The Horror Show
Terrifier
by Damien Leone
I've spoken before about my love for the 2013 anthology flick All Hallows' Eve. It's still one of my favorites and one that I've seen on many occasions. It's a strange film that still manages to be crystal clear, all connected by a silent, sinister clown. The stories in the film were all about different things, but the violent, terror-inducing harlequin that pops up throughout signaled true mayhem and terror. So, it made sense when I discovered that “Art the Clown” had gotten a full film all his own. This film is Terrifier and to put it simply. it's a lot of fun, so let's dig in.
After an opening that is sure to get the audience's attention, we are introduced to Tara and Dawn (Jenna Kanell and Catherine Corcoran). It's Halloween night and these two friends are stuck navigating the streets, unaware of the danger that follows them. After a while they have an encounter with Art, but in classic Art form, it doesn't start off murderous. In fact, it's almost as if he just wants to play. But his brand of “playing” is quite rough and what follows is a night of terror, bloodshed, and adrenaline. All courtesy of our grinning, maniacal slasher.
Once the main plot is introduced, the film takes a little bit of its time winding up, but once it lights the fuse it just keeps going. Art the clown is a full-on assault of brutality and mercilessness and succeeds in being both a fun and intimidating figure. The film doesn't bother itself with the why and how. All the audience needs to know is that Art is a bloodthirsty entity and this film shows a day in his oversized shoes. In the same way that All Hallows' Eve worked, Terrifier is the type of film that is best just experienced. Don't try too hard to figure out the ins and outs and just enjoy the ride, because it's one hell of a roller coaster.
Terrifier knows exactly what it's doing and exactly why it works so well. The film is set up simply enough as a standard slasher. In the end, it's about a murderous figure going around carving up anyone who comes near. However, the film avoids most of the standard pacing and usual tropes of the slasher genre and goes all in with how it delivers the scares. The film moves to its own beat and knows exactly what the audience is expecting, and more importantly, not expecting. The film knows when to strike and it all pays off beautifully.
The suspense and kills are what the film is all about and it makes use of both well. Sometimes the possibility of hope can be the scariest thing and Art is just vulnerable enough to feel real. There's just enough chance for our characters' survival to leave the audience engaged and emotionally involved with every frenzied heartbeat. Terrifier does a wonderful job of providing the feeling of dread and terror. Once a character has found themselves in the path of our festive antagonist, all bets are off and those sensations of energetic terror resonate through the screen.
Even with the main slasher's playful nature, the film holds a dark tone and the kills are felt. The effects are absolutely fantastic, real classic practical work. Most of the gore ends up on the screen and it's all a blast to watch. Everyone commits to their roles wonderfully, especially David Howard Thorton who plays Art the Clown this time around. Art is an avalanche of silent emotion and that takes a lot of skill to pull off, especially through makeup. But if Karloff taught us anything, it's that such a performance can be something really special and Thorton does a great job in this regard.
All in all, I highly recommend this film. I won't be elitist and say that one isn't a slasher fan if they don't enjoy it, but I can't imagine any slasher fan not having a great time. It's a solid film, shot well with a wonderful cast that knows how to bring the gore and suspense. It's use of music and tone is consistent and it certainly all leaves an impression. So, if it all sounds like a cup of blood-red tea you'd like to sip, then I say have at it. I for one can't wait to see what Leone has in store next.
P.J. Griffin, HMS
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