“V/H/S/85” saunters onto the horror scene with the casual confidence of a B-movie that knows it’s not winning any Oscars but still packs the aisles on a Saturday night. This entry in the storied “V/H/S” franchise plays out like a mixtape recorded off the radio: some tracks hit the mark, leaving you nostalgic and energized, while others have you questioning the DJ’s choices. It’s a film that’s comfortably nestled in the middle ground of the series, neither reaching the dizzying heights of its predecessors nor plumbing the depths of its lesser siblings. It’s as if “V/H/S/85” is content to exist as a love letter to the era of big hair, bright colors, and video nasties, even if some of its segments leave viewers scratching their heads.
“Total Copy,” serving as the frame narrative, wraps its arms around the anthology with a grip that’s firm yet gentle. It’s the kind of story that reminds you why you fell in love with horror in the first place: interesting tales told around the flicker of a campfire (or in this case, the static of a VHS tape). With its commendable story and practical effects that harken back to a time when CGI was just a twinkle in Hollywood’s eye, “Total Copy” does its job. It sets the stage, introduces the players, and occasionally reminds you to adjust the tracking on your VCR. It’s okay, a solid opener that promises thrills, chills, and a little bit of nostalgia.
“No Wake” and its later continuation, “Ambrosia,” are like two halves of a magic trick performed in slow motion. Separately, they might leave you puzzled, wondering why the magician is holding a rabbit with no hat in sight. Together, however, they form a more comprehensive narrative that, while not without its faults, offers a glimpse into the creative potential of the series. The decision to split them feels like an experiment in storytelling, one that might not have been entirely necessary but offers an interesting perspective on narrative cohesion. On its own, “Ambrosia” especially feels like being given a puzzle with half the pieces missing, leaving you to wonder what picture you’re supposed to be assembling.
“God of Death” wanders through its runtime like a lost soul searching for purpose, only finding its direction when it’s almost too late. It’s a segment that teases greatness but ultimately feels disjointed, as if it were unsure of its own mythology until the final act. The journey is murky, and while the destination offers some semblance of clarity, one can’t help but feel that a more direct path could have led to a more satisfying conclusion.
“TKNOGD” stands out for all the wrong reasons, moving at a glacial pace that makes you wish you could fast-forward through the doldrums to get to the good parts. The special effects serve as brief moments of respite in an otherwise tedious trek through narrative quicksand. It’s a segment that, despite its best efforts, fails to ignite the spark of terror or wonder, leaving behind a trail of missed opportunities and viewer impatience.
Then there’s “Dreamkill,” the shining star of “V/H/S/85,” a segment that grabs you by the scruff of the neck and doesn’t let go until the credits roll. It’s a breath of fresh, albeit blood-scented, air that reminds you of the chilling allure of films like “Sinister.” With its well-crafted story, impressive practical effects, and a genuine sense of dread, “Dreamkill” stands as a testament to what the anthology could have been, offering a glimpse into the dark heart of horror that beats beneath the surface.
In the end, “V/H/S/85” is a mixed bag, a collection of hits and misses that, when viewed as a whole, offers a decent if not earth-shattering addition to the franchise. It’s like tuning into a late-night horror show; you’re not always sure what you’re going to get, but the thrill of the unknown is enough to keep you watching. While it may not be the strongest entry in the “V/H/S” series, it still manages to capture the essence of what makes these films so endearingly watchable: a love for the genre, warts and all.
V/H/S/85 (2023)
Summary
V/H/S/85" is a mixed bag, a collection of hits and misses that, when viewed as a whole, offers a decent if not earth-shattering addition to the franchise.