'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' Review: Netflix legacy sequel is gore-filled entertainer
In 1974, a low-budget horror movie titled ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ changed the genre forever. It would go on to become one of the most successful horror movies of all time and everyone called it one of the most “purely horrifying horror movies” ever made. Since then, the ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ has become a franchise and spawned seven more movies.
So, it doesn’t come as a shock that even after four decades of its release, filmmakers are still trying to make a ‘TCM’ movie and give viewers the same experience that the original one did. The latest addition to the franchise is the Netflix movie ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’, which serves as a legacy sequel to the original 1974 movie. The horror flick revolves around four friends – Melody (Sarah Yarkin), Lila (Elsie Fisher), Ruth (Nell Hudson), and Dante (Jacob Latimore) – reaching Harlow for an auction. However, everything changes when they enter an orphanage and meet the old lady who has been running the place.
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According to Dante, the old lady needs to go out because the bank gave them this place. The conversation makes her uncomfortable and her health deteriorates. One of her boys and undoubtedly Leatherface sees that and gets her to hospital. But, the old lady dies in the van and we see Leatherface emerging once again. As always, the primary focus of the movie is on Leatherface (Mark Burnham) and how he tries avenging his mother’s death by going on a killing spree.
Let me just clear one thing, none of the previous movies have come closer to the original one, this one doesn’t as well. But the best part of the latest ‘TCM’ is that it gives everything that viewers expected from it. The direction from David Blue Garcia is great and he keeps the tension flowing throughout with some really amazing shots. Meanwhile, the background score is haunting and builds up the tension to a point where you are at the edge of your seats.
As far as acting is concerned, Sarah Yarkin is undoubtedly the star of the movie. She is amazing as Melody and although, she starts off as a character who is a little annoying but as soon as the movie progresses, you start to root for her. Yarkin shows her range as an actor in this role and exceeds all the expectations. She might become the next big thing in Hollywood, until then, enjoy her in this movie. She is wonderful.
Another actor who is phenomenal in her role is none other than Elsie Fisher. Her character stays low and doesn’t go out much because of a horrifying incident that took place in the past. Her somber performance makes her character even more interesting and compelling.
Jacob Latimore and Nell Hudson are incredible as well.
Mark Burnham as Leatherface is brilliant. He is terrifying and when he runs with an electric saw in his hands, you better run fast or he’ll cut you in pieces. I would definitely want to see him playing Leatherface again. Meanwhile, Olwen Fouere as Sally Hardesty is great. Even though her role is not that big, she is riveting as Sally.
The 1974 movie was a masterpiece and filmmakers of today’s generation take inspiration from ‘TCM’ to produce their own horror material. It’s not easy to reach that level of filmmaking, but the best thing about the latest ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ is that it’s not trying to be like the original one. It’s trying to build a new universe around an iconic villain and the result we got was a gore-filled, entertaining ride that will keep viewers hooked to their screens.
A good addition to the franchise until you start comparing it with the original one.
'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' is currently streaming on Netflix.