Ariel Powers-Schaub's Millennial Nasties: Analyzing a Decade of Brutal Horror Film Violence surveys American horror cinema spanning the turbulent period between 2000 and 2010. Drawing parallels between seminal works and cultural touchstones, Powers-Schaub identifies two forebears for the era's distinctive brand of terror: the visceral impact of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) and the controversial Video Nasties list, emblematic of the censorship battles of the VHS-era in the United Kingdom.

Among the lineage of influences, Powers-Schaub highlights the New French Extremity movement, characterized by its unflinching exploration of darkness and brutality, exemplified by films such as Inside (2007) and Martyrs (2008). I would suggest parentage from David Fincher's Seven (1995) and Fight Club (1999) for their color palettes, particularly the evocative greens and yellows, alongside their exploration of existential pessimism and dark ironies. While Scream (1996) rightfully earns its place among these progenitors, it is hard to ignore the looming specter of Quentin Tarantino, whose style cast a shadow not only over the Scream franchise but also over the broader landscape that defines the Millennial Nasties era.

Millennial Nasties endeavors to redefine the discourse surrounding the era’s extreme cinema, offering a perspective that challenges the prevailing characterization of these films as mere torture porn. With sensitivity to the thematic fallout of 9/11, ongoing wars, and xenophobia, the author dissects how these films grapple with issues of guilt, fear, and cultural malaise, often employing provocative and, at times, controversial means of expression.

Approaching Millennial Nasties with a blend of curiosity and skepticism, I found myself drawn into Powers-Schaub's exploration of an era of the genre from which I have always felt disconnected. While not entirely sharing her ardor, certain facets of her analysis are compelling, particularly her overall perspective and incisive readings of select films. Powers-Schaub’s cornerstone of the era is the Saw franchise. These narratives, with their penchant for tension, cliffhangers, and extended storylines evoke a narrative style reminiscent of contemporary television dramas—a mode of engagement that, while not to my taste, undoubtedly resonate with many horror enthusiasts.

Another aspect of Millennial Nasties I enjoyed is its thematic exploration, reflected in the book's structure, which boasts chapters on revenge and morality, fear of outsiders, bad vacations, home invasion, a rebirth of slashers, and the surge in remakes.

While lengthier critical analyses would have been appreciated, the expansive scope of the book makes such depth on each film unfeasible. Nevertheless, it lays a solid foundation for critical discourse, providing readers with a lens to view the films of the era. The accessible prose and comprehensive summaries offer ample fodder for further exploration and debate.

Millennial Nasties: Analyzing a Decade of Brutal Horror Film Violence presents a compelling examination of a divisive era in horror cinema. While not every facet may resonate universally, it celebrates the enduring relevance of the genre, how it reflects the anxieties and preoccupations of its time.

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