Since its debut on October 11, 1974, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise has remained one of the bloodiest and most revered horror movies in history. Based on real-life events, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre films follow the deranged serial killer Leatherface, tormenting the unfortunate people of Texas. Such a harrowing movie was unprecedented at the time, contributing to the franchise's popularity and inspiring a sequel nearly fifty years later.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) provides fans with grueling scenes, an expansion of the story, and even easter eggs to boot. Scattered throughout suspenseful or downright horrific scenes are references to previous films in the franchise. Many of these easter eggs are remarkably subtle, while others are exceedingly difficult to ignore, impossible even. Regardless, every reference is one that longtime fans of the franchise, or horror movies in general, can spot and appreciate. So, here is a look at every easter egg in Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022).
7 A Familiar Introduction
Fans of the original film will notice similarities in the introduction of Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022), the most notable of which is its narrator. It begins with a documentary recounting the original film's events. This video presents various images, many of which are unused behind-the-scenes footage from the original movie. Accompanying these scenes is a narration delivered by a very familiar voice.
Particularly perceptive fans will know this voice to be that of John Larroquette, the narrator of the original film. He masterfully describes the harrowing events once more, and all in one take, to boast. In conjunction, the narration and imagery are very much akin to the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie's introduction. The resemblance is uncanny, and it serves the same purpose, filling the audience with a sense of curiosity and dread for what is to come.
6 Many Bad Omens
Sprawled throughout the film are bad omens that only longtime fans can truly appreciate. The first foreboding sign of disaster appears at the start of the movie. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) begins at a gas station in the middle of nowhere, similar to the original film. Souvenirs relating to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the infamous Leatherface himself litter the gas station's shelves.
In addition to this sadistic memorabilia, Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) presents fans with a particularly foreboding gas station owner and a field of withered sunflowers. In the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the Last Chance Gas Station's owner was Drayton Sawyer, a notable member of Leatherface's cannibalistic family. The original film also presented fields of blooming and beautiful sunflowers, which seem to have withered in the new movie. Each one of these details is a bad omen referring to the return of Texas's most infamous killer.
5 Chair Of Bones
In one of the beginning scenes, Dante enters the Harlow orphanage to remove a Confederate flag that hangs near a window. During this scene, keen-eyed fans can spot two surprising and well-hidden details: a bone chair and Leatherface himself. This moment goes by very quickly, and the dark lighting of the room does no favors.
Fans must wait for a wide-angle shot of the upstairs area and look towards the left of the room. Here, fans will see a chair of bones and an aged Leatherface sitting upon it. The macabre furniture is an homage to the original film, in which various furnishing utilized bones in their make. The inclusion of Leatherface is simply a bonus to an already impressive easter egg, as it is the earliest moment in which he appears.
4 Pretty Woman Mask
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Following the death of his adoptive mother — Virginia McCumber — Leatherface returns to his serial killing ways with a grandiose gesture, making a mask. However, this new face would come from none other than the woman he seeks to avenge. Such an eerie display of remembrance brings fans back to the original films, but what follows perfectly captures the sadistic nature of Leatherface.
Upon returning to the Harlow orphanage, Leatherface visits McCumber's room. The notorious serial killer reminisces on his late mother and proceeds to apply her makeup to his mask. While this may cause unfamiliar viewers much confusion, longtime fans know that Leatherface is no stranger to looking pretty. In the original film, he possessed an embellished face known as the 'pretty woman mask,' which he wore for dinner. Although not as vibrant, Leatherface's new mask reflects a similar appearance.
3 Bus Massacre Flashes
The bus massacre scene is the most gruesome moment in Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022). Trapped in a bus with nowhere left to run, idealistic tourists find themselves at the mercy of Leatherface. As one can predict, the chainsaw-wielding serial killer was vengeful and dispatched most of the helpless travelers. This scene was challenging to watch, and, as such, many might have missed some very intriguing details.
Throughout the montage of murder, flashes of lightning revealed various images upon the bus's windows. Even when actively looking for these pictures, they can be difficult to catch or make out. However, those who manage to will receive glimpses of Leatherface's horrifying past. These may be the serial killer's memories, which are flooding back to him as he does what he does best.
2 Familiar Finishing Move
In their final stand against Leatherface, Lila and Melody finally get the upper hand on him. Following a series of gunshots by Lila, Melody revs up the serial killer's chainsaw and slashes him in an uppercut motion. Leatherface falls back into a pool of water, seemingly defeated. Longtime fans of the franchise will remember this finishing move from one of the original films.
In Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Stretch performs this same move to the Sawyer family member Chop Top. Despite the seemingly intentional implementation of this scene in Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022), it was a mere coincidence. Regardless, it pays homage to one of the franchise's most questionable films to date.
1 The Chainsaw Dance
At the end of Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022), Leatherface performed his iconic 'chainsaw dance,' a display of senseless chainsaw swinging and twirling. Such a strange performance occurs in the original films and other depictions of this peculiar serial killer.
While not as notable as his masks or chainsaw, the 'chainsaw dance' remains a staple of Leatherface's character. This wild and dangerous display reveals how unhinged of a character he is. Moreover, it proves that Leatherface may very well continue his renewed killing spree, likely wreaking havoc across Texas in a sequel film.