This will probably be the darkest of movies I plan on reviewing. The Human Centipede has even been banned in The United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia.
The Human Centipede (First Sequence) is about a well-known but deranged German surgeon kidnapping three tourists. The three people are led to their demise by being sewn together, mouths to bottoms, thus creating the human centipede.
Time- 6
For its 2009 release, it’s difficult to fully judge how timeless this film will become. However, its notoriety is certainly unavoidable. I personally don’t foresee it being a classic, but many people in the horror community are still talking about it. At only an hour and a half long, this film accomplishes everything necessary, without rushing or elongating it.
Rewatchability- 2
My best friend and I first watched this when we were 15 years old. As two young girls who dreamt of traveling the world, this film was pretty scary at the time. Since then, I haven’t had a desire to watch it again, until now. That’s not entirely out of fear or disgust; just not particularly a movie that’s enjoyable to watch very often.
Cinematography/Editing- 5
This film works well with its relatively low budget, particularly with the scenery and their use of lighting. This movie uses many angles that push the characters’ dynamic. This does well for the audience to feel the fear the human centipede has of the surgeon. However, there certainly could be more interesting sequences.
Plot- 8
The idea of this film came from a joke its writer made to his friends about how to punish molesters. Each character gets a bit of a backstory, rather than just existing in a terrible situation. I was rooting for the victims to somehow make their escape, and felt defeated every time they failed.
Acting- 9
The way that the actors portray victims and a deranged surgeon is wonderful. The way they sell their characters and emotions is a major reason why this movie is so horrifying.
Costume Design/Special Effects- 4
The plan to sew the people together to create the human centipede was decently thought out. The special effects used in the final product of the human centipede is quite jaw-dropping. I decided to deduct points for nothing really sticking out, besides some unconvincing gunshot wounds.
Gruesome Factor- 10
This category is where The Human Centipede really takes the cake; this film is absolutely foul to see. Most people watch it simply to determine if they can stomach it. Between the total dehumanization of the victims and the many tragic deaths, this movie is just brutal to get through. But that’s the point of this one and they completely killed it.
Shock Value- 5
This movie isn’t the jump-scare type, but shocking with anticipation. I was often left at the edge of my seat, so badly wanting these characters to get back to normalcy. But this movie is just a cycle of triumphs and downfalls that ultimately lead to defeat. Points are deducted for knowing exactly what this movie would entail before even watching it.
Believability- 4
Another major reason this film is scary is because of how possible some of it is. It’s horrifying knowing that situations like the beginning of this movie happen all the time. However, taking it as far as sewing people together to create a functioning human centipede is insane and impossible.
Ending- 1
The ending of this movie is absolutely heartbreaking. After several of the victims died, I really felt the last one’s hopelessness. After that, it just ended, leaving me devastated. Rather than afraid or impressed, I felt as if I had just really been a part of that tragedy. Even more points were deducted for somehow even more disturbing sequels.
Points Total: 54% out of 100%
This movie is certainly pretty gross to watch. Many, like myself, consider The Human Centipede a good watch on a dare. Others are into this sick and twisted type of horror, and more power to you! Be sure to then also check out The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence) and The Human Centipede 3 (Final Sequence).