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Video World is a 2013 indie film that takes its viewers on a trip through a surreal, retro-futuristic video store - Video World, located in upstate New York. The movie is filmed entirely in black and white, which gives it a vintage vibe, and its narrative draws inspiration from the cult classic movie Videodrome. The story is centred around the character of Charlie (Ben Churchill), an extremely introverted, socially awkward man in his late twenties, who’s had a mystifying connection to Video World ever since he was a child. Charlie is infatuated with the movies he watches and lives his life through them as he struggles to connect with the real world. His enigmatic, almost robot-like behaviour is borne from his unfulfilled longing for human connection.

The movie begins with Charlie walking into Video World and browsing through its expansive collection of VHS tapes. He looks unkempt, dressed in ill-fitting clothes that accentuate his chronic state of dishevelment. Video World has an almost mystical quality to it, with shelves upon shelves of dated VHS tapes, flickering TV screens, and buzzing fluorescent lights. The store's eclectic and bizarre décor reinforces the idea of Charlie being stuck in a hideaway to avoid confronting the real world.

As Charlie goes about his daily routine of sweeping and dusting off the tapes, we learn about his condition, spending almost his entire day in the store. His life takes a turn for the worse when the owner of Video World, Carl (Ed Kaczynski), announces that he will be shutting down the store and selling off its entire collection. This news sends Charlie into a whirlwind of emotions, as the store is not only his sanctuary, but it is also an escape from reality.

As Carl prepares to hold a clearance sale, a group of absurd-looking characters begins to appear in the store, adding more strangeness to the surreal narrative. These characters convey a dreamlike, uneasy feeling and create a contrast with Charlie's attempt at a normal life. Eventually, Charlie meets an equally socially-awkward girl named Alicia (Kathy Masiulis), who frequents the store. The two of them hit it off and start bonding over their shared love of B-movies, beauty pageants, and their shared loneliness.

Through his conversations with Alicia, Charlie begins to figure out what he wants in life, and the store, with its colorful patrons and eclectic atmosphere, becomes the catalyst for his transformation. The story takes on a poetic and nostalgic angle as Charlie begins to find solace in his new relationship and starts letting go of the past.

The film is unconventional both in its narrative and visual style, and it is undoubtedly an acquired taste. But it’s effective in its portrayal of the power of escapism and the role that art plays in our lives, reminding us of the beauty of the human imagination. It’s a love letter to video stores, a nostalgic nod to a bygone era, and a unique story about finding oneself in the most unexpected of places.

The performances by the cast are outstanding, particularly Ben Churchill, who delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man struggling to break out of his shell. Ed Kaczynski’s character oozes with eccentricity, and he brings the right amount of quirkiness to the film. Kathy Masiulis delivers a poignant performance as the female lead character, bringing out the much-needed emotional balance to the film.

Overall, Video World is a surreal, quirky, and surprisingly heartfelt film that’s worth checking out for those seeking the unconventional. Its experimental narrative and unconventional visual style may not be for everyone, but it's a film that is deserving of appreciation for its unique storytelling and taking risks. It is a reminder of the magic of a good story, the power of friendship, and the significance of human connection.

Video World is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 16 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.