This week, we joined Todd and Craig for their landmark 400th episode of the 2 Guys and a Chainsaw horror movie review podcast as they revisit Wes Craven’s notorious 1972 directorial debut, The Last House on the Left. This brutal and unflinching rape-revenge film, inspired by Ingmar Bergman’s The Virgin Spring (itself an adaptation of a Swedish ballad), follows the horrific ordeal of two teenage girls, Mari and Phyllis, who are abducted and tortured by a gang of escaped criminals.

A Descent into Horror: Mari and Phyllis, seeking marijuana for a concert, encounter Junior, a member of the murderous gang led by the sadistic Krug Stillo. Lured to an apartment, the girls are trapped and Phyllis is subjected to a brutal gang rape. The nightmare escalates as they are taken to the woods near Mari’s home, where the violence continues. In a cruel twist of fate, Mari recognizes her own mailbox as they drive, realizing the proximity of her sanctuary while enduring unimaginable horrors. The ordeal culminates in Phyllis’s gruesome murder and Mari’s rape and death. Unaware of their daughter’s fate, Mari’s parents, John and Estelle, welcome the killers into their home6. Their world shatters when they discover the truth, prompting them to embark on a bloody and brutal path of vengeance.

Revisiting a Controversial Classic: Todd and Craig dissected the film’s impact, exploring its raw violence and shocking narrative. They discuss the documentary-style filmmaking, a result of Craven and producer Sean S. Cunningham’s prior experience in documentaries, which contributes to the film’s gritty realism. The hosts also noted the jarring juxtaposition of wacky background music against scenes of intense violence, a deliberate choice by Craven to avoid glorifying the horrific acts.

This episode offers fascinating trivia about the film’s production. For example, the hosts reveal that The Last House on the Left almost became a hardcore pornographic movie before the decision was made to tone down the explicit content. They also highlight the involvement of porn star Fred Lincoln in the film and the unexpected connection of Krug actor David Hess to Elvis Presley, having written some of the King’s hit songs. Adding to the intrigue, the hosts discuss the multiple cuts of the film that exist due to angry projectionists and theater owners removing scenes they deemed too graphic.

Join the Conversation: This milestone episode promises a thought-provoking discussion of a controversial horror classic. Once you’ve heard our recap, tune in to 2 Guys and a Chainsaw yourself to hear Todd and Craig’s full analysis of The Last House on the Left and share your thoughts on this disturbing yet impactful film. Connect with the podcast community on Patreon, Facebook, Twitter, or their website, chainsawhorror.com.