Terrifier

Terrifier is a horror film that premiered on October 15, 2016, at the Telluride Horror Show and later opened in theaters in the United States on March 15, 2018. Directed and written by Damien Leone, the movie features a cast that includes Jenna Kanell, Samantha Scaffidi, Catherine Corcoran, and David Howard Thornton. The plot follows Tara Heyes and her sister Victoria as they become the targets of a mysterious killer known as Art the Clown on Halloween night.

The character of Art the Clown was first introduced in Leone's short film The 9th Circle in 2008 and later appeared in another short titled Terrifier in 2011. These shorts laid the groundwork for the anthology film All Hallows' Eve (2013), which included segments featuring Art. Leone aimed to showcase Art and his impressive special effects work through this feature film. However, Leone has expressed regret over the underdevelopment of the main characters.

Funding for the film was initially sought through an Indiegogo campaign, which did not meet its financial goal. Producer Phil Falcone stepped in to help finance the project, securing a producer credit in return. David Howard Thornton took over the role of Art from Mike Giannelli, who had previously portrayed the character but chose not to return for the feature.

After its limited theatrical release, Terrifier received mixed reviews from critics. Praise centered around its special effects and performances, while the storyline faced criticism. Despite these reviews, the film has established a following and has led to the creation of a media franchise. A sequel, Terrifier 2, was released in October 2022, further expanding the series.

The story begins with a disfigured woman, who survived a massacre the previous year, being interviewed on a talk show. After the interview, the host makes cruel remarks, prompting the woman to attack. The main action unfolds on Halloween night when Tara and her friend Dawn encounter Art the Clown. After a series of violent events—including the slashing of tires and gruesome killings—the film escalates into a nightmare for the sisters.

Throughout the film, viewers witness Art's horrific methods of killing his victims, including a chilling scene where he forces Tara to watch as he saws Dawn in half. The tension builds as Victoria arrives and discovers the aftermath of Art's actions. The film culminates in a chaotic sequence where Art encounters the police and ultimately reanimates after being killed, setting the stage for further exploitation of his character in future installments.

In terms of production, Leone aimed for a straightforward narrative while focusing heavily on visual style and the portrayal of Art. The film's minimalistic approach emphasizes the horror elements, resonating with fans of the slasher genre. Despite some negative feedback regarding character depth, many viewers appreciate the thrills and gore, viewing it as a homage to classic slasher films from the 1980s.

With a budget estimated between $35,000 and $55,000, Terrifier grossed approximately $421,798 at the box office. Critics have varied in their assessments; for instance, Rotten Tomatoes indicates a mixed reception with 62% of reviews being positive. Some highlight the film's effective suspense and gore, while others criticize the lack of character development. The film has also received nominations for awards, further cementing its status within the horror genre.

As the franchise continues to expand, with Terrifier 3 already in production, the legacy of Art the Clown is likely to grow. Fans of horror and slasher films will be eager to see how the series develops and whether it can continue to innovate within its genre.