'Nightmarish' horror film banned in several countries now streaming on Amazon Prime

Decades after its initial release, this contentious horror flick has finally made its way to streaming platforms.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which first terrified audiences in 1974, continues to split opinion, with some hailing it as a "nightmarish" masterpiece and others taking serious issue with its content.

Crafted by Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel, this indie horror sensation drew inspiration from the chilling real-life crimes of Ed Gein, whose macabre murders and collection of human keepsakes shocked the 1950s. The film's claim to be based on 'true events' was a strategic ploy to lure viewers into theatres, while also attempting to reflect the tumultuous political landscape of the 70s, though it is more renowned for its ability to horrify than for any political commentary.

The plot follows a group of friends heading to an old family home, only to encounter a deranged family of cannibals, leading to a series of brutal encounters, including the infamous chainsaw attacks.

On Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer expressed their take on the film: "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a gripping, visceral experience that captures the raw realism of arthouse cinema. It's terrifying in its authenticity, drawing unsettling parallels between the treatment of animals and the victims in the film.", reports the Mirror US.

An impressed fan said: "An absolutely amazing slasher film, especially for the time it was made in. The way this movie is shot feels like a documentary; it feels very authentic and real, which adds to the horror a lot more.

"However, some of the scare does get taken away from the movie because of how goofy the Sawyer family is, which adds a little bit of comedy, but there's nothing wrong with that for me. Really good movie. 10/10."

The graphic nature of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' provoked outright bans in various countries, while droves of cinemas ceased screenings amid public outcry over its intense violence.

Yet, despite such condemnation, the film carved out a legacy, inspiring a slew of sequels, re-imaginings, comics, and video games-all starring the infamous Leatherface.

One viewer couldn't shake off the unease, sharing: "A nightmarish experience from start to end, this horror classic isn't airtight all the way through, but it truly has an impeccable atmosphere and terrific camerawork. That scene around the kitchen table is probably some of the most frightening sequences I have ever seen in my life."

Contemporary critics remain entranced by the movie's ground-breaking impact, lauding 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' as a cornerstone for the broader horror realm and a pioneer in carving out the slasher subgenre, complete with power tools becoming emblematic of horror's most chilling villains.

Dive into the chilling world of a film often branded as "disturbing" and see where you land in the debate - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is ready for streaming on Amazon Prime.