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The Human Centipede (First Sequence)

The Human Centipede (First Sequence) is a 2009 Dutch body horror film written, directed, and co-produced by Tom Six.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Human Centipede (First Sequence) is a 2009 Dutch body horror film written, directed, and co-produced by Tom Six. It follows a deranged German surgeon who kidnaps three tourists and surgically connects them mouth-to-anus to create the titular “human centipede.”

Plot

The film follows a retired German surgeon who kidnaps three tourists and uses them in a grotesque surgical experiment to form a single connected body. The story is set in Germany and focuses on the surgeon’s obsessive and abusive control over his captives.

Production

Tom Six created the film as an independent Dutch production and served as writer, director, and co-producer. The film’s cast includes Dieter Laser, Ashley C. Williams, Ashlynn Yennie, and Akihiro Kitamura.

Reception and legacy

The film drew attention primarily for its shocking concept and graphic body-horror imagery. It later became known as a cult film and was followed by sequels.

Series context

The Human Centipede (First Sequence) is the first entry in the Human Centipede trilogy. Its premise establishes the fictional experiment that later films expand upon.

Key facts

  • The film was released in 2009 and is a Dutch independent body horror film.
  • Tom Six wrote, directed, and co-produced the film.
  • The story centres on German surgeon Josef Heiter, who abducts three tourists and surgically joins them together.
  • The film became widely discussed for its extreme premise and later gained cult notoriety.
  • It is the first film in the Human Centipede film series.
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Canadian context

The film is part of international horror cinema and has been available to Canadian audiences through film distribution and home media, but it has no specific Canadian setting or Canadian production connection.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Human Centipede (First Sequence) about?
It is about a German surgeon who kidnaps three tourists and surgically connects them mouth-to-anus in a grotesque experiment.
Who directed The Human Centipede (First Sequence)?
Tom Six directed the film.
When was The Human Centipede (First Sequence) released?
It was released in 2009.
What genre is the film?
It is a body horror film.
Who stars in the film?
The principal cast includes Dieter Laser, Ashley C. Williams, Ashlynn Yennie, and Akihiro Kitamura.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Human_Centipede_(First_Sequence)
    Supports: Basic identification of the film, year, country, creator, premise, and cast.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/human_centipede
    Supports: Genre, synopsis, and rating information.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1467304/
    Supports: Release year, synopsis, and principal cast.