V/H/S/2 (2013)

V/H/S/2 (2013) Movie Review: A Terrifying Anthology with a Found-Footage Twist

Released in 2013, V/H/S/2 is the second installment in the V/H/S anthology horror series, directed by a team of genre filmmakers including Simon Barrett, Adam Wingard, Gareth Evans, and Eduardo Sánchez. This found-footage horror anthology follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, delivering four uniquely terrifying short films, all tied together by a frame narrative. V/H/S/2 builds on the original with more intense scares, creative storytelling, and a stronger visual presentation, making it one of the standout entries in the found-footage horror subgenre.

In this review, we’ll delve into the different segments of the anthology, analyze what makes each story effective, and discuss how the film compares to the first V/H/S entry. We’ll also guide you to where you can stream, rent, or purchase V/H/S/2 online.

Plot Summary: A Found-Footage Anthology of Nightmares

V/H/S/2 follows the same format as its predecessor, with a central storyline — known as the “frame narrative” — that weaves together a series of short horror films. The frame narrative in this installment is titled Tape 49 and involves two private investigators searching for a missing college student. When they enter the student’s house, they find a collection of VHS tapes. As they watch the tapes, each one presents a different horror story, with disturbing and terrifying consequences.

The four short films in the anthology are as follows:

1. Phase I Clinical Trials (Directed by Adam Wingard)

The first short follows a man who receives an experimental ocular implant after losing his eye in an accident. However, the implant allows him to see ghosts and supernatural entities that terrorize him. The story plays on themes of technology, fear of the unknown, and the thin boundary between life and death. Wingard’s use of first-person perspective, through the lens of the character’s implant, creates a heightened sense of claustrophobia and paranoia.

2. A Ride in the Park (Directed by Eduardo Sánchez and Gregg Hale)

In this segment, a cyclist outfitted with a GoPro camera rides through a park, only to encounter a zombie outbreak. The story takes a unique twist by showing much of the action from the perspective of the cyclist-turned-zombie, providing a fresh take on the zombie genre. The combination of dark humor and brutal violence makes this segment stand out, and it cleverly plays with the idea of the human experience being recorded in extreme situations.

3. Safe Haven (Directed by Gareth Evans and Timo Tjahjanto)

Perhaps the most talked-about segment in V/H/S/2, Safe Haven follows a documentary crew that gains access to a secluded Indonesian cult compound. What begins as an eerie exploration of cult dynamics quickly spirals into chaos, as supernatural forces are unleashed, and the cult’s true, horrifying purpose is revealed. The segment features explosive gore, shocking twists, and relentless tension, making it the most intense and terrifying part of the anthology.

4. Slumber Party Alien Abduction (Directed by Jason Eisener)

This final short captures a group of kids and teenagers playing with a video camera during a slumber party, only to be interrupted by an alien invasion. Shot from the perspective of a dog’s collar cam and handheld footage from the kids, this segment blends childhood innocence with the terror of an extraterrestrial encounter. The rawness of the found-footage style amplifies the fear and chaos as the children fight for survival against the aliens.

Frame Narrative: Tape 49

Directed by Simon Barrett, the frame narrative Tape 49 ties together the various VHS tapes. As the investigators watch each tape, the eerie presence of the house and the disturbing effects of the tapes begin to unravel the investigators’ grip on reality. While the frame story isn’t as strong as the individual segments, it adds a layer of mystery and serves as a conduit to the terrifying shorts.

Themes: Fear in Different Forms

V/H/S/2 excels in presenting different types of horror through each of its segments. Each story taps into a distinct fear or anxiety, making the anthology feel like a comprehensive exploration of the horror genre. Here’s a closer look at some of the themes:

• Technology and the Supernatural: In Phase I Clinical Trials, the idea of technology allowing us to see things that should remain hidden is explored in a chilling way. The fear of being watched or being surrounded by invisible entities is central to this segment.
• Loss of Control: A Ride in the Park plays with the fear of bodily autonomy being stripped away. The transformation into a zombie is not just a physical transformation but also a loss of humanity, and the use of the GoPro camera adds a disturbing first-person perspective to this nightmare.
• Religious Cults and Doom: Safe Haven is perhaps the most unsettling, as it combines the fear of being trapped within a fanatic religious group with supernatural horror. The unpredictable nature of cults, combined with graphic violence and demonic terror, creates an overwhelming sense of dread.
• Childhood and Alien Terror: Slumber Party Alien Abduction juxtaposes the innocence of childhood fun with the horrifying reality of an alien attack. The fear of the unknown, particularly the extraterrestrial, is magnified by the helplessness of the children caught in the invasion.

Cinematography and Visuals: Found-Footage Done Right

V/H/S/2 embraces the found-footage format, using the perspective of handheld cameras, surveillance footage, and body cams to create an immersive and chaotic viewing experience. Each segment utilizes the found-footage style in creative ways, allowing the viewer to feel like a participant in the horror rather than just a spectator.

One of the strengths of the found-footage genre is the rawness it brings to the screen, and V/H/S/2 uses this to its advantage. The shaky, grainy footage makes each scare feel immediate and visceral. The way the directors employ different camera types — from a GoPro in A Ride in the Park to a fixed security camera in Phase I Clinical Trials — keeps the visual style varied and engaging.

Strengths and Weaknesses: More Hits Than Misses

Strengths:

1. Diverse Horror Subgenres: Each segment of V/H/S/2 offers a different kind of horror, from supernatural and sci-fi to body horror and cult terror. This variety keeps the anthology fresh and ensures that there’s something for every horror fan.
2. Standout Segments: Safe Haven is widely regarded as the best segment of the film, delivering relentless tension, gore, and a unique cult-based storyline. A Ride in the Park is also notable for its creative use of the zombie genre, showing the transformation from a unique perspective.
3. Strong Visual and Practical Effects: Despite the found-footage format, the special effects — especially in segments like Safe Haven — are impressive, with a blend of practical and digital effects that enhance the horror.
4. Pacing: At just under 96 minutes, V/H/S/2 moves at a brisk pace. The short film format allows for quick, hard-hitting scares without overstaying its welcome.

Weaknesses:

1. Frame Narrative: The central story (Tape 49) is weaker than the individual shorts, feeling more like a convenient way to string together the anthology than a compelling narrative in its own right.
2. Uneven Segments: While Safe Haven and A Ride in the Park are standout hits, some segments, like Phase I Clinical Trials, may not resonate as strongly. The quality and creativity of the shorts can feel inconsistent.

Where to Watch V/H/S/2 Online: Streaming and Rental Services

If you’re eager to watch V/H/S/2, you can find it available on several streaming platforms, as well as for rental and purchase. Here are some options in the U.S.:

Streaming Services:

1. Shudder – V/H/S/2 is available for streaming on Shudder, a platform dedicated to horror films and series.
2. Hulu – The movie can also be found on Hulu, which frequently features horror films, especially during the Halloween season.
3. Tubi – This ad-supported free streaming service offers V/H/S/2, allowing viewers to watch the movie without a subscription.

Rental and Purchase Options:

1. Amazon Prime Video – You can rent or purchase V/H/S/2 on Amazon, available in both SD and HD.
2. Google Play Movies & TV – The film is available for rental or purchase via Google Play, with similar pricing options.
3. Apple TV – Renting or buying V/H/S/2 is also possible through Apple’s platform, making it accessible across multiple Apple devices.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Found-Footage Horror Fans

V/H/S/2 is a marked improvement over its predecessor, offering more polished visuals, better pacing, and a wider variety of scares. While the frame narrative may not be as engaging as the individual shorts, the anthology format allows for quick and effective horror storytelling. With segments like Safe Haven and A Ride in the Park delivering standout thrills, V/H/S/2 is a must-watch for fans of found-footage horror and anthology films.

For those who appreciate creative horror that doesn’t rely on big budgets or traditional storytelling techniques, V/H/S/2 is a visceral, disturbing, and highly entertaining watch.