Independent Stories, United by Terror

Read Time:3 Minute, 51 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Migraine
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Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2023, 2024 Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): David Bruckner (segment "Total Copy,") Scott Derrickson (segment "Dreamkill,") Natasha Kermani (segment "TKNOGD,") Mike P. Nelson (segment "No Wake/Ambrosia,") Gigi Saul Guerrero (segment "God of Death")
Writer(s): C. Robert Cargill, Zoe Cooper, Scott Derrickson, Evan Dickson, Mike P. Nelson, Gigi Saul Guerrero
Cast: Various
Where To Watch: arrives on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital on March 4, 2024, in the UK

RAVING REVIEW: V/H/S/85 whisks audiences back to the neon-drenched, synthesizer-heavy, shot-on-video era of the 1980s, serving up an array of horror tales as diverse as the directors behind the camera. This addition to the V/H/S franchise seamlessly marries the allure of nostalgia with the thrill of horror, creating a viewing experience that's uniquely refreshing and eerily familiar. While the anthology format inherently brings a rollercoaster of quality, this compilation offers a range of inventive, engaging, and, at times, genuinely unsettling stories.

Diving headfirst into the eclectic world of V/H/S/85, viewers are treated to a collection that spans the gamut from chilling suspense to outright bizarre horror while paying homage to the stylistic and cultural hallmarks of the 80s. The passion and attention to detail in this anthology series create standalone stories that always leave you wanting more (and on a few occasions, have ended up getting the green light to do so.) It also allows each segment to shine on its merits without relying on a larger narrative arc outside the period.

The ensemble of directors—Bruckner, Derrickson, Guerrero, Kermani, and Nelson—each contributes a distinct flavor to the anthology. Bruckner's TOTAL COPY delves into scientific exploration with a narrative that captivates but may confuse some viewers with its anticlimactic climax. Nelson's contributions, NO WAKE and AMBROSIA offer a contrast study; one immerses the audience in a classic horror scenario, while the other delves into dark humor with creative flair but leaves some storylines without the finish we wanted.

Guerrero's GOD OF DEATH is a testament to the anthology's cultural diversity, weaving a tale of survival and folklore that, despite its unique perspective, seems to push the limitations of the 80s theme a bit. Kermani's TKNOGD ventures into techno-thriller realms with a compelling narrative that hints at more profound themes, suggesting an appetite for further exploration into its cybernetic nightmare; I would love to see a feature come out of this one!

DREAMKILL, helmed by Derrickson, concludes the anthology on a solid note, blending psychological horror with an exploration of human fear, showcasing the director's skill in navigating the darker aspects of storytelling. This final piece solidifies the anthology's place in the horror genre, offering another satisfying culmination of the series' thematic exploration.

Amidst its highs and lows, V/H/S/85 stands as a bold experiment in horror storytelling, reinvigorating the anthology series with a blend of retro aesthetics and modern sensibilities. While not every segment achieves cinematic greatness, the collection offers a compelling glimpse into the possibilities of this narrative storytelling, driven by a spirit of innovation and a willingness to explore uncharted territories of fear. As a showcase for directorial talent and a nod to the enduring appeal of 80s culture, V/H/S/85 enriches the horror anthology landscape, promising exciting prospects for future endeavors in the genre.

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[photo courtesy of ACORN MEDIA INTERNATIONAL]

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