W2TCH

V/H/S (2012)

2012 • 1h 56m • Horror, Thriller • R
On September 25, 2026
#8857▼ 4637
8857th by Pulse movie online
36.5PULSEPulse MeterOur daily Pulse Meter measures public activity and popularity signals across the web.How it works →

All reviews

John Chard on V/H/S

7/10 · Nov 2, 2015

Horror anthologies have a spotty record; some are dragged down by one truly awful segment, while others manage to be elevated by a few standout pieces, but the inconsistencies remain. V/H/S tries to modernize the format using found footage as its framing device. Six independent filmmakers created a movie that garnered attention at Sundance, though it has sparked considerable disagreement among critics and horror enthusiasts online. This isn’t unexpected for those familiar with the genre's pitfalls. The typical anthology issues are present: some genuinely good stories are surrounded by weaker ones. While there is something to appeal to different tastes, covering a wide range of preferences, that itself creates an issue—horror fans have specific likes, and it’s difficult to imagine someone who enjoys slasher films being thrilled by a story about a winged creature! The found footage format, presented here on VHS, also poses a problem. Not everyone appreciates this style (I certainly don't), and much of V/H/S can be disorienting and challenging to follow, particularly the Tape 56/frame narrative that presents the other five stories as if they were discovered by a group of young criminals breaking into an abandoned house and examining the tapes. Many find it appealing for its supposed realism, but I don't see what the fuss is about; those who do will likely enjoy this immensely. Amateur Night (David Bruckner) and The Sick Thing That Happened to Emily When She Was Younger (Joe Swanberg) are the strongest segments. Amateur Night tells a cautionary story of college students looking for casual encounters who find themselves in over their heads when they bring home the enigmatic Lily. The other is an unsettling narrative told through Skype conversations, as Emily seems to be experiencing supernatural events while talking with her boyfriend, who is also a doctor. However, if you were to ask another fan which segments stood out, you might get completely different answers. As with any anthology horror film, it’s a gamble; just don't go in expecting every story to be brilliant, because that would be unrealistic. 7/10

Source on TMDB