Terrifier 3 is a film that opposes much of what contemporary ‘elevated’ horror strives for today, it has little to say and is just here to be watched for the violence. Terrifier 3 sees the return of Art the Clown who has returned to Miles County, 5 years after the massacre that made him the most famous serial killer since Jack the Ripper. Meanwhile, Sienna, played by Lauren LaVera has returned home from a psychiatric ward, and moved in with her Aunt and Uncle, however, is still traumatised by the killer clown, now on a mission to hunt her down and act out his revenge.
The film is set during the lead-up to Christmas, but it does not hold back in terms of gore, blood and horrifying imagery. The opening scene immediately sets the tone, as a young girl hears footsteps on her roof. When she tells her parents they don’t believe her, however, soon Art the Clown reveals himself, massacring the entire family to a gloriously gory effect. The scene is a brilliant opening as it quickly identifies the tone and theme that the film strikes. Showing how Sienna, in typical horror fashion, is mad in her premonitions of Art’s returns, there is the feeling that like the little girl in the opening, no one will believe her. Meanwhile, the tone is struck beautifully, it is tense, but also very humorous, there is fun to be had in this murdering spree, from Shining references to the eccentric and over-the-top poses of Art who acts not just to kill but for the thrill of torture. The film then re-introduces us to Sienna, often cutting between the two characters, there is a sense that the two characters are connected and that it will soon lead to a gruesome and grotesque ending.
Terrifier 3, is without a doubt the goriest and most glorifyingly gruesome film I have seen. The film is not so much a cohesive narrative as it is a visceral series of killings, each as unique, horrifying, violent and memorable as the last. It is a weave of elaborate set pieces as we revel in how Art is going to kill the characters before him. At times teasing out the tension and provides false scares such as horns to lull the characters into a false sense of humour. Indeed the film is extremely funny, Art the Clown is destined to reach the heights of slasher stars such as Michael Myers and Ghostface, through his eccentric style, we cannot help but join in his fun in a frankly disturbing manner. I have never had so much fun watching people meet their unfortunate fate.
However, as someone who hasn’t seen the first two films, the film felt very disjointed, perhaps because I had no prior information to go on. But the film feels at times more like an assembly of scenes, before bringing in Sienna who then grounds the plot, although it takes time to acquaint the audience with the plot of the previous films. At times, despite how much fun I was having, I did question whether this was just plotless drivel. If I were going to see the film I would at least read up on the details of the previous film to have an idea of what happened to the characters beforehand, it is not its own unique story as many Slasher sequels are. The film throughout much of the second act flicks between the horror of Art the Clown’s killing spree, and a more grounded drama with Sienna returning home to her family, with the latter slow and lethargic, I was left waiting for the film to return to the horror.
Nevertheless, Terrifier 3 is extremely fun, in an almost bizarre sense for a horror film, with an almost B-movie aesthetic that gives it a uniqueness compared to other horror films. Its style informs the audience not to pay attention to the little details but rather just revel in the ridiculous gore and this is no doubt helped by Art the Clown, a horror icon in my mind, with his miming clown persona which injects the comedic sentiment of that of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and other icons of comedic silent cinema. The special effects makeup toes the line between looking realistic and providing an over-the-top comedy. Although the film isn’t saying a huge deal, there is an interesting subplot about true crime podcasts, as the host says she will kill for information, detailing the irony of some of these hosts who are only keen on fame and not victim wellbeing. Whilst this is only a small portion of the film it was a nice side course to Art the Clown’s starter, main and dessert.
However, Terrifier 3 is extremely fun, in an almost bizarre sense for a horror film, with an almost B-movie aesthetic that gives it a uniqueness compared to other horror films. Its style informs the audience not to pay attention to the little details but rather just revel in the ridiculous gore and this is no doubt helped by Art the Clown, a horror icon in my mind, with his miming clown persona which injects the comedic sentiment of that of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and other icons of comedic silent cinema. The special effects makeup toes the line between looking realistic and providing an over-the-top comedy. Although the film isn’t saying a huge deal, there is an interesting subplot about true crime podcasts, as the host says she will kill for information, detailing the irony of some of these hosts who are only keen on fame and not victim wellbeing. Whilst this is only a small portion of the film it was a nice side course to Art the Clown’s starter, main and dessert.
Terrifier 3 is not for the faint of heart. Although it is not saying much, and I’m not sure how good it is as a coherent film, I cannot say I didn’t have lots of fun with much of the horror in this film and can’t wait to see it again.
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