The V/H/S/85 (FANTASTIC) Brings Terror to the 2020s from the 1980s in Latest Franchise Hit

Title: V/H/S/85

First Non-Festival Release: October 6, 2023 (Digital/Streaming Platforms)

Director: David Bruckner, Scott Derrickson, Natasha Kermani, Mike P. Nelson, Gigi Saul Guerrero

Writer: David Bruckner, Scott Derrickson, Natasha Kermani, Mike P. Nelson, Gigi Saul Guerrero, Evan Dickson

Runtime: 110 Minutes

Starring: Freddy Rodríguez, James Ransone, Jordan Belfi

Where to Watch: Check out where to find it here

This film’s review was written after its screening at the Fantastic Film Festival in 2023.

The V/H/S series has long delivered quality short films that revel in nihilism and grit. An anthology born from the boom of found footage films and the thirst for creativity within the genre, the series has brought many exceptional shorts to life thanks to horror veteran directors given free reign to create wildly.

This latest venture takes viewers back to 1985. Wraparound segment “Total Copy” shows scientists studying a shapeshifter at a university. “No Wake” follows a group of friends partying at a lake who ignore a sign that warns visitors not to swim. Following the 1985 Mexico City Earthquake, a rescue crew followed by a news broadcaster discover relics from a past life aren’t dead and gone in “God of Death.” A one woman show decrying the perils of technology goes wrong in the worst possible way in “TKNOGD.” “Ambrosia” follows a family celebrating a milestone with their teenage daughter. The final full segment before the wraparound concludes, “Dreamkill,” follows a detective investigating a series of video tapes that depict home invasion murders before they happen.

Another collection of strange and dark stories, V/H/S/85 delivers unnerving scares and knockout twists to found footage. 

What makes the V/H/S series so special is the uniquely dark implications each short brings to the table, and the most recent entry doesn’t disappoint here. If there is one thing this franchise won’t do is shy away from getting too dark. In one way or another, most of the segments this time around are centered on rituals. From contacting gods to adhering to scientific standards, each segment finds the horror in tradition and the consequences for breaking those rules. There’s something terrifying about the compulsions that rituals bring and the institutions that push them onto others. It’s no surprise that this bubbles through the cracks for a film set in Regan America, at least for the segments set in the United States. The aftermath of each segment imagines a reality worse than one could possibly conjure before pressing play making for a disturbing viewing experience and reflection.

Each segment takes a different approach to found footage which gives the project plenty of balance and each director the ability to differentiate themselves. While there is no overlap in terms of why each person is filming in the various V/H/S tapes, there is considerable effort to push the envelope. The more traditional modes of found footage are employed in the segments “Total Copy”, “No Wake”, “God of Death”, and “Ambrosia” utilizing a scientist’s log, friends partying, a news crew rolling, and a home movie respectively to record their stories of terror. Just because they are traditional doesn’t mean they aren’t correct or effective. V/H/S/85 gets creative with its “TKNOGD” and “Dreamkill” segments. A stage performance gone wrong isn’t something that has been done before, at least not often, while the fantastic elements of “Dreamkill” creatively combine found footage with more traditional filmmaking in a way that is in line with the concept and universe. Both are well done executions that break fresh ground.

Perhaps the best part of watching any V/H/S film is knowing that the imagery is going to haunt you long after viewing. V/H/S/85 is no exception. Each segment offers a uniquely messed up world that is begging to be explored further. Virtual reality hellscapes, ancient Gods tearing people limb from limb, and chilling home invasion shots all pack a powerful punch. Some of the best shocks, however, come from “No Wake” as the group of innocent teenagers meet their unfortunate ends in a sickeningly realistic execution that hits too close to home for many Americans these days. Balancing shock, revulsion, and abject terror, V/H/S/85 hits the mark perfectly.

Perhaps the only true gripe of the film is its repeated insistence on including a score. While each short that incorporates a soundtrack (a good three out of five) has a justifiable reason to include music when you think hard enough, it still takes the viewer out of the experience. The soundtracks themselves are thoughtful enough to add to the mood but some more care could have been taken to ensure it added more than detracted from the experience.

This franchise cannot stop winning. After six entries with only one being mediocre at worst, V/H/S/85 cements this anthology found footage franchise as one of the best. Between the creativity of some of horror’s best working directors and a consistent prioritization of unique stories, this entry will stand the test of time as another top horror film of the year. While each segment does a stellar job of crafting excellent genre cinema, the clear standouts are “No Wake,” “Dreamkill,” and “Ambrosia.” Don’t take my word for it though. Press play and find out why V/H/S/85 is one of the darkest films of the year.

Overall Score? 8/10