When it comes to classic slasher stories returning, the go-to narrative technique has been the "requel." Short for reboot-sequel, these films typically take the best parts of the original and reinvigorate it with something fresh for a new generation. While Scream (2022) noted this trope, it appears that it has taken on a new life thanks to the latest trailer for Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Not only is the film a requel by definition, but by leaning heavily on the past to forge a new future, it's also validating the explanation provided in the latest Scream.
Scream (2022) takes the entire franchise full circle by bringing in new characters along with legacy characters. But rather than tell a totally new angle, it subverts established ones, allowing seasoned fans to be surprised as well. There's also a scene that lays out its requel roots with movie buff Mindy Meeks (Jasmin Savoy Brown) laying out the rules in this new genre of horror. These rules include a standalone film tied to the original, bringing back classic characters and introducing new ones and containing tons of fan service. Surprisingly, the meta take is given a more literal approach with Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Little is known about the exact plot of the requel, but the trailer paints a clear picture of the expectations being set for the new film. For starters, the film is a direct sequel to the original but is separated enough to bring in a new generation of curious fans. As a result, a new cast of characters is also being brought in to combat the threats presented by Leatherface. Still, seasoned fans can also expect a familiar face from the first film with the character of Sally Hardesty returning. However, there is a ton of fan service at its core that begins and ends with the end of Leatherface's chainsaw.
While the angle the film is going for is clearly in requel territory, it also borrows from another movie that had a similar angle, Halloween 2018. A new collection of protagonists is introduced in that film alongside the older, survivalist version of Laurie Strode. With her help, her family could slow down and nearly end Michael Myer's murderous rampage. It's a simple plot that unites new and old fans of the franchise. Texas Chainsaw Massacre can do the same with a proper balance of fan service and story progression.
Rather than separate fan service from the story, Scream instead took the fan service and moments from the original film and integrated it into the story. From Stu Macher's house to a reenactment of the original kill from the first film, each moment helped push the story forward while reminding fans of the past. It's unclear if Texas Chainsaw Massacre will follow the same storytelling style, but it is one avenue that the story could go down to enhance its overall impact.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the latest in the slasher genre to tell a new story in a universe that helped define the genre. As a result, there's great potential for the film to break the mold and create something new and terrifying. That said, fans will have to wait for the premiere to see if the film will follow in Scream's footsteps or further redefine the definition of a requel for fans.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre slashes its way onto Netflix Feb. 18.