I give the horror movie VHS 3 out of 5 stars. It brings together three stories, each with its own style and cast. It is also Daryl Yap’s first horror film. The pacing stays quick, but the stories still have room to unfold.
Story 2: A Psychological Horror
My favorite is Story 2, starring McCoy De Leon and Ella Cruz. This psychological horror gradually reveals its story and keeps the audience thinking. It explores the search for love and how people can exploit those who long for it.
McCoy gives a strong performance. He fully takes on the character, and his appearance and portrayal give him a Jeffrey Dahmer-like quality.
Story 1: Jump Scares and a Nuanced Performance
Story 1 stars Sachzna Laparan. I enjoyed it, though I was not fully convinced that the characters belonged to a cheerleading team. That detail distracted me at times.
Sachzna’s nuanced performance is the story’s biggest strength. It makes her character more interesting. The segment also delivers some effective jump scares.
Story 3: An Emotional Finale
The final story stars Sarah Lahbati and Kit Thompson. It has an emotional core, though its secret did not fully convince me. With plastic surgery now so advanced, I wondered why the characters had to hide it. Still, their vanity helps explain the story’s direction.
I liked the cast, especially the younger actors. The final stretch is the highlight. It brings together pity, fear, and suspense, and leaves the audience on a high note.
Final Verdict
VHS is an easy watch with brisk pacing that never makes the stories feel rushed. In fact, the film left me wanting more. Its style also recalls horror movies from the 1980s and 1990s, down to the ghost effects.
It is a good film to watch with friends. You will likely have plenty to discuss afterward.
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
Watch VHS Official Trailer here.
McCoy De Leon, one of the stars of VHS, also appears in the Philippine adaptation of Fight for My Way. Read our article here.
Want to hear more of my thoughts on VHS? Watch my full review below.