Overview
Leatherface (2017) is a contemporary horror film that serves as a prequel to the 1974 landmark The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Directed by the French duo Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo and written by Seth M. Sherwood, the film aims to trace how the franchise's central figure came to be an iconic horror antagonist. The production positions itself within a long-running series and attempts to reconcile a backstory for a largely silent, mythic character.
Cast and principal contributors
- Stephen Dorff — one of the film's lead performers.
- Lili Taylor — among the principal cast members.
- Other notable young leads include Vanessa Grasse and Sam Strike.
- Written by Seth M. Sherwood and directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo.
Plot and themes
The narrative follows the formative years that shape the character known as Leatherface, focusing on family dynamics, trauma, and the social forces that contribute to violent outcomes. Rather than a straight remake, the film intends to explore psychological and environmental influences on identity and behavior. It balances atmospheric horror with moments that attempt to explain motive and development while retaining elements of the franchise's gritty tone.
Place in the franchise
Leatherface is the eighth installment in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre series and functions as a prequel to the original 1974 film. As such, it engages with longstanding franchise lore and expectations while trying to add new context to a character who had previously been largely enigmatic. Readers can consult franchise overviews for broader chronology and continuity questions: Texas Chainsaw Massacre series and the film's position as a prequel.
Production, reception and notable facts
The film is notable for pairing American actors with directors known for visceral European horror, aiming for a raw, character-driven approach rather than a straightforward slasher. Critical reaction was mixed: some reviewers praised performances and atmosphere, while others felt the attempt to explain a mythic figure reduced the original mystery. The movie remains of interest to franchise fans and students of horror for its thematic focus on origin and identity. For further reading about the central figure itself, see the character overview: Leatherface.
Where to begin
For newcomers, Leatherface (2017) can be watched as a standalone exploration of violence and upbringing, but viewers seeking the franchise's full arc may prefer to pair it with the 1974 original and other entries to understand continuity and contrasts across decades of horror filmmaking.