Celebrating it’s 50th year in all its grisly glory, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE remains a groundbreaking horror film that has left an indelible mark on the genre.

The film follows a group of young friends who, while traveling through rural Texas, stumble upon a dilapidated farmhouse inhabited by a terrifying family of cannibals, including the iconic character Leatherface, who wields a chainsaw as his weapon of choice.

TCM’s raw, gritty aesthetic and documentary-style cinematography create an unsettling atmosphere that heightens the sense of dread. Its minimalistic plot is amplified by the intense performances of the cast, particularly Marilyn Burns as Sally Hardesty. The film’s themes of isolation and the horrors of rural America resonate deeply, making it a cultural touchstone.

Despite its controversial release and initial backlash due to its graphic content, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE has been critically re-evaluated and is now considered one of the greatest horror films of all time.