Leatherface (2017) is a psychological horror film directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo, known for their visually arresting and visceral storytelling. The film serves as a direct prequel to Tobe Hooperโs The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), exploring the origins of one of cinema’s most iconic and terrifying villains: Leatherface.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre franchise, launched in 1974, has become a hallmark of the slasher genre, inspiring numerous sequels, remakes, and prequels. Leatherface attempts to delve into the psychological and environmental factors that shaped Jedidiah Sawyer into the infamous chainsaw-wielding murderer. By focusing on his formative years, the film offers a fresh perspective on a well-known character while maintaining the grim tone of the series.
The story begins in 1955, with the Sawyer family already steeped in violence. Young Jedidiah Sawyer, the future Leatherface, lives on a rural Texas farm under the influence of his sadistic mother, Verna Sawyer (Lili Taylor). She teaches her children to kill and torment outsiders, instilling her twisted values into their daily lives.
When a young girl dies under suspicious circumstances linked to the Sawyers, Sheriff Hal Hartman (Stephen Dorff) intervenes, removing Jedidiah from his family and placing him in a mental institution for troubled youth. This event serves as the catalyst for Jedidiahโs journey toward becoming Leatherface.
Fast forward ten years, and the institution is overrun during a chaotic riot. Jedidiah, now a teenager, escapes with a group of other inmates:
- Jackson (Sam Strike): A seemingly empathetic and quiet young man.
- Bud (Sam Coleman): A large, mentally impaired individual with violent tendencies.
- Ike (James Bloor) and Clarice (Jessica Madsen): A pair of sadistic, thrill-seeking inmates who revel in chaos.
The group embarks on a violent and gruesome road trip across Texas, leaving carnage in their wake. Along the way, they take Lizzy (Vanessa Grasse), a young nurse, as a hostage. Sheriff Hartman relentlessly pursues the group, driven by vengeance for his daughterโs death, which he blames on the Sawyers.
As the story unfolds, Jackson is revealed to be Jedidiah Sawyer. His descent into madness and his eventual transformation into Leatherface is marked by the trauma and violence he experiences, culminating in a shocking and brutal climax that solidifies his legacy as a horror icon.
Leatherface remains a polarizing entry in the Texas Chain Saw Massacre series. While not as influential as the original, it serves as a unique addition that sheds light on the characterโs origins, appealing to viewers interested in psychological horror and character-driven narratives.