Episode 1 of Archive 81 commences with Dan, a dedicated film aficionado, arriving at his workplace, a museum dedicated to the preservation of old film reels. His expertise in the field is evident, and he eagerly tackles the challenge of restoring a battered tape entrusted to him by his boss, with a deadline looming the next day.
As he inspects the tape, Dan realizes it captures the life of a woman named Melody, a figure briefly glimpsed at the episode's outset. Intrigued, he delves into research, uncovering that the apartment complex she filmed in was devastated by a mysterious fire. But the questions remain: how did it happen? And why?
The following morning, Dan is summoned by Virgil Davenport, the mysterious client who commissioned the tape's restoration. Virgil offers Dan an enticing job at LMG, a cryptic firm with a singular mission: to salvage the contents of numerous tapes, including the one Dan just restored. However, this task requires Dan to relocate to a remote research facility, where the tapes are securely stored. As an incentive, Virgil dangles the prospect of a lucrative 100,000-dollar paycheck. His words strike a chord with Dan, who harbors a personal connection to the subject matter, having lost his family in a fire.
Upon arriving at the facility, Dan is struck by its desolate and foreboding atmosphere, reminiscent of the Overlook Hotel in "The Shining." The place is dilapidated, cold, and devoid of modern conveniences like cell service and internet. As Virgil drops him off, he hands over a wristband, a token of reassurance in case Dan suffers a panic attack. "Good luck, we'll be in touch!" Virgil calls out before driving away, leaving Dan alone in this isolated abyss.
As Dan settles into his work, we are privy to glimpses of Melody's life through her lens. She is embarking on a historical project documenting the Visser Apartment complex. Her only source of advice comes from the janitor, who warns her to steer clear of the sixth floor. The other residents seem equally unwelcoming, ignoring her knocks on their doors. However, Melody's perseverance pays off when she encounters Jess, a girl who works in the building, ferrying items to the residents. With Jess's help and a bit of persuasion, Melody gains access to the complex, embarking on a journey that will soon unravel a sinister mystery.
Melody encounters a captivating musician named Tamara Stefano. Tamara performs a haunting composition, declaring it a symphony encapsulating the "human suffering." The haunting melodies seem to resonate deeply with Melody, causing her to collapse onto the floor.
Melody's fascination with this building stems from its rich history, particularly the apartment complex that once stood before the Visser fire. She yearns to uncover the allure that draws people to this area and the reasons behind the residents' choice to settle here.
"Did Samuel mention this place to you?" she inquisitively probes, leaving Melody perplexed. Suddenly, Jess appears, seemingly possessed, and falls to the ground in a fit. Concurrently, the tape begins to distort, revealing a terrifying sight for Dan. A bizarre figure resembling an alien leans forward, almost as if emerging from the television screen.
Dan eventually gathers his composure and, with the assistance of his newly liberated rat friend, he restores more of the tape. It seems Jess suffers from seizures, yet her doctor fails to detect any abnormality. Jess's mother urges her to consult a priest, insinuating that she had witnessed something before her seizure but remains tight-lipped with Melody.
An even more terrifying snippet of tape unfolds, revealing Melody's realization that Jess has disappeared, suspecting the involvement of the building's residents. She turns the camera towards herself, pleading for help in finding her friend. A man appears on the screen, resembling Dan's father, shocking Dan and piquing his curiosity about the mysterious connections. As the camera pans out, Virgil is revealed to be watching Dan, with surveillance cameras positioned throughout the house, adding to the already unnerving atmosphere.
