The August Underground Trilogy

Extreme horror is an acquired taste. Even some horror buffs don't watch these types of movies. Some horror fans don't like ghost movies, some don't like slashers, and some don't like extreme horror. It doesn't make them less of a horror fan, it's simply just personal preference. But those who dive deep into the underground, unrated, and downright indescribable horror scene have most likely heard of the August Underground films. Written, directed, and distributed collectively by Toe Tag Pictures, these psudo-snuff films are some of the best known underground horror films out there. They have influenced many films like them, and ushered in a whole new era of vile cinema. Let's take a journey into the basement: this is August Underground.

August Underground (2001):
The first in the trilogy, and also the debut feature from Fred Vogel, packs quite a punch. Marketed brilliantly by telling the viewer to imagine walking down the street, and finding a VHS tape. You pick it up and pop it in your VCR out of curiosity, and you witness somebody's sick and twisted "home videos" consisting of torture, mutilation, and cold blooded murder. The story centers around a nameless killer (rumored to be named Peter, but it's never said in the films) played by Fred Vogel, and his friend who is never seen, as they live (and document) their somewhat normal lives. But, what we soon discover is that in their basement is a filthy torture chamber. The main reason this film works is because it looks so real. Everything from the camera work and acting, to the gore effects and psychological abuse contribute to this movie's realism. It's a very rough looking film, as well. It has the look of an extremely low end VHS tape but again, it makes the movie look that much more real. If I was shown this movie without any knowledge of what it was or where it came from, I would call the police. For a sick gore hound, this film delivers in spades. There's hammer bashing, mutilated limbs, sliced off nipples, and more. For a first film, the effects are 100% convincing and expertly done. See this film only if you're curious as to what a snuff film looks like. It's the closest you'll get without having to see the real thing.

August Underground's Mordum (2003):
The second film in the series is, without hesitation, the most disgusting, vile, horrific, shocking film I personally have ever watched. Some of the things in this movie make me question not only the filmmaker's sanity, but my own. I gagged on numerous occasions, my jaw dropped in disbelief throughout, and I felt the need for a shower after watching it. There are things in this film that I refuse to even repeat in writing. Again, the realism sells this film. It's much too real for comfort, which makes it perfect for what it's trying to be. This time around we follow Fred Vogel's character again, but this time he's accompanied by his girlfriend (of sorts) Crusty, and her brother Maggot. The three make up a team of filthy, disgusting murderers who continue to rampage through town, taking us along for the ride. This movie has so many scenes that are so extremely gross and disturbing, they truly have to be seen to be believed. Everything in the first film was magnified and topped in this film, including the acting, realism, and especially the effects. In this sequel, there's a gruesome disembowelment, self mutilation, headless infants, slit throats, and, again, bashed in heads. The movie takes on the grimy, messy look of the first film, making it that much more dirty and realistic looking. Nothing I can say can express how dangerous this movie is. If you're curious, and you have the stomach, seek this one out at your own risk. Watch it if only to brag that you've seen one of the most extreme flicks out there.

August Underground's Penance (2007):
Arguably the most conventional of the three, the final entry in the series still hits very hard. Now with only Fred Vogel and Crusty in the picture, they continue their killing spree, still recording every gruesome moment. This time, though, the film is shot in much better quality. Gone is the static, fuzzy look of the first two films, now we get to see everything (fortunately or not) in perfectly clear detail. While there aren't as many "holy shit" kind of moments in this one, there is more character development. I know it sounds funny for a series like this, but it's true. The previous films had some undertones of a plot, and this one doesn't bring them fully into light but the feeling is much more prevalent. You can tell these people are growing tired of what they're doing. The previous films had the killers cackling at the victims and mocking them but in Penance, it seems like it's more of a chore than anything. That's what made this entry memorable for me. The first two films had balls to the wall gore and visuals, whereas this is more of a character study of sorts put into the same universe. Don't get me wrong, though, this film is still quite nasty when it comes to the good 'ol red stuff. There's the dismemberment/disposal of a body (which was awesome), nails driven into a body, a home style c-section, and a severe hobo beating. This film also has a Christmas time home invasion scene that makes Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer look like something off of the Disney channel. It's a fitting end to this sinister trilogy.

These films touch on the darkest parts of our subconscious. Fred Vogel and Co. know we want to see what we shouldn't, like staring at a car crash on the side of the road. We are all curious about these kind of things, and these filmmakers know it. They are dirty, taboo destroying pieces of art that demand a viewing for anyone willing to witness them. If you are indeed an extreme horror fan, bust out your barf bag and enjoy.