Art the Clown first made his eerie appearance in Leone's short film, The 9th Circle, and it’s truly remarkable to witness how he has transformed into a modern horror icon. Growing up during the golden age of 80s slasher films, I was completely immersed in a realm filled with legendary horror villains. I recall binge-watching many horror movies, which were truly inappropriate for my age. LOL. It’s been quite some time since a genuinely classic horror character graced our screens, so when Art the Clown debuted on my Netflix screen in the original Terrifier, it felt like a breath of fresh air in the genre.
I haven’t felt this level of excitement about a horror franchise in quite some time. Back in 2020, I had high hopes for Terrifier 2, sensing that it could kickstart a new obsession in the horror genre, and I’m thrilled to say my instincts proved to be spot on! Now, as we welcome the arrival of Terrifier 3, Art the Clown has indeed permeated the cultural landscape. His presence is impossible to escape, whether through exclusive merchandise or the impressive life-size animatronic display at Spirit Halloween. It feels like the franchise is not just making a comeback but dominating the horror scene!
I loved Terrifier 3, but we all knew this would be the case! The film is a gritty grindhouse horror film set during Christmas, marrying the best parts of Terrifier 1 and 2. Like its predecessor, Terrifier 3 delivers on the gore. I commend Leone for discovering new ways to shock fans with Art’s creative kills and utilizing practical effects to their fullest. There were reports of people passing out or throwing up during the film, but I just don’t get it. The first two movies of the series should have been a major red flag that you cannot handle the carnage.
Maybe my threshold for gore has increased exceptionally through the years. The Substance also prepared me for more gruesome horror flicks this Halloween season. I kept my eyes on the screen during some unsavory moments of that movie. What's funny is real-life gore freaks me out. I also have trypanophobia in medical settings. The thought of getting my blood work done makes me want to die inside.
Many people dismiss the series by saying there’s no storyline, but I firmly believe a deeper narrative is at play. It’s almost as if they’re watching with their eyes closed, missing the subtle cues and character development. To me, the series unfolds like a slow burn, gradually building tension and intrigue with each movie. I often wonder why some fans expect a slasher to adopt a novelty plot. Their reactions remind me of WWE fans, who need deep “storytelling” over quality wrestling.
David Howard Thornton embodies the character of Art the Clown with remarkable skill, showcasing his genius through humor and expression. His ability to convey emotions and comedic timing without uttering a single word is truly impressive. Thornton’s animated facial expressions and exaggerated mannerisms bring Art to life in a way that captivates how comedic he truly is. You’ll never understand how anyone could love such a violent and dishonorable clown until you watch a Terrifier movie.
Lauren LaVera stands out as the ultimate final girl, embodying everything we love about horror. Her performance as Sienna is bound to become iconic, showcasing a unique blend of toughness and vulnerability. She demonstrates incredible strength in terrifying situations while also conveying deep emotions, allowing us to connect with her character. This balance of badassery and emotional depth truly sets her apart. I appreciate that Leone made Sienna more than just a typical final girl, elevating her character beyond merely surviving a crazed killer.
I applaud Leone for simultaneously shaming people's sensationalism of true crime events and responding to criticism that the past Terrifier films have been misogynistic in the infamous shower scene. It was pretty poetic. Interestingly, Terrifier 3 has garnered a lot of discourse and criticism for another issue: the killing of children in films. The discourse is odd because it is nothing new to the horror genre. I mean, Pennywise savagely ripped off a kid's arm and killed him, but I never hear the same rhetoric around the Georgie scene, with both the old and new IT films being popular.
People should be able to select what content they wish to avoid in films while allowing others to enjoy those same films without restrictions. Certain subjects explored in cinema can be profoundly triggering or distressing for some viewers. For me, I prefer not to watch movies with graphic sexual assault scenes. It is why I will not watch I Spit on Your Grave or The Last House on the Left. This is also the reason I'll never watch the remake of The Hills Have Eyes again or consider the original. However, I believe it's essential to maintain a diverse range of content so everyone can find films that resonate with them while respecting personal boundaries.
Also, I believe that if you find yourself deeply offended by the portrayal of children dying in movies yet remain silent about the very real atrocities that children face in the world today, it may suggest that your moral outrage is more about appearances than genuine concern. It seems disingenuous to react so strongly to fictional scenarios while overlooking the actual suffering of children.
ANYWAY…
This was the perfect Christmas slasher film with Art the Clown. I plan to watch it every holiday season. I’m genuinely excited about more Christmas horror films. I also loved the old-school vintage aesthetic of the movie. I’m really curious about what Terrifier 4 will bring and whether Jonathan will return. I know Damien Leone has something special planned.
P.S. The rat scene, um, were you reading American Psycho, Damien?
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