'Terrifier 3' review: Art the Clown goes for broke in a bloody, bonkers sequel
Courtesy of Cineverse
Not known for subtlety or glamor, the “Terrifier” films come packed with an inherent sense of manic depravity. This reputation helped propel 2022’s “Terrifier 2” to modest box office success, fueled by viral reports of moviegoers vomiting and fainting. That kind of publicity is priceless, and it has given writer-director Damien Leone the freedom to push the envelope even further in “Terrifier 3.” With David Howard Thornton returning as Art the Clown—this generation's iteration of Freddy Krueger—viewers are in for a wild ride.
Just how far do Leone and Thornton push the boundaries? I thought I had seen it all after a brutal opening scene featuring a family of four on Christmas Eve. But a late sequence involving a chainsaw and a shower left me reeling, as did a grotesque moment centered around, well, the ingestion of rats. Gore enthusiasts and franchise fans will devour these scenes like catnip, but as someone who found the first two installments tedious, I can confidently say “Terrifier 3” is the best of the bunch. It maintains a steady stream of crazy moments with a story that, while not particularly compelling, doesn’t impede the relentless mayhem.
This growth also speaks to Leone's development as a filmmaker. The first “Terrifier” leaned heavily on shock value, seemingly intent on exploiting its low budget. Meanwhile, “Terrifier 2” felt like an overwrought two-and-a-half-hour slog that focused too much on character development at the expense of Art. Thankfully, many of those issues have been addressed, striking a better balance in “Terrifier 3.”
The film picks up five years after the events of “Terrifier 2,” with Art the Clown having seemingly vanished. Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera), the final girl who defeated Art last time, has been in and out of mental institutions, grappling with PTSD. As she finally gathers the strength to spend the Christmas holidays with her remaining family, Art resurfaces, embarking on another bloody killing spree to find Sienna and her younger brother, Jonathan (Elliott Fullam).
Throughout his rampage, Art gains a supernatural sidekick, dons a Santa suit, and terrorizes the town with a sinister glee unique to his character. “Terrifier” fans who have endured the previous films know what to expect, and Leone delivers.
Like a child in a demented candy shop, Art discovers new and malicious ways to torment and eviscerate his victims. From a makeshift liquid nitrogen gun to a feeding tube from hell, each death feels fresh and inventive. Leone, likely benefiting from a budget upgrade from the $250,000 of its predecessor, doesn’t skimp on the theatrics or the practical effects of these horrific slayings. It’s as if Art now has standards: if you’re going to be killed by him, it has to be big, brutal, and relentless. Otherwise, why bother? Leone and Thornton treat this brutality like a badge of honor.
The endless barrage of effects and bloodshed can become tiresome, and the story largely serves as a setup for the next wave of kills, not playing a significant role in the film. However, the connection between Sienna and her cousin Gabbie (Antonella Rose) injects a sliver of humanity into the chaos, providing a brief respite amid the unforgettable carnage.
Just when you think you’ve grown desensitized to the “Terrifier” brand, Leone and his team find innovative ways to remain fresh while staying true to their indie roots. In doing so, they’ve crafted an instantly recognizable pop culture icon on par with Pennywise and Jason Voorhees—no small feat in today’s cinematic landscape. Given the economics of this franchise, it’s likely we’ll see more of Art the Clown in the future, but let’s hope Leone and Thornton never forget where they came from.
Grade: B
Terrifier 3 opens in theaters Friday, October 11th.
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