What Is the Story About?
Four friends with entrepreneurial ambitions come to the harrowed town of Harlow in Texas to start an auction. They want to sell off old properties to potential buyers and turn them into trendy modern places.
However, they face a setback when an older woman Ginny questions them regarding the authenticity of their documents as the owner of the property. A minor skirmish leads to Ginny getting a heart attack. A well-built stranger accompanies her to the hospital. All hell breaks loose when Ginny dies on the way.
Who is the stranger, what happens to the four friends, and the auction is the basic plot of the movie.
Performances?
Sarah Yalkin and Elsie Fisher are the primary leads of the movie. They play sisters and are successful in depicting a small bond between them. It would have been impossible to have even a tiny element of tension in the narrative if not for them. They primarily act fearful or show courage, but that is alright for the proceedings.
Analysis
David Blue Garcia directs Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It belongs to the universe of the namesake and is reportedly a direct continuation of the original movie that came way back in 1974.
The opening sets the movie’s basic premise neatly, even if one has no clue about the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise or the old film. The principal characters too are neatly and quickly established without wasting any time.
However, the quickness also leads to a rushed feeling. One surely misses an ominous sings ahead kind of buildup. It becomes an issue once the gang lands in the deserted town of Harlow. Establishing the mood, the world and overall chilly feel are missing.
Considering the slasher genre, it is also acceptable, but it’s done flatly without any impact. The thrill and edginess are replaced with gore and gruesomeness. The all-important sequence with Ginny, which makes the big introduction and later to the monster’s return, lacks the thrill.
Once the Leatherface is revealed, and the proceedings shift to Harlow, there are some engaging moments. However, the lack of atmospheric horror and plain-Jane execution focusing on gore than the horror (the expressions) leads to a weak narrative.
There are no surprises in the narrative which also has its impact. We don’t usually have much of a story in the Slasher genre movies, but there are enough ‘unexpected’ moments happening that keep one on the edge of the seat (in fear or horror). Nothing of that sort happens here.
It is all about the survival of the main leads, with other characters becoming the roadblocks stopping from letting the eventuality happen. The process is also quickly done away with no drama or tension. The ending has a shocking moment, but it feels like it’s done for setting a sequel instead of giving a proper finish.
Overall, Texas Chainsaw Massacre has a legendary character and cult franchise at its disposal. However, the final output is literally a massacring of the property at hand. If you like the genre and the gore, give the movie a try for brief, tense moments, but be wary of the expectations.
Other Artists?
Many artists are present in supporting parts, but none have a decent role. They are mainly used just for kills, and hence we feel no emotional connection at all. It includes the likes of Moe Dunford, Nell Hudson etc. Mark Burnham has an imposing personality, but that’s it about him.
Music and Other Departments?
The background score by Colin Stetson is loud mostly but serves the purpose. It keeps up with the bombastic and gaudy tone of the project. Ricardo Diaz’s cinematography is alright. The lowkey effort is felt in parts. The editing by Christopher S Capp is okay. There is nothing much to talk about the writing as it is mostly generic.
Highlights?
Few Tense Moments
Setting
BGM
Drawbacks?
Predictable Narrative
Missing Heightened Drama
Poorly Written Characters
Rushed Making
Did I Enjoy It?
NoWill You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge ReservationsTexas Chainsaw Massacre Review by Binged Bureau