Chainsaws Were Singing is a wildly inventive and absurd blend of horror, comedy, and musical, brought to life by Estonian director Sander Maran. This film feels tailor-made for cult status, packed with outrageous humor, splatter-filled moments, and catchy musical numbers that will resonate with fans of midnight movies.
The story centers on Maria, whose terrible day takes an unexpected turn when she meets Tom, a man attempting to take his own life. The two fall head over heels in love, but their whirlwind romance is soon derailed when Maria is kidnapped by a chainsaw-wielding killer. The deranged murderer, complete with his own tragic musical backstory, drags her into the clutches of his grotesque cannibal family. Tom, determined to save Maria, teams up with the goofy and good-hearted Jaan, embarking on a ridiculous, bloody quest filled with surreal encounters, from cults and talking fridges to cops with a sweet tooth for pastries.
Drawing on the spirit of early Peter Jackson (Bad Taste, Dead Alive), the film delights in over-the-top gore and absurd humor. Yet, it doesn’t just follow in Jackson’s footsteps—Maran brings his own unique flair, blending elements that feel as outlandish as something you'd see on Adult Swim or from director Quentin Dupieux. The film’s unpredictability, with its rapid shifts between horror and comedy, feels like a collection of skits woven together, much like HBO’s Mr. Show, where one absurdity seamlessly leads into the next.
Despite the chaos, Chainsaws Were Singing remains a surprisingly polished production. The editing and cinematography are sharp, and the cast—largely newcomers—delivers wonderfully bizarre performances. Every character, from the overbearing matriarch of the cannibal clan to the incestuous cousins, Pepe and Kevin, is a memorable part of the lunacy. While some jokes miss the mark, the sheer unpredictability keeps the energy high and ensures there’s never a dull moment.
The musical aspect is a delightful surprise. Even without understanding the Estonian lyrics, the songs are catchy, and several performers have genuinely good voices. These musical interludes, combined with the film’s violent slapstick and creative gore, make for an irresistible mix of charm and shock.
At nearly two hours, the film does occasionally drag, particularly in the middle, where the pacing falters. A tighter edit could have enhanced the overall flow, but even in its slower moments, the sheer absurdity of what’s happening on-screen keeps the film entertaining. Whether it’s a death scene straight out of Terrifier 2 or a chainsaw used in ways you never imagined, Chainsaws Were Singing delivers enough gruesome spectacle to satisfy any horror fan.
The film’s low budget, rather than hindering it, adds to its appeal. The rough, DIY aesthetic—complete with shaky camera work and extreme close-ups—only enhances the film’s quirky, self-aware tone. It’s clear that Maran and his team poured passion and creativity into every frame, proving you don’t need Hollywood-level resources to make something memorable.
Chainsaws Were Singing feels destined for late-night screenings alongside cult classics like The Rocky Horror Picture Show or The Room. It’s a film best enjoyed with a crowd, where laughter and shock can be shared. Sander Maran has crafted a joyfully violent, absurd musical that could very well achieve the cult status it seems to aspire to.
Jessie Hobson