In 1974, director Tobe Hooper unleashedThe Texas Chain Saw Massacreonto an unsuspecting public, and it forever changed the horror genre. Blasted by critics at the time for being nothing more than what we now call torture porn, the film has gone on to become a revered classic that was selected for preservationin the United States National Film Registry in 2024. Now, a new documentary titledChain Reactionspromises to change the way you watch one of the most infamous horror movies ever made.
Directed by Alexandre O. Philippe, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the likes of78/52,Memory: The Origins of Alien, andThe People vs. George Lucas,Chain Reactionsbrings together five creatives to offer their perspectives onThe Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and how it impacted their lives. The goal, says Philippe, is to “forever change the way you watch or think about the film.” Along for the ride are Stephen King, Patton Oswalt,Auditiondirector Takashi Miike,Jennifer’s Bodydirector Karyn Kusama, and film critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre: What Makes the Original Film So Iconic
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) strays from what made the original so horrifying and steps into the category of the exploitative slasher film.
The trailer forChain Reactions(seen below) showcases a little of what we can expect in the new documentary, and the different perspectives of those involved. “It’s a home invasion movie from Leatherface’s point of view,” says Heller-Nicholas at one point, while Oswald notes of the film: “People are always looking up at the sun. It’s like the sun itself has become diseased.” “I admire this movie so much, and it was made for chump change,” adds King later on. Needless to say, this is definitely going to be one to watch if you’re a fan ofThe Texas Chain Saw Massacre, or a horror fan in general that just can’t get enough analysis of the genre.
‘Chain Reactions’ Is Already Impressing Critics
Set to release later this year from Dark Sky Films,Chain Reactionshas already been making the rounds on the festival circuit, and reviews have been nothing short of spectacular. Sitting at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, Deirdre Crimmins from Rue Morgue Magazine says that it “does not attempt to be anything it is not,” adding:
“It lets its interview subjects take their time and speak their mind. It is not trying to break any news or create new conspiracy theories. It is just five smart people talking about a great film.”
Spencer Perry from Comicbook.com notes that the documentary “not only solidifies how a film as iconic asTexas Chain Saw Massacreremains that way, but how, even decades later, we’re still finding unique burrows within it to explore.” David Cuevas of Next Best Picture also had high praise forChain Reactions, saying that “as a meditation on the power of the cinematic art form, the documentary succeeds as a valuable cultural examination.” Meanwhile, critic Alan French called it “a love letter to an all-time classic,” and a movie that “shines as one of Philippe’s most entertaining works.”
We’ll have more news onChain Reactionsas it becomes available, including a release date. In the meantime,the 1974 classic,The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, is available to stream on Peacock, Prime Video, or for free on Tubi.
