Get Transported Back To The 1980's With 'V/H/S/85'

Shudder recently released the sixth installment in the “V/H/S” franchise, “V/H/S/85.” Six different segments directed by Scott Derrickson, David Bruckner, Gigi Saul Guerrero, Natasha Kermani, and Mike P. Nelson don’t fail to give you an ominous sense of nostalgia, in a frightening way.

The first segment we’re presented with is titled ‘Total Copy’, directed by David Bruckner. Dr. Spratling, played by Jordan Belfi, and a team of scientists at Stamer University are studying a shapeshifting being named “Rory” whom they believe can communicate with humans. In an effort to help Rory communicate, they place “him” in a containment unit that is set up similar to a living room in a house, decked out with a TV where they play various shows, exercise videos, and news segments to help Rory become more familiarized with the human culture. This segment flows throughout the whole film, returning to it periodically, and closing the story off at the end of the film.

‘No Wake’ directed by Mike P. Nelson, is the next segment featured and it is personally my favorite. This one truly exemplifies what I love about found footage and anthology horror. A little backstory: fashioned in classic 80’s style horror, it’s Summer of 1985 and a group of friends go on a camping trip to a lake. After getting settled in, some of them decide to go out on the boat for a little water skiing.

While out on the boat, they notice a blue truck parked at their campsite. Jared (Tom Reed) and Anna (Anna Hashizume) are nowhere to be found. Not thinking much of it, they go back to skiing. After a couple of attempts, Robin (Anna Sundberg) finally stands up on the water when all of a sudden she collapses and a distant gunshot can be heard. As they turn the boat around to go help Robin, they pull up beside her and the water is filled with a bloody film over the top layer. More gunshots start whizzing through the air and they realize they are being “hunted” by someone. This scene was so hauntingly terrifying and anxiety-inducing, especially for someone who has a great fear of mass shootings. The special FX used in this segment was also brilliantly constructed and definitely gave that gore that we long for in a horror film.

The best aspect of ‘No Wake’ is that it may have ties with another small segment titled ‘Ambrosia’. This one is also directed by Mike P. Nelson. I don’t want to spoil too much about this segment because I HIGHLY recommend you watch it, but the outcome is totally worth it. Literally, my jaw dropped when I realized the connection between the two.

‘God of Death’ directed by Gigi Saul Guerrero, follows a Mexican news crew whom during a broadcast is struck by a detrimental earthquake, killing the lead news anchor Lucia (Gabriela Roel) and some of the crew. This segment was probably one of the most realistic feeling stories; the broadcast itself looked so legitimate and the acting was notably profound. It was a nice touch also having this whole segment in Spanish (closed captions were dubbed in English.) The twist at the end seemed like it stepped a little too far away from the plot but was really interesting nonetheless.

Leading into our last couple of segments, we have ‘TKNOGD’. Directed by Natasha Kermani, Ada Lovelace, played by Chivonne Michelle is a performance artist whom believes that the world has killed our own god in favor of replacing him with the god of technology. Performance art is something that has always interested me and Chivonne Michelle was absolutely outstanding in her acting role. You could have told me that this was a real performance found from an old video camera from the 80’s and I wouldn’t have second guessed it. The end scene is pretty brutal, and kind of makes you realize how disconnected we have became as a society.

Wrapping up V/H/S/85, we’re presented with our last segment titled ‘Dreamkill.’ This was directed by one of my favorite curators of film, Scott Derrickson (Sinister, The Black Phone, Deliver Us From Evil). Starring James Ransone and Freddy Rodriguez, a series of brutal murders have been recorded and have came to light of the authorities. The only thing is that these videos are being sent into the police station a few days before the murders actually happen. I normally enjoy the way found footage films are shot, but Scott Derrickson really outdid himself with this one. It definitely gives off strong “Sinister” vibes which I absolutely love. The way that he utilizes a doomy-synthesized soundtrack over the muted videos really adds an uneasiness to this storyline. James Ronsone and Freddy Rodriguez’s performances in Dreamkill are some of the best acting I’ve seen in any of the V/H/S franchises; I feel as if this one could have been made into a stand-alone film.

I had really high expectations for V/H/S/85 after the trailer was released, and it did not disappoint. This iteration is probably my new favorite out of the franchise. It brings you found-footage and anthology horror at its best with that slight comedic relief that isn’t too overpowering. V/H/S/85 is streaming NOW on Shudder, and it should definitely be on your watchlist for this Halloween season.

‘V/H/S/85’ comes to Blu-ray, DVD, and digital on March 4th courtesy of Acorn Media International. Special features include uncut Super 8 footage of “Dreamkill,” film commentary, and uninterrupted cuts.

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