A Simplistic (Fantasia Fest) Review: Chainsaws Were Singing

They say that ‘Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.’ But what do you call a gonzo film that cribs from the best of ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ every Troma film made and the absurdity that would make Matt Stone and Trey Parker blush?

‘Chainsaws Were Singing’ is the film you are looking for.

Estonia might be known for the ‘Singing Revolution’ but I’d love to see what other quirky films this Baltic nation has up it’s sleeve.

The plot is simple; girl runs from chainsaw. girl meets guy. guy needs to save girl. guy goes on vision quest. girl saves guy(s). a happy ending.

Told somewhat out of order, ‘Chainsaws’ is a four-part opus that never takes itself too seriously and having been shot on a shoestring budget, you see the passion by director Sander Maran and his effort to put every last dollar up on that screen.

The runtime could have used a small trim, so to speak, but between the gore, musical numbers and outlandish characters, ‘Chainsaws Were Singing’ is a BONKERS piece of celluloid that I wouldn’t mind seeing more of…a sequel maybe???

‘Chainsaws Were Singing’ was the recipient of a Special Jury Mention in The New Flesh Competition of the 2024 Fantasia International Film Festival.