Introduction
Basic movie information
- Directed by: Tom Six
- Full name: The Human Centipede (First Sequence)
- Release date: April 30, 2010
- What to expect: A disturbing, grotesque horror film that pushes the boundaries of body horror with an unconventional and shocking premise.
- Additional information: Known for its infamous concept, The Human Centipede has garnered both a cult following and strong criticism for its content.
- Budget: €1.5 million
- Box office: $252,207
Initial thoughts
When my wife and I decided to watch The Human Centipede, we had no idea what we were getting into. The initial reactions ranged from confusion to disgust, but neither of us felt truly shocked, as we understood it was all fiction. Still, we could easily see why others might find the film deeply unsettling. The movie is certainly grotesque in its premise, but its absurdity keeps it from being as horrifying as some might expect.
Enjoyment
Plot summary
The film revolves around two American tourists who are kidnapped by a deranged surgeon, Dr. Heiter, who plans to create a human centipede by surgically connecting his victim’s horrifically. As the plot progresses, it becomes more grotesque, with the horror stemming less from jump scares and more from the sheer brutality of the concept.
Was the movie fun?
The Human Centipede is not fun in a traditional sense, but there’s a strange morbid curiosity that drives you to keep watching, even when your brain is screaming, Why am I watching this?
Emotional impact
The emotional impact comes less from empathy with the characters and more from the raw disgust the situation generates. The acting, especially from the centipede victims, conveys genuine fear and pain, adding a layer of realism that is horrifying.
Rating for Enjoyment
After thinking about all the aspects this movie has to give for enjoyment, emotional impact, and other factors, I decided to give the enjoyment section of this movie review, an 6.0
Objectively, I have to remind everyone, this is a movie with a low budget, the fun factor is mostly from seeing the movie progress from a brutal concept, to that concept being enacted.
Pacing and audience
Pacing of the movie
The pacing of the movie is relatively straightforward. It begins with a slow buildup as we are introduced to the characters and the twisted premise, but once Dr. Heiter reveals his plan, the pacing shifts into overdrive, leading to a series of gruesome, tension-filled moments. The movie doesn’t overstay its welcome, clocking in at a concise 92 minutes, which helps avoid dragging out the grotesque scenes too long.
The pacing works well, with a good balance of setup and horror. It moves at a steady pace, though the grotesque scenes are given plenty of time to sink in.
What audience is targeted?
This movie is clearly for fans of extreme horror and those who are curious about body horror films. It targets viewers who are up for something violent, shocking, and willing to look past the ridiculousness of the plot.
Script and dialogue
The script is minimal, and the dialogue mostly serves to move the plot forward or explain the horrific procedures. There’s not much emotional depth, but for a film like this, it’s not exactly expected. You came for something gruesome, and that is what you will get.
What message does this movie instill?
There isn’t a deep moral message here. If anything, the film plays with the concept of the cruelty of human experimentation and the darker side of obsession with control and power.
Rating
After some consideration, thinking over the dialogue and the scenes, I give the pacing and audience section a rating of 6.
Like I said before, the plot is kind of ridiculous, but if you are desiring some body horror, then this is the place to be.
Graphic style
Quality of graphics and art direction
The graphics and art direction are fairly simple, focusing on practical effects to bring the body horror to life. The surgical scenes are graphic, but not as over-the-top as one might expect given the movie’s reputation. The design of the human centipede is grotesque and disturbing, fitting the tone of the film.
The practical effects are effective in delivering shock value, and the sterile, clinical setting of Dr. Heiter’s house adds to the eerie atmosphere.
Rating
It took me some time to give the graphics and art style of this movie a good rating. But after considering a lot, I decided to give it a 7
There are things you can never unsee, and this movie is one of them, although, I did not regret watching the movie.
Sound and music
Music score and how it contributed to the movie
The music and sound design in The Human Centipede are unsettling, contributing to the eerie atmosphere of the film. The score amplifies the tension and makes certain scenes even more uncomfortable. The acting, particularly from Dieter Laser as Dr. Heiter, is chilling, while the victims portray real horror and despair, which is crucial for a film like this.
The score is subtle but effective, heightening the feeling of dread and hopelessness throughout the film.
Acting and lines
Dieter Laser gives a disturbingly believable performance as Dr. Heiter, while the actors portraying the centipede effectively convey their agony and terror. The actors make or break a movie, and in this case, they made it.
Rating
After a lot of consideration, I rated the sound and music section with a 7.
The movie is mainly carried by Dr. Heiter, and for a body horror movie, that is good enough.
Personal experiences favorite scene
There wasn’t really a favorite scene for me, but rather a continuous feeling of unease throughout the movie. At several points, I found myself thinking, Why am I watching this? But the most memorable moment has to be the initial reveal of the human centipede, a moment that is both grotesque and surreal, leaving me and my wife wide-eyed with disbelief.
Rating
My own personal rating of this movie is a 6.
I did not regret watching this movie, and it is hard to recommend, but if you are a horror fan, or love body horror, this cult classic is not one to miss.
Last words
Pros
- Genuinely unsettling concept that pushes boundaries
- Dieter Laser’s terrifying performance as Dr. Heiter
- The realistic and horrifying acting of the human centipede victims
- Effective use of practical effects for body horror
- Short runtime keeps it from feeling too drawn out
Cons
- The plot is absurd and borderline nonsensical
- Minimal character development, especially for the victims
- Not much replay value due to its disturbing nature
- Overly reliant on shock value rather than storytelling
- Some viewers may find it too grotesque to enjoy or take seriously
The Human Centipede is a film that thrives on its shock value and grotesque ideas, making it memorable in the horror genre for all the wrong reasons. While it may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer more substance in their horror, it’s undeniable that the acting and execution (no pun intended) of the core concept are effective. For what it is, it achieves its goal of horrifying and unsettling the audience.
Final Rating
7.0
Please let me know what you think of the Human Centipede movie review in the comments!
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I think you hit the nail on the head with the review, the Human Centipede movies are metaphorically like a car crash in very slow motion. You know you shouldn’t enjoy watching them but somehow they are compelling viewing. The further into the series the more off the wall they get and by the third they are literally mocking themselves.
So it’s really one of those film series that became cult not because of the subject matter but instead they are so bad they are good if that makes sense.
Would I recommend paying to watch them? Probably not but if you are intrigued and can see them for free, why not? Sometimes they are on one or other movie channels around Halloween.
I think they should have stopped after the first one. If you can see it on a streaming service you have a subscription to, and you are in for a horrific night, give it a watch!
It is not something i would like to watch. Not a fun of other extreme horrors as well, I of course know people who like very much such horrors, just not me 😛
ps – I voted yes for reviewing also controversial movies btw 😉 😛
not a fan*
I do hope you liked the review!
Yep, i liked your review 🙂 btw this reminded me as i was a kid and at some niche station were played such movies (i think there were few parts at least) about murderer from his point of view, unfort i don’t remember the name (though i think i once found it on net in database but forgot again) but i remember i was really suprised at the time that such disturbing movies are even aired, maybe it reminded a bit Dexter novels with those details but more dark probably and much older so now it hard to find this title name.. not watched it much as it was too disturbing for me 😉 ps – chatgp suggest that i might be “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)” or “Peeping Tom (1960)”, I’m not sure, many years ago i have seen it 😉
Reminds me of Psycho with Norman Bates!
I believe it was the first disturbing movie that I have watched. Better than
It is indeed disturbing to watch!
This has been on my watchlist forever. One of these days I´ll get around to it.
If you want a really messed up movie try A Serbian Film (Original title: Srpski film).
Hey, long time no see, glad you liked this review.
I watched this movie when I was in high school at my friend’s apartment, it was pretty gross and we were watching it while eating too lol. Thanks for unlocking a core memory of my high school days. Definitely not a movie for everyone but now I’m thinking about rewatching it with my friend
Core memories are awesome!
I know this movie.
I know it has a certain kind of popularity, but I doubt I will ever see it.
But I have seen other people reviewing this movie and it is interesting to see reviews of this type of movie.
So I want to say thank you to you. lol🐑
In my eyes 1.5 Mio $ Budget ist quite a lot for such a movie. I skipped this movie in purpose because disgust Film are Not my thing. In my opinion this might bei okay for a trash movie night together with watching Rubber or VelociPastor.
Oh, dear, the Rubber… One of the movies me and my friend watched and enjoyed because it is so bad it gets good hahahah. RIP crow. XD
I did not watch the Human Centipede, but I’ve heard it’s unsettling and disturbing by those who did lol. Not sure I want to see something like that.
It can be a lot of fun!
Velocipastor, I heard something about that. But this movie did make a lot of money!
Had the movie noted, but didn’t check much of it. At least looks like something different
Can be fun for a single watch!
Yeah… Definitely not my type of thing.
I realized!
Not gonna lie, even though I usually don’t watch anything horror, I am kind of tempted to watch this one, just out of morbid curiosity… XD
Entertain your morbid curiosity!
This is a film I have heard about but never thought of watching. Maybe one day…
Perhaps one day, you will succumb!
no, i am not going to watch this movie ever again. Once is enough.
Tempted to watch the second movie?
Horror isn’t typically my genre, whether in movies or video games, especially when it leans into non-serious tones, which I suppose is inherent to the genre. Serious horror seems like it would fall into a different category, maybe “psychological horror” or “elevated horror”.
I appreciate the effort put into this review and look forward to seeing reviews in genres I might enjoy more.
I am glad you like the review!