The 2022 film Texas Chainsaw Massacre ends with a shocking twist. Leatherface survives and kills Melody, leaving Lila traumatized and alone.
The movie serves as a direct sequel to the 1974 classic. It brings back Leatherface in a modern setting. The ending and post-credits scene hint at future sequels.
Plot Summary
In Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022), a group of young entrepreneurs heads to Harlow, Texas. Melody, her sister Lila, Dante, and Ruth plan to auction off old properties. They aim to transform the town into a trendy area. However, their plans go awry when they meet Ginny, an elderly woman who claims to own one of the properties. This confrontation leads to the re-emergence of Leatherface, who has been hiding for nearly 50 years.
Ginny’s death triggers Leatherface’s killing spree. He seeks revenge on the group, leading to a series of brutal murders. The film quickly turns into a bloodbath, with Leatherface at the center of the chaos.
Ending Explained
The climax focuses on Melody and Lila, the two surviving sisters. They face Leatherface in a final showdown. This battle takes place in a drainage system. The sisters manage to overpower Leatherface and seemingly drown him. However, the film leaves his fate uncertain. It is unclear if he is truly dead or will return (Ready Steady Cut).
The ending gives a false sense of security. Just when it seems the sisters have won, Leatherface resurfaces. He brutally kills Melody, leaving Lila alone and traumatized. This mirrors the lone survivor trope common in the franchise (Screen Rant).
Post-Credits Scene
The post-credits scene hints at the future of the franchise. It shows Leatherface walking down a dirt road with his chainsaw. He heads towards the house from the original 1974 film. This suggests he is returning to his roots. It sets up a new chapter that could explore his past and the Sawyer family legacy (Cheat Sheet).
Thematic Elements
The film explores themes like gentrification, survivor’s guilt, and trauma. Melody feels guilty for bringing Lila into danger. Lila, already traumatized by a school shooting, faces more horror in Harlow. This adds depth to her character and sets up future storylines. She might seek revenge or closure (Netflix Life).
Leatherface is portrayed as a tragic figure. His attachment to Ginny humanizes him, even as he commits horrific acts. This duality adds complicatedity to his character (CBR).
Critical Reception
The film received mixed reviews. Critics noted it failed to capture the raw terror of the 1974 classic. However, it was praised for its gore and practical effects. Some appreciated the attempt to modernize the story, even if the execution was lacking (Wikipedia).
Future of the Franchise
The ending and post-credits scene leave room for future sequels. Leatherface’s return to the original house suggests new storylines. The franchise could explore the Sawyer family or introduce new characters. Themes of trauma and survivor’s guilt could be further developed. Lila might return as a central character seeking revenge or closure (Inverse).
Conclusion
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) revives the iconic horror franchise. It serves as a direct sequel to the 1974 classic. While it delivers gore and intense action, it falls short in capturing the original’s raw terror. The ending and post-credits scene set the stage for future sequels. Fans are left anticipating what comes next. Whether the franchise can regain its former glory remains to be seen.
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