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Comedy musical

Chainsaws Were Singing (2025): Cast & Ratings

Chainsaws Were Singing (2025) movie poster

Chainsaws Were Singing is a 2025 comedy musical directed by Sander Maran, starring Sander Lee Merila as Killer, 8 years old, Mart Toome and Thomas Kolli. It runs 1 hour 57 minutes. Critics gave it 84% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Rotten Tomatoes
84%
Echo Score
73
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Chainsaws Were Singing (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 57m (117 min)
Director
Sander Maran
Genres
Comedy , Horror , Musical , Romance
Original language
Estonian
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is Chainsaws Were Singing About?

The premise of Chainsaws Were Singing without spoilers.

A wildly off‑kilter, blood‑soaked musical that follows two lovers torn apart by a chainsaw‑wielding killer. Crafted over more than ten years, the film blends vivid, colorful gore with outrageous, tongue‑in‑cheek song numbers, making it equal parts gory horror and absurd musical spectacle.

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Cast & crew

Chainsaws Were Singing Cast & Characters

Sander Lee Merila leads the cast as Killer, 8 years old, with Mart Toome as Killer and Thomas Kolli as Police officer. Directed by Sander Maran; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Chainsaws Were Singing

· 16 more
Ratings

Chainsaws Were Singing Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Chainsaws Were Singing 84% on Rotten Tomatoes. Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in art & craft (78) and weakest in story & flow (58).

73 /100

Chainsaws Were Singing Echo Score Breakdown

Chainsaws Were Singing delivers a wildly energetic hybrid of horror, comedy, and musical elements, marked by inventive practical effects and a lo‑fi visual style that embraces its low‑budget roots. While the film excels at generating a chaotic, cult‑ready atmosphere, its excessive runtime and repetitive humor undermine pacing and narrative cohesion. The result is a divisive but memorable experience that will resonate strongly with midnight‑movie enthusiasts while alienating viewers seeking tighter storytelling.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of direction and visual craftsmanship, the film showcases an exuberant, Raimi‑inspired energy backed by inventive practical gore effects. The lo‑fi production design and grainy camera work reinforce its DIY aesthetic, though the same low‑budget qualities occasionally betray uneven editing and a lack of polish. Overall, the artistic ambition outweighs technical roughness, yielding a solid, if unrefined, craft performance.

  • Character & Emotion 68

    When assessing character work, the performances radiate raw enthusiasm that aligns with the film's anarchic tone, and the chemistry among the cast fuels the chaotic humor. However, depth and emotional nuance are minimal, and the repetitive, crude jokes limit character development. Consequently, the acting serves the genre’s bombastic style but falls short of delivering resonant or layered portrayals.

  • Story & Flow 58

    The narrative presents a delightfully original premise that celebrates underground horror‑musical culture, delivering fresh, madcap scenarios in its first two thirds. Yet pacing suffers dramatically as the runtime extends beyond its natural break, leading to repetitive beats and diminished engagement. The story’s inventive spark is therefore diluted by structural excess, resulting in a mixed overall impression.

  • Sensory Experience 72

    Sensory design blends noisy, hyper‑active musical numbers with visceral gore, creating an auditory and visual overload that suits the film’s anarchic spirit. Practical effects are striking, and the soundtrack enhances the chaotic mood, though grainy footage and occasional sound muddiness expose budget constraints. The overall sensory experience remains compelling for fans of high‑octane, off‑beat cinema.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Rewatch potential hinges on the film’s cult‑friendly attributes: outrageous gore, catchy musical interludes, and relentless energy invite repeat viewings among dedicated fans. Nonetheless, the elongated length and repetitive humor may erode appeal for subsequent watches. As a result, the movie offers moderate lasting value, rewarding audiences who appreciate its distinctive, over‑the‑top style.

Details

Chainsaws Were Singing Also Known As

8 alternative titles, including “Las motosierras cantan” and “La Canción de la Motosierra”.

Also known as
  • Las motosierras cantan
  • La Canción de la Motosierra
  • 电锯在唱歌
  • Спів бензопилок
  • Už ty pilky dozpívaly
  • Бензопилы пели
  • 전기톱이 부릅니다
  • Grandininių pjūklų dainos

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FAQ

Chainsaws Were Singing FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Chainsaws Were Singing, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Chainsaws Were Singing?

Chainsaws Were Singing runs 1 hour 57 minutes (117 minutes).

When was Chainsaws Were Singing released?

Chainsaws Were Singing was released on November 25, 2025.

Who directed Chainsaws Were Singing?

Chainsaws Were Singing was directed by Sander Maran.

More films by Sander Maran

Who is in the cast of Chainsaws Were Singing?

Chainsaws Were Singing stars Sander Lee Merila as Killer, 8 years old, Mart Toome as Killer and Thomas Kolli as Police officer, among 20 credited actors.

How is Chainsaws Were Singing rated?

Chainsaws Were Singing has 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 3.4/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Chainsaws Were Singing have a post-credit scene?

Yes. Chainsaws Were Singing has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.

What language is Chainsaws Were Singing in?

The original language of Chainsaws Were Singing is Estonian.

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