Leatherface

Leatherface is a 2017 horror film directed by the acclaimed French filmmaking duo Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo and produced by Christa Campbell, Lati Grobman, Carl Mazzocone, Les Weldon, and David Lucas. The film stars Stephen Dorff, Lili Taylor, and Sam Strike. Serving as a prequel to the Texas Chain Saw Massacre franchise, it explores the origins of the iconic character 'Leatherface'.

Set in the late 1950s Texas, the film establishes its narrative around Verna Sawyer, a resilient matriarch of Sawyer family played by Lili Taylor. This carnivorous family operates a slaughterhouse and has an appetite for monstrous activities. The Sawyers find themselves in an escalating conflict with the authoritarian and vengeful local sheriff, Hal Hartman, a man deeply scarred by a tragedy induced by the Sawyer family. Sheriff Hartman is played by Stephen Dorff, who gives a captivating performance as a law enforcer perched on the edge of insanity.

Playing Leatherface in his youth, Sam Strike portrays the character of Jedidiah "Jed" Sawyer wonderfully. The film does an exceptional job uncovering the transition of the innocent Jed Sawyer into the monstrous killer known as Leatherface. Through the journey of this disturbed teenager to a ferocious psychopathic human, this horrifying tale nudges the viewers into the darker edges of human existence where humanity gets overshadowed by the violent tendencies of some disturbed minds. The dilemmas and dynamics are explored brilliantly, along with the gruesome horrors that lead to the birth of Leatherface.

Drenched in gothic atmosphere, Leatherface situates itself amongst a swirl of gore and macabre, bringing audiences a vivid reimagining of Leatherface’s origin story. The narrative refuses to hold back on the series' signature graphic violence. However, the directors also weave in elements of dark comedy, elevating the horror and putting their unique Euro-horror stamp on this well-established franchise.

An integral element that elevates the film’s sinister creepiness quotient is the cinematography by Antoine Sanier. The settings' eerie look, coupled with a rather unnerving background score by John Frizzell, lets the viewers immerse in the horrific ambiance of the narrative. There's a threatening feeling of dread that pervades every frame, which is particularly brought out by the uncensored portrayal of violence coupled with grim visual storytelling.

One of the strongest points in Leatherface is the performances by its stellar ensemble. Dorff and Taylor both stand out with their haunting performances. Dorff's portrayal of Hartman, a man incensed by revenge but trapped within the confines of his badge, is simply mesmerizing. Taylor's performance as the manipulative and relentless matriarch Verna guarantees some collective gasps from the audience.

Strike, as the titular character, gives one of his best performances, giving viewers a clear look into the twisted mental state of the character that consistently heightens the sense of horror. His chilling portrayal, especially during the climax of the narrative, does justice to the legacy of the monstrous figure that Leatherface has been in the world of horror cinema.

Maury and Bustillo's introduction of Leatherface seems to be a love letter to the Texas Chainsaw franchise's violent origins while either contrasting or complementing the aesthetic with their unique strands of French horror cinema. They take on the challenge of creating a film that balances fan-service with its own unique direction, aiming to satisfy long-standing fan expectations and generate new interest.

Leatherface is not for the faint of heart and makes for a nerve-racking experience, with its gritty and bloody visuals becoming a staple of this film. It is a cinematic venture that seeks to penetrate the subconscious and evoke primeval fears, resonating deeply with audiences. This film invites viewers into a disturbing and graphic world, shedding light on how a horrifying icon of pop culture came into being against the backdrop of a broader family drama, intense characters, and a brew of madness and vengeance.

In short, Leatherface is an exhilarating and graphically intense horror film that provides an in-depth look into the origin of one of the horror genre's most iconic killers. With its relentless carnage, well-crafted characters, striking performances, it succeeds in both rattling nerves and leaving an ambient sense of terror long after the credits roll. If you are a fan of the franchise or a lover of horror, this modern exploration of the classic character is sure to hit the sweet spot for intense, chilling satisfaction.