Chainsaws Were Singing Fantasia Review: Quirky Horror

Chainsaws Were Singing has some memorable gore and practical effects, but its outlandish storyline and cheap humor diminish its quality.

After all, when “twincest” is mentioned as part of the storyline, you have a good sense of what sort of offbeat narrative to expect. I can attest that Sander Maran’s film certainly pushes boundaries and is bold, experimental, and wacky from start to finish.

Chainsaws Were Singing follows two down-on-their-luck individuals who are introduced by fate. Tom (Karl-Joosep Ilves) is heartbroken after being dumped by his girlfriend. On the other hand, Maria (Laura Niils) has experienced an array of misfortunes in her life, which has led to depression. When Tom sees Maria moping in a river, he instantly falls for her, and the pair find comfort in one another. However, their time spent together is short-lived when a murderous man with a chainsaw (Martin Ruus) kidnaps Maria. Tom is now tasked with saving his lover before she is harmed, with the help of a newfound friend Jaan (Janno Puusepp).

Although I admire the filmmakers of Chainsaws Were Singing for their creative vision and ambition when blending multiple genres and themes, the feature is so absurd that it completely lost me early on. After a promising opening scene where the ferocious killer chases down Maria, we later meet the slayer’s bloodthirsty family (who partake in cannibalism) and twins in an incestuous relationship. While there will be an audience for this type of exaggerated surrealism, the film’s quirky scenarios, parody-type approach to storytelling, and crude humor won’t be for everyone.

Throughout its runtime, Chainsaws Were Singing integrates its horror and comedy relatively well, maintaining a consistent whimsical, tongue-in-cheek tone. However, the feature feels exceedingly long, with drawn-out singing sequences and repetitive concepts. In addition, some of the film’s elements feel incorporated into the narrative at random. Take, for example, characters who somehow enter cars without opening a door to enter the vehicle. While such ludicrousness fits the feature’s absurd and over-the-top nature, it adds little to the story and feels randomly placed without any rationale.

Another drawback is that the movie often relies on lowbrow humor (such as a random sexual act reference) and tedious physical gags for laughs. While this may entertain viewers who enjoy this type of comedy, it didn’t work for me. As someone who prefers much more intelligent and subtle humor, this comedic approach grew tiresome in a short amount of time.

All that said, Chainsaws Were Singing does have some positives. The film’s biggest asset is its memorable, gnarly gore, which will impress even the most seasoned horror fan. Considering the film’s low budget, the stellar practical effects are also praiseworthy. Kill scenes are not only creative but also freakishly realistic. In fact, the graphic yet immaculate detail had me wincing.

Another positive is the cast’s decent performances, with the killer’s mother (played by Rita Rätsepp) as the film’s unforgettable highlight. She’s wickedly evil, and her threatening demeanor makes you feel physically uncomfortable whenever she appears on screen. Finding enjoyment in Chainsaws Were Singing will depend solely on your humor preferences and whether you enjoy mindless, overly exaggerated slasher films devoid of much logic. If you’re part of the former crowd, this film might scratch an itch and be highly entertaining. However, if, like me, you prefer your horror to contain realism and grounded storytelling, then this feature will be far too eccentric for your taste, which will diminish the film’s quality.

Chainsaws Were Singing premiered at the Fantasia Film Festival on July 23-26, 2024.

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