Director Adrian Langley seems determined to step beyond mediocrity with his Texas Chainsaw Massacre-inspired Butchers trilogy. The second installment, Butchers Book Two: Raghorn, was released on Home Entertainment this month and continues the familiar theme of a small group of youths who break down in the middle of nowhere, only to encounter some unscrupulous, unsavory characters with a taste for human flesh.

This time, Langley takes a slightly novel approach with his core group of protagonists: Sarah (Hollie Kennedy), her cousin Josh (Sam Huntsman), Rico (Miguel Cortez), and Brian (Dave Coleman). The group hatches a plan to kidnap and ransom Ash (Corgand Svendsen), a wealthy child whose parents might pay a hefty sum for their child’s safe return. However, their grand plan quickly unravels when their getaway vehicle crashes headlong into a buck in the backwoods. This collision leads to an encounter with Clyde (Nick Biskupek), who takes charge of the situation, turns the tables on the group, and leads them back to his lair. There, Clyde, with the help of his brother Crusher (Michael Swatton)—a name that directly references his preferred method of dispatching victims—unleashes unspeakable forms of torture.

What struck me about the first film in the series was that, despite being fairly average, it resonated in a way that hinted at something more promising bubbling beneath the surface. It was brutal and savage, traits that Butchers Book Two: Raghorn also boasts in abundance. However, while the sequel continues to glorify gore, it feels as though someone has shifted the car into neutral and is content to coast along without making any real impact. What this film desperately needs is a monstrous obstacle—a metaphorical buck in the road—to jolt it out of its complacency and allow the carnage to truly unfold.

Unfortunately, each character in Raghorn feels a bit one-note, making it difficult to care about who survives. The film attempts to build hope through the character of Ash, a gender-fluid individual who could have added a compelling layer to the narrative. However, Ash is left on the sidelines for far too long, making it hard for the audience to invest in their ordeal or root for their survival.

The Prognosis:

Butchers Book Two: Raghorn represents a missed opportunity to elevate the profile of the Butchers trilogy. While it delivers a steady supply of brutal and torturous events, these are not enough to compensate for the weak characters and ultimately mediocre plotline. Let’s hope that for the conclusion, Langley steps up his game and delivers the satisfying climax this series needs.

• Saul Muerte