Review published 18th July 2026
Watch the official trailer.
The Premise
Passing through Germany while on a road trip through Europe, two close friends, Jenny (Ashlynn Yennie) and Lindsay (Winter Williams, formerly Ashley C. Williams), are having a pleasant time together, but things are about to change drastically. While driving a hire car at night, the pair discover they have a flat tyre. Calling the rental company proves difficult as they have no mobile reception, and neither of them knows how to change a tyre. With a storm brewing overhead, the pair are forced to seek help on foot through the woods. Eventually, they discover a house with a light on, giving them a much-needed sense of hope. After knocking on the door, they encounter an older man living alone who offers them warmth and the opportunity to make a phone call. Seemingly grateful for the assistance, Jenny and Lindsay believe their problems may finally be over. Unfortunately for them, the man has very different intentions.
After spiking their drinks, the mysterious homeowner reveals himself as Dr Heiter (Dieter Laser), a retired surgeon with extensive experience in separating Siamese twins. However, since retiring, Heiter has developed a far more disturbing obsession. Rather than separating human beings, he now dreams of creating something entirely new. Worse still, he appears to harbour a deep hatred towards humanity itself. With Jenny and Lindsay chained to a bed alongside a third captive, Katsuro (Akihiro Kitamura), Dr Heiter sets out to create his latest masterpiece: the human centipede. Naturally, the procedure is extreme, involving the surgical connection of the trio through their digestive systems. Will Dr Heiter succeed in carrying out his twisted vision, or can his captives find a way to escape before it is too late?
A Horror Film Unlike Any Other
The Human Centipede (First Sequence) is best described as a body horror film and let me be upfront: this is absolutely not a film for the faint-hearted. Grotesque, disturbing, and deeply uncomfortable, the film often feels designed to test the limits of what audiences are willing to endure. Written, directed, and produced by Tom Six, The Human Centipede quickly became one of the most controversial horror films of its era. Following its success, Six would go on to direct the sequels The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence) (2011) and The Human Centipede 3 (Final Sequence) (2015). Few horror films have achieved the same level of notoriety, and it is easy to understand why. The central concept is so bizarre and outrageous that it almost sounds impossible to take seriously on paper. Yet what impressed me most was the filmmakers’ complete commitment to the idea. The concept is ridiculous, extreme, and undeniably gross, but Tom Six never treats it as a joke. Instead, he fully embraces the premise and pushes it as far as possible. Whether audiences love or hate the result, it is difficult not to admire the ambition behind bringing such an outrageous concept to life.
Germany Provides The Perfect Setting
The German setting works surprisingly well throughout the film. Dr Heiter’s large and isolated home immediately creates a sense of vulnerability for the leads, while the lack of mobile reception and remote location make outside assistance almost impossible to reach. The location also helps the film stand out from many American horror films. Combined with the dark cinematography, eerie atmosphere, and Heiter’s detached nature, the European setting adds another layer of unease to the experience. There is a constant feeling that Jenny and Lindsay are trapped in a world where help simply is not coming.
Body Horror, Dread And Fascination
A polite warning in advance: The Human Centipede is more disturbing than it is frightening. While some viewers may find elements terrifying, I would describe the film as uncomfortable, grotesque, and occasionally fascinating rather than traditionally scary. Much of the horror comes from the concept itself. Once Dr Heiter’s plans become clear, an overwhelming sense of dread begins to develop. Rather than relying on jump scares, the film generates discomfort through anticipation and the awful situation facing its characters. Once the operation is completed, the film becomes strangely captivating despite how revolting the concept is. My reaction was a mixture of disgust, horror, and genuine fascination. I found myself curious to see how such an absurd and extreme idea would actually function on screen. The result is difficult to watch, yet equally difficult to look away from.
Dieter Laser Steals The Show
Performance-wise, Dieter Laser deserves significant praise for his portrayal of Dr Heiter. What makes Heiter such a memorable villain is the combination of intelligence, obsession, and a complete disregard for human life. Unlike many horror villains motivated by revenge or simple violence, Heiter is driven by a disturbing desire to create something entirely new. His obsession has completely overridden any remaining sense of morality. Even more unsettling is his calm and clinical approach, treating the horrific procedure as little more than another medical project. Laser fully commits to the role, creating a villain who is cold, calculated, and deeply unsettling. His performance remains one of the film’s strongest and most memorable elements.
Not Without Its Flaws
While I enjoyed the experience the film provides, it is not something I can see myself revisiting frequently. The first viewing is already such an intense and uncomfortable experience that repeated viewings may prove difficult for many audiences. I was also occasionally frustrated by some of the decisions made by Jenny and Lindsay, particularly during the first act. The pair repeatedly make questionable choices that only push them further into obvious danger. While these decisions help drive the plot forward, they can occasionally test the audience’s patience.
Final Thoughts
Overall, The Human Centipede (First Sequence) is one of the most disturbing and infamous horror films ever made. It is grotesque, uncomfortable, and guaranteed to repel many viewers. Yet despite all of that, I walked away genuinely impressed by what Tom Six managed to achieve. The film succeeds because it fully commits to its outrageous concept and never backs away from it. While it is more interesting than it is traditionally entertaining, there is something undeniably fascinating about watching such an absurd idea brought to life with complete seriousness. Combined with Dieter Laser’s memorable performance, the isolated German setting, and the film’s unwavering dedication to its premise, the result is a horror film that has more than earned its cult status. This is certainly not a horror film I would recommend to newcomers exploring the genre for the first time. However, viewers who already appreciate extreme horror and cult cinema may find themselves fascinated by what The Human Centipede accomplishes. Love it or hate it, this is a film that leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
The Human Centipede (2009) will be Available on 4K UHD from October 22nd thanks to Umbrella!
About the Reviewer
Peter Walkden
Film writer and curator with a deep passion for cinema, genre filmmaking, and physical media. Exploring new releases, cult favourites, and overlooked films, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and the theatrical experience.
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