History NightmareFuel / Logan

As one of the darkest and most nightmarish ''Marvel'' films off all time, ''Logan'' got its "R" rating for many good reasons. Strong language, dismemberments, eviscerations, its sheer usage of blood... the list goes on. People expecting PG-13 violence will be in for a shock.

''Logan'' got its "R" rating for many good reasons. Strong language, dismemberments, eviscerations, its sheer usage of blood... the list goes on. People expecting PG-13 violence will be in for a shock.

** This is then followed by her EstablishingCharacterMoment, when she exits the hideout and reveals her true nature to everyone outside. She calmly walks out the building, casually holding the ''[[OffWithHisHead decapitated head]] of the lead Reaver sent to retrieve her'' in her hand. And the she emits an animal-like roar in front of Pierce and the other Reavers, which actually manages to [[OhCrap send Pierce into a panic]].

* The idea of scientists manipulating food and drink with [=GMOs=] to prevent mutant births is disturbing enough on its own merits. But then you factor in the metaphor of mutanthood, and it becomes downright ''terrifying'', [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything no different than using those products to eliminate a race or sexual orientation.]]

* The idea of scientists manipulating food and drink with [=GMOs=] to prevent mutant births is disturbing enough on its own merits. But then you factor in the metaphor of mutanthood, and it becomes downright ''terrifying'', no different than using those products to eliminate a race or sexual orientation.

** Logan ''sounds'' terrified too, constantly looking at Laura and then upstairs where Charles is, screaming the latter's name in horror. The most critical fear possible: his daughter ''and'' father figure are in mortal danger, and not only can he easily choose which one to save without seriously risking the other dying, but the threat to both of their lives is, essentially, '''''[[EvilCounterpart himself.]]'''''

** This is then followed by her EstablishingCharacterMoment, when she exits the hideout and reveals her true nature to everyone outside. She calmly walks out the building, casually holding the ''[[OffWithHisHead decapitated head]] of the lead Reaver sent to retrieve her'' in her hand. And the she emits an animal-like roar in front of the rest of Pierce and the other Reavers, which actually manages to [[OhCrap send Pierce into a panic]].

** Even worse when his body is later seen along with the Munson family, meaning they killed him once they gotten what they needed from him.

'''Laura:''' Sí.[[labelnote:Translation]]"Yes" in Spanish.[[/labelnote]] People hurt me.\\

'''Laura:''' ¿Por qué?[[labelnote:Translation]]"Why?" in Spanish.[[/labelnote]]\\

''Logan'' got its "R" rating for many good reasons. Strong language, dismemberments, eviscerations, its sheer usage of blood... the list goes on. People expecting PG-13 violence are in for a shock.

* The ''style'' of the film's combats itself: All the fast-paced, stylized violence of the previous X-Men films is gone, replaced with the kind of swipes and strikes that would be expected in a violent action or horror movie. It's extremely brutal and graphically bloody. The characters in this film fight like you'd expect normal people trying to maim each other to fight like.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqqF07kN5d4 This promo]] showing the experiments done to Laura including giving her her claws. Just seeing this done to a child, even if she is a clone of Wolverine, is very chilling. Hell, the fish-eye visuals, the slight distortion, and even the title, ("Laura.mov") spring up memories of ''WebVideo/MarbleHornets''.

** Once Dr. Rice was finished creating X-24, he decided that X-23 was a dead end and ordered the Reavers to euthanize the remaining children because they failed to make good soldiers. Even though Laura and some other children survived at the end, most of the kids in the project ''were'' murdered during the attempted purge.

** Rice's behavior seems to shift slightly during his time alone with Caliban. While still FauxAffablyEvil, the lighting of the scene, the {{Extreme Close Up}}s and his constant {{Psychotic Smirk}}s really hit home how absolutely ''deranged'' the monster is. The scene is tense enough that it seems like Rice is one step away from suddenly whipping out a weapon or syringe.
* While it's heartbreaking, it's also frightening to see the great telepath Charles Xavier now a ranting mess whose seizures can freeze hundreds of people at once. As Dr. Rice puts it "a degenerative brain condition in the most powerful brain in the world. Quite a combo." Which takes a new harsh view when it's revealed that one of these seizures killed the X-Men.
* At a Vegas hotel, Xavier has such a seizure, causing 400 people to be frozen in agony, unable to move but totally aware. When it passes, you see people collapsed, moaning and even bleeding, making it clear just how dangerous Xavier can truly be. Tied to the above, when Logan (barely able to withstand the effect) comes to the hotel room, he sees a pack of mercenaries frozen around Xavier. While they may deserve it, you have to feel for the mercs, unable to move but clearly watching helplessly as Logan comes up to kill them one by one.

** His very first appearance serves as an enormous WhamShot. You - and Charles - are led to believe that this is just Logan checking up on the old professor, until the camera changes to his face; still Creator/HughJackman, but with ''clearly'' different hair and eyes, and a strangely dark tank top...

** After the audience figures out that "Logan" is an impostor, X-24 drives his claws right into Xavier's chest, taking us out of what should have been a heartwarming scene and straight up into terror. Just the murder of Xavier counts all by its own, doubling as a TearJerker.

** Not even ''once'' does Charles scream or groan in agony after being clawed right into the chest. The pain was so absolutely immense that the guy could hardly even ''move or speak''. Once it initially happens, his mouth opens agape as if to scream, but nothing comes out even as Laura pounces on '24.

** There's just something so eerie about how X-24 slowly removes his blood-smeared claws from Xavier's chest, and doesn't even look at them - ''continuing to stare at Xavier with an expression of pure, absolute scorn'' as he prepares to stab him again.
** And then X-24 slaughters the family that had taken Logan, Laura and Xavier in. ''One. By. One.'' Dear God, the music playing during this entire sequence, pulsing and getting louder and louder.
** Dr. Rice is not only [[LackOfEmpathy completely uncaring]] in having X-24 kill several innocent people -- one of them being around [[WouldHurtaChild preteen age]] -- but he's actually ''impressed'' by the clone's ruthlessness. The only time Rice tells '24 to stop is when he's mauling Canewood law enforcement...''[[LackOfEmpathy just because]]'' Rice already got what he needed and didn't want to waste time waiting on '24's senseless violence.

'''Caliban''': ''(mortified)'' YOU SAID YOU ONLY NEEDED THE GIRL!\\

** X-24 standing completely dormant as Canewood tries striking a deal with him. Not only do none of them realize that they're facing off against a living weapon; but '24 doesn't know a thing about money. He knows nothing about getting paid, or making deals. Literally the '''only''' thing that Transigen put in his head is "kill all assigned targets". They deliberately made him so that he was completely ''detached'' from any sort of humanity.

** During this bit, Logan yells Charles' name twice; the first out of shock and worry, desperate to hear ''something'' from the professor. As his gaze alternates between upstairs and Laura being taken outside, Logan slowly realizes one thing: '''''[[OhCrap Charles isn't responding.]]''''' He screams his name again, now in outright horror, but by the time he runs upstairs it is already far, ''far'' too late.

*** Special mention goes to how he basically kills Logan: '''''by shoving the latter into a jutted tree branch and stabbing him with his claws - and would have done so multiple times had Laura not killed him.''''' The amount of blood present due to this action will leave you repeatedly swearing at this visceral imagery.
** The realization that X-24 is what Wolverine would have been, had he never fought against his feral instincts. While Sabretooth shared this role, he at least had coherent thinking behind his sadistic ways ([[GeniusBruiser which arguably made him even more dangerous]]), [[TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou even bearing a very twisted but dedicated code of honor.]][[note]][[AdaptationalNiceGuy Note that this is not the case in the comics themselves.]][[/note]] X-24 is ''so much worse''. Nothing but a snarling beast, seething with nothing but absolute rage with every action - every breath taken with the desire to slaughter the nearest thing that isn't his master Rice. And given what Rice's father had in store for him when he was still Weapon X, Logan was ''this'' very close to becoming just like X-24.
** And besides this, X-24 is completely dead silent when first seeing Charles, choosing to wait until after he's done confessing about the Westchester tragedy. While this is likely just him following Rice's orders to the letter, it gives off an almost sadistic vibe to a being who's, for all intents and purposes, a savage killing machine. If anything, this bit is even ''worse'' than his initial meeting with Logan, as that happened after the Munson family was slaughtered. This is ''before'', setting together a truly cruel and shocking MoodWhiplash.

* The fact that Magneto was right. Humans did figure out a way to cause the extinction of mutantkind. Previous human villains resorted to violence one way or another to rid the world of mutants and all failed. Zander Rice simply found the most effective and unnoticeable way to suppress the mutation gene ''before birth'' by making foodstuffs and drinks out of a special GMO, while giving the job of physical extermination of what little was left to the Reavers.

* [[AssholeVictim Even though he deserved it]], watching Pierce getting telekinetically warped, electrocuted, frozen, strangled by grass, and god knows what else [[RasputinianDeath all at once]] by the X23 children was extremely unnerving as he tries to beg for his life, with the X-23s ignoring his pleas while silently sporting expressions of pure ''contempt''. [[NothingIsScarier And we don't see his body afterwards]].
* That unnerving gaze that Laura always seems to have whenever she's in a new environment or when changes to an existing environment occur takes on a far more frightening meaning when you combine it with her other mannerisms. It's not a fearful or curious gaze. It's the gaze of a predator, and she's monitoring her surroundings for threats, sizing up every living being that she spots, and most likely planning out how to kill them if they make a wrong move or escape from unmanageable threats if she has to. The MookHorrorShow inside Logan's hideout when the Reavers followed her in? She wasn't fleeing, she was luring them in to a place where she would have greater control. She was ''hunting'' them. Every time she enters a new area, her mind starts planning the best possible way to kill everyone there.

** Another instance of especially vicious gore comes from the Vegas hotel scene, where Logan stabs his claws through a Reaver's head - from the back to '''through the''' '''''face''''' on his way to Charles.
* So you took one of the most dangerous mutants, one with enhanced strength, speed, senses, and agility, indestructible claws and bones, a healing factor that could shrug off a nuke (even if he was a few miles away) and a fury to rival Hulk, and you put all his powers, in a little girl. One who was taught to not have a conscience and be trained to kill.
** The other X-23 children, despite being subjected to the exact same conditions as Laura, are all relatively normal. Sure they [[TykeBomb can (and do) kill with unnerving ease and little remorse]], but that's their last resort; otherwise, they have campfire cookouts, they smile, and ''they speak''. Laura does none of these, suggesting that her emotionlessness and instinct to kill are part of ''her'', likely from her mutation. Imagine Logan: he is capable of and willing to kill almost anyone if they anger him sufficiently, and he is literally an animal when he does, but he regrets it. Laura is Logan but abused and neglected, and she [[TheSociopath doesn't show any remorse]] at the people she's killed. One can only hope she gets better with age.
** According to Creator/HughJackman, the film's visceral violence was not the main reason the film received an R-Rating, but was merely taking advantage of it. The film's portrayal of Transigen's ChildSoldier plans was the true reason the film received such an adult rating.
* A minor example, but during the opening scene, one of Logan's claws doesn't fully extend. A very eerie scene follows where Logan is seen slowly and painfully pulling it out with his own hands. And ''drawing blood from it''. When this scene was first shown in the second trailer, many viewers thought that Logan was performing SelfHarm.
** While Logan's intentions are not SelfHarm-related in this first scene, there ''is'' a scene in Gabriella's expositional video where Laura is cutting herself with her new claws. [[GoodThingYouCanHeal Over and over again.]]
** Another scene in said video features Transigen soldiers chasing after one of the X-23 kids, who had gone up to their headquarters' rooftop ''[[DrivenToSuicide and unhesitantly jumps off!]]''

* A deleted scene from the end of the film dubbed "Puppet Master" shows one of the X-23 kids has the ability to mentally manipulate people to follow his actions. When being chased by three Reavers, he controls the first one to turn around and shoot the other two, before making him hold the gun to his chin and shoot himself.
* The idea of scientists manipulating food and drink with [=GMOs=] to prevent mutant births is disturbing enough on its own merits. But then you factor in the Mutant Metaphor and it becomes downright ''terrifying'', no different than using those products to eliminate a race or sexual orientation.

** Logan ''sounds'' terrified too, constantly looking at Laura and then upstairs where Charles is, screaming the latter's name in horror. The most critical AdultFear possible: his daughter ''and'' father figure are in mortal danger, and not only can he easily choose which one to save without seriously risking the other dying, but the threat to both of their lives is, essentially, '''''[[EvilCounterpart himself.]]'''''

** The realization that X-24 is what Wolverine would have been, had he never fought against his feral instincts. While Sabretooth shared this role, he at least had coherent thinking behind his sadistic ways ([[GeniusBruiser which arguably made him even more dangerous]]), [[TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou even bearing a very twisted but dedicated code of honor.]][[note]][[AdaptationalNiceGuy Note that this is not the case in the comics themselves.]][[/note]] X-24 is ''even much worse''. Nothing but a snarling beast, seething with nothing but absolute rage with every action - every breath taken with the desire to slaughter the nearest thing that isn't his master Rice. And given what Rice's father had in store for him when he was still Weapon X, Logan was ''this'' very close to becoming just like X-24.

''Logan'' got its "R" rating for many good reasons. Strong language, dismemberments, eviscerations, its sheer usage of blood... the list goes on. People expecting PG-13 violence is in for a shock.

-->'''Xavier''': I think I finally understand you.\\

-->'''Logan''': CHARLES! ... '''''CHARLES!'''''

** All this leads to X-24 and Logan's first meeting. It's not violent (yet), just silent and haunting. X-24 just nonchalantly walks down the stairs of the Munson household, carrying Laura in tow. He stares at Logan twice, circling around him like a shark, then... just walks away. It's oddly unnerving to see someone so feral being so ''calm.'' And Creator/HughJackman conveys the absolute, sheer horror on Logan's face when he makes this horrifying discovery.

** And besides this, X-24 is completely dead silent when first seeing Charles, choosing to wait until after he's done confessing about the Westchester tragedy. While this is likely just him following Rice's orders to the letter, it's ''even scarier'' seeing this manic killing machine just act so...''serenely'' calm.

** Another instance of especially vicious gore comes from the Vegas hotel scene, where Logan stabs his claws through a Reaver's head '''face-first''' on his way to Charles.

** Dr. Rice is not only [[LackOfEmpathy completely uncaring]] in having X-24 kill several innocent people -- one of them being around [[WouldHurtaChild preteen age]] -- but he's actually ''impressed'' by the clone's ruthlessness.

* The frost breath X-23 kid [[KillItWithIce freezes]] the arm of one of the Reavers and [[LiterallyShatteredLives shatters it]]. Cue the blood and scream.
* One of the X-23 kids telekinetically throws a rain of wood shards and pine needles at some of the Reavers, turning the head of one of them into a bloody porcupine and eventually [[LudicrousGibs blows him to pieces with them]].

** Rice's behavior seems to shift slightly during his time alone with Caliban. While still FauxAffablyEvil, the lighting of the scene, the {{Extreme Close Up}}s and his constant {{Psychotic Smirk}}s really hit home how absolutely ''deranged'' the monster is. The scene is tense enough that it seems like Rice is one step away from suddenly whipping out a weapon or syringe.

** All this leads to X-24 and Logan's first meeting. It's not violent (At least not initially). X-24 just nonchalantly walks down the stairs of the Munson household, carrying Laura in tow. He stares at Logan twice, circling around him like a shark, then... just walks away. It's oddly unnerving to see someone so feral being so ''calm.'' And Creator/HughJackman conveys the absolute, sheer horror on Logan's face when he makes this horrifying discovery.

This film got its "R" rating for many good reasons. Strong language, dismemberments, eviscerations, its sheer usage of blood... the list goes on.