VHYes 2020

In 1987, a young boy named Ralph receives a VHS camcorder as a Christmas present from his parents. Eager to capture the essence of his surroundings, Ralph immerses himself in filming neighborhood adventures with his best friend, creating makeshift music videos, and particularly recording late-night television to uncover the mysterious programming that airs after bedtime. Unbeknownst to Ralph, the blank VHS tape he has selected turns out to be his parents’ wedding video. The film playfully parodies the flavor of 1980s late-night television, with a special focus on infomercials, public access shows, and even more risqué content.

Amidst this quirky landscape, one surreal talk show catches attention, featuring a woman who discusses the implications of increasing VHS camera usage on people’s perception of reality. Throughout the narrative, brief snippets of Ralph’s parents’ wedding memories intertwine with scenes documenting the gradual disintegration of their marriage, revealing conflicts and what appears to be infidelity from Ralph’s father.

Curiosity strikes Ralph when he tunes into a true crime program detailing a tragic sorority house fire. Driven by intrigue, he and his best friend decide to sneak out on New Year’s Eve to investigate the aftermath. Inside, they are confronted by the ghost of a girl who fell victim to the fire. As they attempt to make their escape, Ralph stumbles upon an antique television set, where he connects his camera, inadvertently hurling himself into the deteriorating world of his own recording.

This surreal experience leads Ralph to meet various characters from the shows he’s taped, including a younger version of his mother, portrayed by Kerri Kenney. Filled with questions, Ralph queries her about her choice to marry his father despite the evident unhappiness that followed. In response, she shares a tender memory from her wedding day, illuminating the complexities of their relationship. After their heartfelt exchange, Ralph and his friend suddenly find themselves back at the sorority house. Realizing they’ve had their fill of VHS experiences, the duo decides to leave the camera behind and head back home, marking a pivotal moment in their understanding of the tangled narratives of love and loss.