A shapeshifting terror hidden within a collection of cursed VHS tapes
In short: Set in 1985, this found footage anthology uses a documentary frame to explore a terrifying reality. As scientists at Stamer University attempt to study a mutating, shapeshifting being named Rory, they discover that some recordings are far more dangerous than they appear.
Acting as a sequel to V/H/S/99 (2022), V/H/S/85 marks the sixth entry in the franchise. It represents a joint production involving Mexico and the United States, and it is the inaugural release to link two segments, "No Wake" and "Ambrosia," directly. Notably, it also functions as a crossover with the Black Phone film series, specifically through Scott Derrickson's segment "Dreamkill," which acts as a standalone sequel to the 2021 film. This installment also features a sequel titled V/H/S/Beyond. It was released as a Shudder Original Film on October 6, 2023.
The film's structure utilizes a frame narrative presented as a documentary. This narrative follows several Stamer University academics—including Dr. Pike Spratling, alongside Dr. Gary Newell, plus Dr. Margaret Porter, and Dr. Sarah Greyson—as they study a shape-shifting entity named Rory. The scientists' attempts to communicate with the being, such as showing it exercise videos, lead to increasingly violent and disturbing outcomes as Rory begins to mutate and mimic human forms. The entity's mutation eventually includes the growth of several spiked, slime-covered limbs. This transformation causes significant distress for researcher Newell.
The anthology consists of five short horror segments, each presented as found footage on VHS tapes. These segments explore diverse horror themes, from a fictionalized depiction of the September 19th, 1985, Mexico City earthquake to a performance artist's fatal encounter with a virtual reality device. The film was produced by Studio71 and Bloody Disgusting and premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 22, 2023. One segment features a news crew caught in a massive earthquake. Another segment involves a family celebrating a rite of passage.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: V/H/S/85
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