The “V/H/S” series has become a staple in the horror anthology genre, known for its unique blend of found footage, nostalgia, and innovative storytelling. “V/H/S/85,” the latest installment released in 2023, continues this tradition by transporting viewers back to the 1980s, a decade rich in cultural significance and horror tropes. This 3500-word article explores “V/H/S/85” in depth, analyzing its segments, themes, impact, and place within the broader context of both the “V/H/S” franchise and the horror genre as a whole.
1. The “V/H/S” Franchise: A Brief Overview
The “V/H/S” franchise began in 2012 with the release of its eponymous film, which quickly gained a cult following for its innovative approach to horror storytelling. Each film in the series is presented as a collection of short horror segments, each directed by different filmmakers and presented as found footage on old VHS tapes. The concept allows for a variety of styles and narratives, ranging from supernatural horror to psychological thrillers.
Over the years, the franchise has released several sequels and spin-offs, including “V/H/S/2” (2013), “V/H/S: Viral” (2014), “V/H/S/94” (2021), and “V/H/S/99” (2022). Each installment has expanded the universe and experimented with new ideas while maintaining the core elements that fans love: a gritty, low-fi aesthetic, unsettling stories, and a sense of nostalgia for the analog era.
“V/H/S/85,” the latest entry, continues this tradition by exploring horror themes and styles from the 1980s, a decade known for its unique cultural and cinematic influences. This installment leverages the aesthetics, technology, and social anxieties of the 1980s to deliver fresh scares while paying homage to the era.
2. The Structure and Format of “V/H/S/85”
Like its predecessors, “V/H/S/85” is structured as an anthology film, comprising several short segments directed by different filmmakers. The found footage format is central to the film’s identity, and “V/H/S/85” continues to utilize this approach, immersing viewers in the gritty, grainy visual style of 1980s home video. The segments are connected by a wraparound story that serves as a framing device, providing a narrative link between the disparate tales.
2.1. The Wraparound Segment
The wraparound segment of “V/H/S/85” is particularly notable for its setting and premise. Titled “The Observation Room,” it is directed by David Bruckner, a filmmaker known for his work on previous “V/H/S” films as well as “The Ritual” (2017) and “The Night House” (2020). In “The Observation Room,” a group of scientists and government officials watch a series of mysterious VHS tapes, each containing footage that defies explanation. The tapes are purportedly evidence of supernatural phenomena and bizarre occurrences, and the scientists’ reactions to the footage provide a meta-commentary on the nature of horror itself.
The wraparound segment creates an eerie atmosphere and builds tension as the scientists become increasingly disturbed by what they see. This segment not only ties the different stories together but also reinforces the central theme of surveillance and voyeurism, which is prevalent throughout the “V/H/S” series.
2.2. The Segments
“V/H/S/85” features five main segments, each offering a unique take on 1980s horror. The segments vary in tone, style, and subject matter, ranging from supernatural horror to sci-fi and body horror. Let’s delve into each segment and explore its themes, narrative, and stylistic choices.
3. Analyzing the Segments of “V/H/S/85”
3.1. Segment 1: “Terror on Tape”
Directed by Scott Derrickson, known for “Sinister” (2012) and “The Black Phone” (2021), “Terror on Tape” is a supernatural horror story that draws heavily on the aesthetics of 1980s VHS rental culture. The segment is set in a small-town video rental store where the protagonist, a teenage employee named Mike, discovers a mysterious tape labeled “Do Not Watch.” Despite the warning, Mike and his friends decide to watch the tape, only to unleash a malevolent entity that begins to haunt them.
The segment effectively captures the nostalgia of the 1980s, from the store’s decor to the fashion and dialogue of the characters. The use of practical effects and low-fi visual quality adds to the authenticity of the time period. “Terror on Tape” explores themes of curiosity, temptation, and the dangers of transgressing boundaries, all while delivering intense scares and a chilling atmosphere.
3.2. Segment 2: “The Lake Witch”
Directed by Jennifer Reeder, “The Lake Witch” is a folk horror story set in a remote lakeside community. The segment follows a group of teenagers who, during a camping trip, encounter a local legend about a witch who drowned in the lake and whose spirit is said to haunt the area. As the teens delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a dark secret that threatens their lives.
Reeder’s segment stands out for its use of natural settings and atmospheric tension. The lake and surrounding forest create a sense of isolation and impending doom, reminiscent of classic 1980s slasher films. “The Lake Witch” combines elements of folklore, psychological horror, and creature features, exploring themes of guilt, revenge, and the consequences of meddling with the unknown.
3.3. Segment 3: “The Surgeon’s Tape”
Directed by Ryan Prows, “The Surgeon’s Tape” ventures into the realm of body horror, a subgenre that gained popularity in the 1980s with films like David Cronenberg’s “The Fly” (1986). The segment follows Dr. Leonard Marcus, a disgraced plastic surgeon who becomes obsessed with creating the perfect human specimen. Using illegal and unethical methods, Marcus begins experimenting on unwilling patients, recording his gruesome procedures on VHS tapes.
“The Surgeon’s Tape” is both horrifying and grotesque, featuring explicit scenes of body modification and surgical mutilation. Prows uses practical effects and prosthetics to create a visceral, unsettling experience that harkens back to the body horror of the 1980s. The segment explores themes of vanity, obsession, and the dark side of medical experimentation, raising ethical questions about the pursuit of perfection and the human body as a canvas for art.
3.4. Segment 4: “Home Video Hell”
Directed by Chloe Okuno, “Home Video Hell” is a psychological thriller that taps into the fear of home invasion and the uncanny. The segment revolves around a family that begins to notice strange occurrences in their home after purchasing a second-hand video camera at a garage sale. As they watch the footage recorded by the previous owners, they realize they are being watched by an unseen presence that appears to be getting closer with each recording.
“Home Video Hell” masterfully builds suspense and paranoia, using the found footage format to its full advantage. The segment plays with the idea of the voyeuristic gaze, blurring the line between viewer and victim. Okuno’s direction is sharp and focused, delivering a slow burn of tension that culminates in a shocking and unsettling climax. Themes of privacy, surveillance, and the invasion of the domestic space are central to this segment, reflecting contemporary anxieties about technology and security.
3.5. Segment 5: “Techno Terror”
Directed by Timo Tjahjanto, “Techno Terror” is a sci-fi horror story that combines elements of cyberpunk and dystopian fiction. Set in an alternate 1980s where technology has advanced beyond our current understanding, the segment follows a group of hackers who stumble upon a government conspiracy involving mind control and virtual reality. As they dig deeper, they become targets of a sinister organization determined to silence them.
“Techno Terror” stands out for its creative use of special effects and futuristic concepts, blending the aesthetics of 1980s sci-fi with modern visual techniques. The segment is fast-paced, action-packed, and visually stunning, offering a stark contrast to the more grounded horror of the previous segments. Tjahjanto’s direction is energetic and dynamic, capturing the frenetic energy of cyberpunk narratives while exploring themes of technology, control, and resistance.
4. Themes and Motifs in “V/H/S/85”
“V/H/S/85” explores a variety of themes and motifs that are both unique to the film and reflective of broader trends in the horror genre. Some of the key themes include:
4.1. Nostalgia and the Analog Era
One of the defining features of the V/H/S/85 (2023) series is its nostalgia for the analog era, particularly the 1980s and 1990s. “V/H/S/85” leans heavily into this nostalgia, using VHS tapes, CRT televisions, and other period-specific technology to create an authentic retro experience. The film’s visual style, characterized by grainy footage, static, and distortion, evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when home video technology was still new and mysterious.
This nostalgia is not merely aesthetic but also thematic. The film explores how the past continues to haunt the present, whether through literal ghosts, unresolved traumas, or the resurgence of old fears. The analog technology serves as a metaphor for the lingering presence of the past in our lives, reminding viewers that some things cannot be easily erased or forgotten.
4.2. Surveillance and Voyeurism
Surveillance and voyeurism are recurring motifs throughout “V/H/S/85.” The act of watching—and being watched—is central to the narrative structure of the film, with each segment presenting footage that is discovered, analyzed, or shared by characters. This theme is particularly relevant in the digital age, where privacy concerns and surveillance are ever-present in our lives.
The film explores the psychological impact of surveillance, raising questions about control, autonomy, and the boundaries between public and private spaces. In “Home Video Hell,” for example, the family’s sense of safety and privacy is shattered by the realization that they are being watched. Similarly, “Techno Terror” examines the dystopian implications of a society where technology is used to monitor and manipulate individuals.
4.3. The Supernatural and the Unknown
As with previous entries in the franchise, V/H/S/85 (2023) delves into the supernatural and the unknown, using horror to explore humanity’s fear of what lies beyond our understanding. Whether it’s a malevolent entity unleashed from a cursed videotape, a witch haunting a remote lake, or a surgeon obsessed with playing God, the film confronts the viewer with scenarios that defy rational explanation.
The supernatural elements are not just used for scares but also to explore deeper themes of morality, power, and the limits of human knowledge. The characters in each segment are often faced with choices that test their ethics, courage, and sanity, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and desires.
5. The Cultural Impact of “V/H/S/85”
“V/H/S/85” has made a significant impact on both the horror genre and popular culture. Its release in 2023 was met with anticipation and excitement, particularly among fans of the “V/H/S” series and horror enthusiasts. The film’s creative use of the 1980s setting and its exploration of relevant themes have resonated with audiences, prompting discussions about the nature of horror, nostalgia, and the influence of the past on the present.
5.1. Revival of the Found Footage Genre
The success of “V/H/S/85” has contributed to a revival of the found footage genre, which has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. While the genre had seen a decline in the 2010s, the “V/H/S” series has helped reinvigorate interest by offering fresh and innovative takes on the format. The film’s use of the VHS aesthetic and its commitment to the found footage conceit have inspired other filmmakers to explore new ways of using the genre to tell compelling stories.
5.2. Nostalgia and Retro Horror Trends
V/H/S/85 (2023) is part of a broader trend in horror cinema that embraces nostalgia and retro aesthetics. This trend can be seen in films like “Stranger Things,” “It” (2017), and “Fear Street” (2021), all of which draw on 1980s horror tropes and cultural references to create a sense of familiarity and comfort for audiences. The film’s success demonstrates the enduring appeal of retro horror and suggests that audiences are eager for stories that revisit and reimagine the past.
5.3. Expanding the “V/H/S” Universe
The release of V/H/S/85 (2023) has expanded the “V/H/S” universe, introducing new characters, settings, and stories that enrich the franchise’s mythology. The film’s diverse range of segments and styles showcases the creative potential of the anthology format, allowing for endless possibilities in future installments. With each new entry, the “V/H/S” series continues
Conclusion
V/H/S/85 (2023) successfully upholds the core elements that have made the V/H/S/85 (2023) franchise a beloved staple in the horror genre, while also infusing new life into its anthology format with fresh, imaginative storytelling set in the culturally rich landscape of the 1980s. Each segment in this installment—ranging from supernatural and folk horror to psychological and sci-fi thrillers—offers a unique exploration of fear and human psychology, all tied together by a common thread of nostalgia for the analog era and an unsettling fascination with surveillance and the supernatural.
The film not only taps into the collective cultural memory of the 1980s but also engages with contemporary anxieties about technology, privacy, and the unknown. It continues the franchise’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of the found footage format, using it as a powerful tool to evoke visceral, immersive horror that feels both nostalgic and innovative. By blending classic horror tropes with modern cinematic techniques, V/H/S/85 (2023) revitalizes the anthology genre and reinforces the series’ position as a trendsetter in horror cinema.
Moreover, V/H/S/85 (2023) reflects the growing appetite for retro horror that resonates with audiences seeking both nostalgia and new, thrilling experiences. Its impact on the revival of the found footage genre and its contribution to the broader trend of retro horror storytelling underscores its significance in contemporary horror culture. As the “V/H/S” series continues to evolve and expand, V/H/S/85 (2023) serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of horror anthologies that explore the darkest corners of the human psyche and the mysteries of the unknown.
Overall, “V/H/S/85” not only celebrates the past but also sets the stage for future explorations within the franchise, promising more chilling tales that blend innovation with a reverence for the horror traditions that have come before. It stands as a worthy addition to the V/H/S/85 (2023) series, captivating both longtime fans and new viewers with its inventive storytelling and relentless pursuit of fear.
