Terrifier 3 (2024) spoiler free review
Prepare to be terrified again. Terrifier 3 is a 2024 American Christmas supernatural slasher film written, edited, and directed by Damien Leone. It’s the third installment in the Terrifier film series and the sequel to Terrifier 2 (2022). The film premiered on September 19, 2024 at Fantastic Fest, and was theatrically released on October 11, 2024 in the United States. With a budget of $2 million the film has grossed $68 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing unrated film of all time.
After surviving Art the Clown’s Halloween massacre, Sienna and her brother struggle to rebuild their shattered lives. As the holiday season approaches, they try to embrace the Christmas spirit and leave the horrors of the past behind. However, just when they think they’re safe, Art returns, determined to turn their holiday cheer into a new nightmare.
Film synopsis
The cast includes David Howard Thornton as Art the Clown, Lauren LaVera as Sienna Shaw, Luciana Elisa Quiñonez as young Sienna, Elliott Fullam as Jonathan Shaw, Samantha Scaffidi as Victoria Heyes, Margaret Anne Florence as Jess Shaw, Bryce Johnson as Greg Shaw, Antonella Rose as Gabbie Shaw, Chris Jericho as Adam Burke, Daniel Roebuck as Santa Claus, Tom Savini as a bystander, Jason Patric as Michael Shaw, Krsy Fox as Jennifer, Alexa Blair Robertson as Mia, Mason Mecartea as Cole, Stephen Cofield Jr. as Officer Evans, Clint Howard as Smokey, Annie Lederman as Graven Image co-host, Bradley Stryker as Eddie, Jon Abrahams as Dennis, Phil Falcone as Tom the Bus Driver, Kailey Hyman as Brooke, and John Sanders as the Demon Voice.
My Opinion
The killer clown is back. After being decapitated by Sienna, Art the Clown manages to get his head back and enters a state of hibernation. 5 years later, while Sienna and Jonathan try to move on with their lives, Art the Clown is accidentally awakened, leaving chaos wherever he walks during the Christmas season.
After the success and positive response that Terrifier 2 (2022) received, it was no surprise that this story wanted to be continued. Now with a budget of $2 million, writer and director Damien Leone brings us the most violent and bloody version, if possible, of the now iconic killer clown. David Howard Thornton reprises his role alongside Lauren LaVera, Elliot Fullam and Samantha Scaffidi.
Without leaving aside its characteristic visual appearance, this sequel considerably improves the special effects, cinematography, and editing taking advantage of all the opportunities offered by the story taking place during the Christmas season. Every bloody scene surpasses the previous one. When you think they can’t do something more shocking, the movie surprises you with scenes that will turn the stomach of more than one person. Terrifier 3 is a feast of blood and gore not suitable for people with a weak stomach. If you liked the second part, you will also like this one.
The weak link of this film, like the previous two, is the writing. The narrative becomes increasingly chaotic and overwhelming by adding as many supernatural elements as possible. Even though LaVera’s performance allows her character to connect with the audience, the script seems to be the only element of these films that does not evolve. With a duration of two hours and five minutes, the film can feel a little boring at times by lacking a catchy narrative.
Even so, it is still a unique experience for those who enjoy this type of movies. On a personal note, more than once I found myself with my mouth open with the creative bloody scenes. Terrifier 3 was what I expected and just as I have rewatched the first two a couple times I know that I will find myself rewatching this one in the comfort of my home.
With a fourth part confirmed, it only remains to hope that the writing will be improved by then being able to have a horror film that is not only grotesque, bloody and violent, but also one with a genuinely good and well-written story.
Terrifier 3 is still available in theaters and will be streaming on November 26, 2024.