V/H/S

V/H/S is a 2012 American found-footage anthology horror film written and directed by multiple filmmakers, each contributing a segment to the film. The movie begins with a frame story where a group of young friends - Trevor (played by Nick Tucci), Hayley (played by Sophia Takal), Jake (played by Cale Brandon), Matt (played by Casey LaScala), and Lili (played by Hannah Hughes) - are hired by an unknown client to break into a deserted house and steal a rare VHS tape. This VHS tape is rumored to be extremely valuable, but its contents and significance are unknown to the group. As they approach the house, they notice it's a rundown, dilapidated structure that seems to have been abandoned for years. Upon entering the house, they discover an assortment of VHS tapes, which they begin to frantically scan to locate the rare tape they're hired to acquire. However, their search is interrupted by a series of eerie sounds and strange noises emanating from all over the house, suggesting they're not alone. The group discovers the house belongs to an elderly man who has left behind a sprawling collection of VHS tapes and other media. As they delve deeper into the house, they stumble upon various rooms filled with VHS tapes, DVDs, and other video recording formats. The crew decides to start watching some of the VHS tapes, hoping to find some clues or information about the rare tape. The movie then cuts to a series of interconnected stories, each presented in a found-footage style, as different groups of characters are presented, each with their own unique experiences and encounters within the mysterious house. One group consists of a team of mercenaries, led by Patrick (played by Lane Hughes) and his team. They're tasked with retrieving another rare VHS tape for a private client. However, their mission takes a dark and sinister turn as they discover some of the VHS tapes they're searching for hold disturbing, violent content. The anthology film then shifts to the segment "Second Honeymoon," directed by Adam Wingard, featuring a young couple, Eric (played by Chad Villella) and Abby (played by Kate Lyn Sheil), who go on a weekend getaway to celebrate their anniversary. Initially, the trip starts on a romantic note, but it quickly deteriorates as they experience a series of unsettling events. It's revealed that their video surveillance equipment had captured footage of a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows. Another segment, "Tuesday the 17th," directed by Glenn McQuaid, tells the story of three male friends - Paul (played by Gnam Bhai), Brian (played by Scott Poythress), and Brian's girlfriend, Jennifer (played by Hannah Fierman) - who embark on a camping trip. When strange occurrences start to unfold, it becomes clear that something ominous is afoot. The friends soon realize they're being stalked by an unseen figure, forcing them to defend themselves. One of the most striking segments is "Amateur Night," directed by David Bruckner, in which two young men, Jake and Laci (played by Chris Strieder and Brandon Murphy) are left behind at the house as their crew goes in search of other VHS tapes. As they watch more of the found footage, they become enthralled by its content and engage in a disturbing conversation, exposing their darker sides. Throughout the film, each segment presents a distinct style and tone, ranging from creepy and suspenseful to chaotic and graphic. While some segments lean towards psychological terror and others towards graphic violence, the anthology film ultimately brings together different narratives, revealing a complex and interconnected web of themes, characters, and stories. The movie's central premise, a dilapidated house filled with disturbing and eerie VHS tapes, serves as a metaphor for the fragmented and confusing world of found-footage cinema. By incorporating multiple perspectives and narratives, V/H/S successfully explores the intersection of horror and meta-horror, reflecting the viewer's own sense of confusion and dread. Ultimately, V/H/S delivers an unnerving experience that raises questions about the nature of horror cinema and the impact of technology on our viewing experiences.