The Texas Chainsaw Massacre – The Beginning (2006) Trailer

A chilling prequel to the 2003 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre reboot, The Beginning explores the horrifying origins of Leatherface and the Hewitt family’s descent into madness. Set in 1969 during the height of the Vietnam War, the film follows two brothers, Eric (Matt Bomer) and Dean (Taylor Handley), as they embark on a road trip through Texas before Dean’s deployment to Vietnam. Accompanied by their girlfriends, Chrissie (Jordana Brewster) and Bailey (Diora Baird), the group’s journey takes a sinister turn when they encounter Sheriff Hoyt (R. Lee Ermey) and his deranged family.

After a car crash caused by a motorcycle gang, the group is captured by the sadistic Hewitt family, led by Hoyt. As the group struggles to survive, the film reveals the grotesque backstory of Thomas Hewitt, aka Leatherface (Andrew Bryniarski), detailing his traumatic childhood and the brutal events that shaped him into a remorseless killer.

What follows is a relentless descent into terror, as the characters face unthinkable horrors in a fight for survival against the family’s gruesome methods.

Themes and Tone

• Origins of Evil: The film delves into how Thomas Hewitt becomes the monstrous Leatherface, providing insight into the twisted dynamics of the Hewitt family.
• Survival and Despair: As the characters are subjected to unimaginable brutality, the film emphasizes the struggle to maintain hope in the face of relentless terror.
• War and Chaos: The backdrop of the Vietnam War adds a layer of social commentary, paralleling the chaos of war with the personal horrors faced by the protagonists.

The tone is unrelentingly grim, with graphic violence, an oppressive atmosphere, and a sense of hopelessness that intensifies the horror.

Highlights

• Brutal Violence: The Beginning is unapologetically graphic, featuring gruesome kill scenes and unflinching depictions of torture. It’s not for the faint of heart.
• Strong Performances: R. Lee Ermey delivers a terrifying performance as the sadistic Sheriff Hoyt, while Andrew Bryniarski effectively portrays the menacing and tormented Leatherface.
• Backstory Exploration: Fans of the franchise will appreciate the film’s effort to provide a detailed origin story for Leatherface and the Hewitt family, deepening the mythology of the series.
• Atmospheric Setting: The rural Texas backdrop and desolate landscapes add to the film’s eerie and isolating vibe, enhancing the tension.