Unveiled through a made-for-TV documentary, five tales of found footage horror emerge to take viewers on a terrifying journey into the grim underbelly of the 1980s.
An ominous broadcast brings viewers forgotten nightmares of the 1980s: a disaster recovery crew unleashes the wrath of an ancient god; a lake that brings the dead back to life; a performance art piece makes contact with a creature from the beyond; an all-guns-out undead bloodbath, and a disturbing vision of videotaped murders.
After the nightmarish V/H/S/99 (2022), V/H/S/85 jumps back in time with a new anthology of lo-fi found-footage horror stories from long-forgotten 1985. Composed of five spine-chilling segments, the terrifying mash-up of analogue horrors starts with David Bruckner's wraparound story, "Total Copy", a tale of excessive television consumption. Then, in Mike P. Nelson's two-part short "No Wake/Ambrosia", a trip to eerie Lake Evil brings to light a shocking, long-standing family tradition drenched in blood. The following episode, Gigi Saul Guerrero's "God of Death", unearths a well-buried ancient secret in the aftermath of the catastrophic 1985 Mexico City earthquake. Next up, in Natasha Kermani's "TKNOGD", virtual supernatural terror awaits an avant-garde performance artist after taking things too far with forces far beyond her understanding. Finally, in Scott Derrickson's "Dreamkill", a police detective, puzzled by strange VHS tapes depicting a psychotic murderer's killing spree, finds more than he bargained for when he unravels the prime suspect's demented secret.—Nick Riganas
The film is an anthology of five short horror films tied together through a frame narrative that also serves as a sixth segment. The stories are connected by the concept of found footage, with each segment presented as content from VHS tapes.
V/H/S/85 is the first installment in the franchise where two segments-"No Wake" and "Ambrosia"-are directly connected. Additionally, one segment, "Dreamkill," ties into director Scott Derrickson's previous work, The Black Phone (2021).
"Total Copy" (Frame Narrative) - Prologue
Directed by: David BrucknerWritten by: Evan Dickson
Presented as a faux documentary, the frame narrative follows a team of scientists-Dr. Pike Spratling, Dr. Gary Newell, Dr. Margaret Porter, and Dr. Sarah Greyson-at Stamer University as they study a shape shifting entity called "Rory."
"No Wake"
Written and Directed by: Mike P. Nelson
A group of seven friends-Rob, Anna, Jared, Drew, Robin, Kevin, and Kelly-travel in an RV to camp by a secluded lake. Despite numerous warning signs, they decide to swim in the lake.
While water skiing, Rob, Drew, Robin, Kevin, and Kelly are killed by a sniper hidden onshore. However, moments later, they awaken, fully aware but bearing their fatal injuries. Back onshore, they discover Anna and Jared dead, their RV vandalized with the Roman numeral "VII" painted in blood.
Realizing the lake has the power to resurrect only those who swim in it, the group decides to seek vengeance on their killers.
"Total Copy" - First Interlude
The documentary reveals Rory was found atop a butte and brought to the university for study. Contained in a small room, Rory is exposed to television broadcasts-mainly exercise videos-while the scientists attempt to teach it about human culture.
"God of Death"
Written and Directed by: Gigi Saul Guerrero
Set during the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, a news crew is filming when the quake strikes, killing all except cameraman Luis. He is joined by a rescue team-Eddie, Karla, Javier, and Miguel-as they navigate the building's wreckage.
They discover a chamber with walls made of skulls and a statue of Mictlan, an ancient Aztec god. Eddie is possessed by Mictlan, who kills Miguel and Karla, consuming their hearts. Eventually, the chamber collapses, killing Karla. Outside, a reporter broadcasts live, memorializing the event.
"Total Copy" - Second Interlude
Rory begins to mutate, vaguely resembling a human form. Dr. Greyson expresses concerns about Rory's growing abilities, but Dr. Spratling dismisses her fears.
"TKNOGD"
Directed by: Natasha KermaniWritten by: Vanessa Cooper
Performance artist Ada Lovelace unveils a virtual reality demonstration proclaiming that humanity has replaced God with technology. Wearing a VR headset and full-body suit, Ada encounters a mysterious digital entity.
As the entity attacks her in the virtual world, her real body mirrors the injuries, losing limbs and flesh. The audience, believing it to be part of her act, applauds. The segment ends with Ada's exposed brain fused to the headset, shocking her cameraman.
"Total Copy" - Third Interlude
While the scientists debate Rory's growing abilities, it extends spiked tentacles.
"Ambrosia"
Written and Directed by: Mike P. Nelson
The Wrigley family celebrates Ruth's coming-of-age ritual. Using a water gun filled with lake water given to her young cousin by an unnamed woman, Ruth previously massacred seven people by the lake.
During a police raid, Ruth and her family engage in a violent shootout. Ruth is fatally wounded but resurrects due to the lake's water. In shock, she attempts suicide but remains alive and is arrested.
"Total Copy" - Fourth Interlude
Rory takes on Dr. Newell's appearance, alarming the scientists. Dr. Greyson insists Rory is manipulating them, but Dr. Spratling views its behavior as progress.
"Dreamkill"
Directed by: Scott DerricksonWritten by: Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill
In a first-person perspective, a serial killer commits several brutal murders. Detective Wayne Johnson investigates, uncovering a connection between the killings and psychic premonitions experienced by Bobby Blake's son, Gunther.
As more tapes surface, Wayne confronts Bobby, revealing the victims' ties to Bobby's past crimes. Bobby murders Wayne and carries out another killing depicted in Gunther's visions. Gunther, realizing the truth, ultimately shoots his father.
"Total Copy" - Epilogue
Rory feigns sickness, prompting Dr. Spratling to send Newell into its chamber. Rory's tentacles attack, killing Newell and Porter before eliminating Spratling and the cameraman.
In a final scene, Rory mimics the exercise videos it once watched, using the corpses of its victims.
