Terrifier 3 (2024)

Director: Damien Leone

Starring: Lauren LaVera, David Howard Thornton, Antonella Rose

Art the Clown is set to unleash chaos on the unsuspecting residents of Miles County as they peacefully drift off to sleep on Christmas Eve.

Let me start off with a warning: ‘Terrifier 3’ is NOT for the faint of heart, and ONLY if you can stomach extreme gore. As a horror fan I’ve certainly seen my share of horror movies, but ‘Terrifier 3’ is one of the goriest films I’ve ever seen.

Art the Clown is fast becoming one of cinema’s most memorable and iconic villains, following in the footsteps of Freddie Krueger, Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees. Just like these characters, Art the Clown is also immortal – some kind of demon. He shows absolutely no mercy and even kills young kids. This creature has no conscience whatsoever and is one of the most sadistic killers in film history.

The film starts with Art brutally killing a family, then cuts back to five years prior to pick up where ‘Terrifier 2’ ended, when Art was decapitated by Sienna. We swiftly go to the present again, and Sienna has been released from a psychiatric hospital. She goes to live with her Aunt Jess and husband Greg, and their daughter Gabbie.

Back from the dead, Art continues his killing spree in the most horrific ways possible! If you’re squeamish, I guarantee you definitely won’t be able to watch the kill scenes. However horrible they are, one has to give credit to the creators for their fantastic make-up and practical effects. If Oscars were given to practical effects, ‘Terrifier 3’ would deserve to win, or at least receive a nomination. It is insanely well done!

Sienna – still battling to get grips on reality – soon discovers Art is still on her trail, and her fight for survival starts all over again. Lauren LaVera returns as Sienna, and she is once again fantastic. The Sienna character grounds the film in a way and lends more realism to an otherwise wildly absurd movie. In fact, the acting from everyone in this movie – even the small parts – were so good.

Victoria, who was the protagonist in ‘Terrifier’ and ended up being horribly disfigured by Art, is back and has a much bigger part in ‘Terrifier 3’. She, too, is now immortal and killing alongside Art. Victoria is a truly ugly character, while Art – although diabolical – is also kinda funny.

‘Terrifier 3’ is an exceptionally well made film, but I honestly never want to see it again. I’d still give the first two films repeat viewings, but not ‘Terrifier 3’. With the tremendous success of the franchise, and ‘Terrifier 3’ in particular, it is no surprise that ‘Terrifier 4’ is in the works.

‘Terrifier 3’ earned more than $85 million on a budget of only $2 million. At the time of writing this review, ‘Terrifier 3’ already won awards for Best Makeup. It also received nominations for Best Horror Film, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Lead Actor, Best Costume Design, and Best Slasher.

Would I watch it again? I simply can’t…