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V/H/S/2

Name: V/H/S/2
Director: Simon Barrett, Adam Wingard, Eduardo Sánchez, Gregg Hale, Timo Tjahjanto, Gareth Evans, Jason Eisener
Released: 2013
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

7.4/10

Good

2013

Director

Simon Barrett, Adam Wingard, Eduardo Sánchez, Gregg Hale, Timo Tjahjanto, Gareth Evans, Jason Eisener

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

V/H/S/2 succeeds as a globalized horror anthology by leveraging an international directorial roster to challenge Western-centric genre norms. Its strength lies in its ability to deconstruct traditional hierarchies, particularly regarding religious authority and gendered power dynamics. While the film excels in cultural and racial breadth, it remains limited in its representation of LGBTQ+ identities and disability. The narrative focuses more on visceral, supernatural disruption than on nuanced character studies of underrepresented lived experiences. Ultimately, the film functions as a fragmented exploration of power. It trades traditional social stability for a chaotic, postmodern lens that favors globalized aesthetics over inclusive character-driven storytelling.

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Category Breakdown

Does V/H/S/2 have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not explicitly address non-straight relationships or same-sex intimacy. Character arcs mainly revolve around traditional relationships without intentionally challenging norms related to LGBTQ+ identities.

How does V/H/S/2 portray gender?

Fair

The anthology shifts the focus away from the male perspective in segments like Amateur Night, where female characters transition from being targeted to becoming powerful figures. However, other segments still rely on traditional narratives of female vulnerability.

How racially and ethnically diverse is V/H/S/2?

Good

The film includes a wide range of international directors and cultural settings. The inclusion of South Asian perspectives through Timo Tjahjanto's direction helps broaden the horror genre beyond an Anglo-centric viewpoint.

How does V/H/S/2 represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques organized spiritual authority and systemic oppression through cultic environments. It uses a postmodern aesthetic to challenge social stability and traditional institutional structures.

Does V/H/S/2 include disability representation?

Limited

Themes of psychological distress and sensory overload serve as atmospheric tools rather than nuanced portrayals of disability. There is a lack of characters navigating the world through lived disability experiences.

Present on Screen

The international directorial roster offers a diverse array of globalized narrative perspectives.
Subversion of the male perspective transforms female characters from passive victims into powerful figures.
Integration of South Asian cultural lenses challenges the dominance of Western horror clichés.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks explicit representation or intentional narrative focus on LGBTQ+ identities.
Disability is used as an atmospheric plot device rather than a nuanced portrayal of lived experience.
Certain segments still rely on traditional depictions of female isolation and vulnerability.

Official Synopsis

Inside a darkened house looms a column of TVs littered with VHS tapes, a pagan shrine to forgotten analog gods. The screens crackle and pop endlessly with monochrome vistas of static white noise permeating the brain and fogging concentration. But you must fight the urge to relax: this is no mere movie night. Those obsolete spools contain more than just magnetic tape. They are imprinted with the very soul of evil.

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