Review of The Human Centipede (First Sequence) (2009) by Damion R — 20 Jan 2012

As far as horror films go, The Human Centipede (First Sequence) is both creepy and gross. The movie isn't much more than an indie version of the burgeoning torture-porn genre, but the atmosphere is creepy enough, the premise gross enough, and the execution entertaining enough, that I found it both compelling and freaky.

Part of what makes this quite a watchable film is that it doesn't go for the gross-out splatterfest that you would except (be that as it is, I'm greatly looking forward to the sequel). The horror of the film's premise is equaled by the calm, calculated depravity of Dieter Laser's Dr. Heiter. The Human Centipede (First Sequence)'s horror lies more in Dr. Heirer's depravity, and his joy in his 'creation', than the disgusting idea it's inspired by.

Still, that isn't to say The Human Centipede (First Sequence) is worth seeking out as a landmark horror film. As a torture-porn film, this is a landmark, but as a horror film overall, it's very much a niche film. If you are easily grossed out, this film will gross you out. If surgical procedures frighten you, this might work. Overall, The Human Centipede (First Sequence) is quite an anomaly, at once it'a gross and explicit, yet it's restrained and attempts more cerebral scares. That said there are plenty of gross-out, very visceral moments, but the ultimate scare here is that this is possible, as proclaimed by (what I feel) is the film's ultimate tag-line: "100% medically accurate".