this ain’t your standard post-Blair Witch era of found footage movies. We’re talkin’ about a blast from the past. The year is 1985, a time when Punk Rock was just saying “NO” to Ronald Reagan, the Rubik’s Cube was driving folks crazy, and Beta Videotapes were the hippest thing in town.
At Fantastic Fest 2023, David Bruckner caused a sensation by revealing to the audience that he enticed fellow directors to join the project by saying, “V/H/S [franchise] movies are ‘fuck you’ movies,” a sentiment they all passionately embraced. And I couldn’t agree more.
So, here’s the deal: We’ve got this anthology, and it’s going to take you on a ride into the minds of different horror creators. We have directors like Bruckner (The Ritual), Mike P. Nelson (Wrong Turn 2021 – read our interview with him HERE), Gigi Saul Guerrero (Bingo Hell – read our interview with her HERE), Natasha Kermani (Imitation Girl – read our interview with her HERE), and Scott Derrickson (Sinister), and they’re here to mess with your mind and keep you up at night.
But hey, that’s what we’re here for, right? So, grab your oversized ’80s glasses, and your Members Only jacket, and let’s hit rewind on V/H/S/85. Get ready for a wild, thought-provoking, and occasionally, downright hair-raising journey through the past. But first, look at this gorgeous poster art.
V/H/S/85 is the sixth installment in the V/H/S franchise and stars James Ransone (It Chapter Two 2019), Freddy Rodriguez (Planet Terror 2007), and Jordan Belfi (Nefarious 2023). It’s produced by Studio71, Bloody Disgusting, Cinepocalypse Productions, and distrubted by Shudder.
Synopsis:
Unveiled through a made-for-TV documentary, five tales of found footage horror emerge to take viewers on a terrifying journey into the grim underbelly of the 1980s.
Setting up the Vignettes
No Wake
Mike P Nelson, known for his 2021 rendition of Wrong Turn, takes us on another journey in “No Wake.” This segment pleasantly surprises and veers your expectations. It conjures up genuine chills accompanied by jaw-dropping makeup effects that will leave you awestruck. Initially feeling incomplete, it later finds its place when paired with Nelson’s other segment, providing a richer context that elevates the overall experience.
God of Death
In “God of Death,” Gigi Saul Guerrero adopts the style of a Mexican news broadcast to recount the harrowing 1985 Mexico City earthquake. The initial intrigue of the sudden catastrophe unfolds brilliantly. Guerrero then guides us through confined spaces, with the aspect ratios cleverly mirroring the characters’ confinement, before immersing us in a chilling Aztec horror-thriller. The final moments deliver an adrenaline rush, complemented by artful VHS filters that add a nostalgic charm, even as we forgive the occasional tacky visual effect.
TKNOGD
Natasha Kermani presents “TKNOGD,” perhaps the most unconventional segment in the lineup. The presentation style may not align with traditional horror, but it offers a captivating and artistic experience. Instead of typical jump scares, Kermani invites us to ponder the dark, unsettling images that linger long after the credits roll. If you seek horror that challenges and lingers in your psyche, this one’s worth exploring.
Ambrosia
In “Ambrosia,” Mike P Nelson continues to weave his narrative web, connecting it to his earlier segment with finesse. While not aiming to be the scariest, it keeps you invested with its cult narrative, offering a fresh perspective on the genre. Think of it as a Kevin Smith’s Red State with its own twist and layers of depth that unfold gradually.
Dreamkill
Scott Derrickson, best known for his work with Disney, takes us back to his sinister roots with “Dreamkill.” The imagery on the videotapes is nothing short of nightmarish, enhanced by top-notch, believable effects that set it apart. While the story’s revelation may not shatter expectations, the unrelenting violence and eerie atmosphere keep you on the edge of your seat. Derrickson’s return to the genre is a chilling triumph.
Total Copy
Brace yourself for “Total Copy,” a wraparound segment that not only holds its ground but transcends the confines of its narrative frame. Presented in fragmented bursts amid other stories (except for its brilliant climax), this piece adopts a documentary aesthetic, smoothly weaving together elements of continuity. However, the magic here is how David Bruckner – a master of horror cinema with gems like The Night House, and The Signal – delivers another captivating tale. The tension builds gradually, teasing the audience with spine-tingling scares and a commendable display of special effects. It’s a testament to Bruckner’s prowess.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, V/H/S/85 takes us on a nostalgic, hair-raising trip down memory lane, paying homage to the iconic year of 1985. Now usually when I’m this excited for a V/H/S installment, I set myself up for heartache, but V/H/S/85 was a welcomed fun addition. With a diverse lineup of directors, it offers a mixed bag of scares, surprises, and quick dismounts. Whether you’re a fan of David Bruckner’s eerie touch, Mike P Nelson’s knack for thrills, Gigi Saul Guerrero’s unique style, Natasha Kermani’s artistic flair, or Scott Derrickson’s sinister storytelling, there’s something here for every horror enthusiast.
This anthology embraces the essence of the ’80s, complete with Betamax, neon aesthetics, and synth-driven soundtracks. While not every segment hits the bullseye, the collective experience is an entertaining ride that captures the spirit of the era and the V/H/S Franchise. So, dust off your Walkman, tighten your shoelaces, and embark on this ’80s-inspired journey through V/H/S/85. It’s a wicked, wild, and often tormenting, adventure that reminds us that found footage horror can thrive in any era.
Stream V/H/S/85 on Shudder today and check out the trailer below!
