“V/H/S/85” rises as the thrilling sixth entry in the beloved analog horror anthology. Within a franchise renowned for its innovative narratives and spine-tingling horrors, this newest installment not only lives up to its predecessors but forges a chilling trail of its own. Join me as we navigate its dark and gore-soaked passages, where storytelling and visceral horror take center stage.

First and foremost, “V/H/S/85” transports us back to the pulsating heart of the 1980s, an era characterized by mullets, neon hues, and the omnipresent cassette tapes. Initially, I harbored reservations when I learned of the film’s deep dive into ’80s nostalgia.

The fear of it succumbing to the oversaturation of nostalgia in modern entertainment, exemplified by hits like “Stranger Things” and “IT,” loomed large. However, my concerns were quickly quashed as the creators deliberately avoided the nostalgia trap. Instead, they forged a path that was brutal, unrelenting, and marked by a distinctly chaotic and violent tone.

What sets “V/H/S/85” apart are its exceptional segments, possibly the most unique in the entire franchise. Thanks to a cadre of top-notch writers and directors, each segment in this film is a cinematic knockout.

The movie comprises four technically separate segments, seamlessly interwoven with a wraparound story that binds them together, a classic trademark of the V/H/S series.

Director Mike Nelson kicks things off with ‘No Wake,’ immersing us in the heart of the ’80s. Nelson’s portrayal of the era’s visual aesthetics is nothing short of sublime, evoking the sensation of stumbling upon an old VHS tape at a friend’s house. This segment blends a classic horror trope with a captivating twist, etching its name in V/H/S history as the first two-parter, a testament to its wickedness.

Indie horror sensation Gigi Guerrero takes center stage with her segment, “God of Death.” Here, various employees and first responders at a news station grapple with what initially appears to be a catastrophic earthquake. However, as the narrative unfolds, a more sinister cause behind the devastation comes to light. Guerrero’s storytelling prowess shines, and the gore on display is both shocking and meticulously crafted.

Director Natasha Kermani helms ‘TKNOGD,’ a segment that’s essentially a one-actor show, brilliantly executed by its lead. Kermani’s cyberpunk tale delves into a woman’s seething disdain for the technological advances of the 1980s, particularly the rise of virtual reality. Her invocation of the ‘techno-god’ with her hatred takes viewers on a harrowing journey. The segment masterfully blends elements of a blackbox theater production with a retro 1980s twist. The lead actress’s performance is a tour de force, immersing viewers in the character’s seething anger.

The film enlists the talents of the dynamic duo, Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill, known for their work on “Sinister” and “The Black Phone,” for their segment, ‘Dreamkill.’ Derrickson weaves a chilling, eerie, and ominous narrative, reminiscent of their previous collaborations. It’s a grim tale of violent murders with a supernatural twist that leaves audiences captivated and craving more.

Finally, the film is expertly wrapped up and interconnected through David Bruckner’s “Total Copy,” a wraparound segment that serves not only as a narrative but also as the adhesive binding all the individual segments together in classic V/H/S fashion. ‘Total Copy’ starts as an unusual science documentary, the kind one might stumble upon while aimlessly channel surfing late at night. Bruckner impeccably captures this peculiar vibe, making it my personal favorite in the franchise. It boasts startling special effects, solid acting, and an all-encompassing eerie story that weaves everything together seamlessly.

In conclusion, “V/H/S/85” takes audacious leaps and they pay off handsomely. Undoubtedly one of my favorites in the franchise, just trailing behind the very first film, “V/H/S 85” segments are a captivating maelstrom of chaos, teetering on the edge of madness in all the right ways. If you’re yearning for another dose of ’80s nostalgia, look elsewhere. But if you crave a relentless barrage of found footage frights delivered with audacious direction, gruesome gore, and inventive storytelling, “V/H/S/85” should be at the top of your must-watch list.

With its fearless approach to horror, it boldly secures its position as the second-best gem in the illustrious V/H/S franchise. Mark your calendars; the film arrives on Shudder on October 6th, ready to unleash its visceral and narrative brilliance upon the world.