by Nick Nitkowski

I discovered “Terrifier” when “Terrifier 2” was just being released in theaters. Except at the time, I wasn’t there to see it. I was actually seeing the first-ever theatrical release of my favorite Halloween movie “Trick ‘r Treat” which was originally only released straight to DVD beforehand. But as I was walking in, I saw a lot of people gathering around a specific poster to a movie I never heard of before, “Terrifier 2”. As I was waiting, I kept seeing more and more people gathering around this poster and at that moment I knew I was missing out on something special. So, after my movie, I went and searched for the first “Terrifier” movie. When I found it, I watched it immediately and saw the infamous hacksaw scene, which triggered a big response in me that no other movie has been able to accomplish in a while and when it was over, I went and bought the next available ticket to “Terrifier 2”. Needless to say, I became a fan. So much so that I made my own LEGO stop-motion animation “Terrifier” fan film, which you can find on YouTube. (Shameless plug, I know)

And now, what I felt like forever, but realistically was about a two-year wait, we finally have “Terrifier 3” and it’s a… Christmas movie? Interesting. I’m already sold on the name alone. So how does this movie compare to its predecessors? Does Art the Clown still get it after two-year absence? Will it still cause moviegoers to faint and vomit at the gruesome images shown on screen? That’s a real thing that happened, by the way. In short, how is “Terrifier 3” now that I’ve finally gotten to sit down and watch it?

Before I start, I should emphasize the fact that this is the third installment of the “Terrifier” franchise. I bring this up because it is imperative to know what you’re getting yourself into before blindly purchasing a ticket to a newly released movie. This is about a killer clown that kills people in the most creative, sometimes implausible, and gruesome ways ever! Blood, guts, and gore are guaranteed with these movies. If that’s not your jam, then this is definitely not for you. 

As it stands, and as a “Terrifier” fan, I obviously had a lot of fun with this movie. Like I said before, the blood flows constantly in this film. Although, I seem to have found myself desensitized by it at this point, so you’ll never see me fainting or throwing up during a movie because of what’s on screen. Just like the first two films, the kills are creative and unique. Before the movie came out, people were horrified to learn that Art the Clown was targeting a certain demographic in the film. I, on the other hand, was not fazed by this news. I’ll keep it vague for those not wanting to know ahead of time.

One of the things I liked most about this third installment, aside from the kills which really the main reason anyone is going to see this movie, is that it focused on the PTSD of the survivors of “Terrifier 2” Sienna and Jonathan Shaw, played again by Lauren LaVera and Elliot Fullam. After five years since the events of the last movie, they’re still traumatized by them and haven’t fully recovered. This comes into play when Art the Clown returns for another murderous rampage during the holidays.

Speaking of which, the obvious scene stealer in the whole movie is once again Art the Clown, played brilliantly once again by David Howard Thornton. His miming, his expressions, and  his ability to be funny and sinister at the drop of a hat are what have made him so iconic and why we keep begging for more. This time, he’s accompanied by Victoria Heyes, played by Samantha Scaffidi, his surviving victim of the first film, originally played by Margaret Reed, now corrupted by evil. She had a presence too, while more demonic in nature and appearance, I really enjoyed her performance as well.

I was slightly disappointed to see that “Terrifier 3” had a runtime only slightly above the two-hour mark, while “Terrifier 2” clocked in at around two and a half hours long. And considering that “2” is my favorite of the three, I’m sure that the fans, myself included, wouldn’t have minded a similar runtime for “3”. We’re obviously so hungry for more that we could easily sit through a three-hour-long “Terrifier” film. 

Overall, “Terrifier 3” caters to the fans and gives them plenty of what they want; buckets of blood filled by Art himself. If you’re a “Terrifier” fan, you’re obviously  going to watch this new installment and enjoy it immensely. If you’re not a fan… you’re probably not reading this review, but if by some chance you are, I would say watch the first “Terrifier” film and see how you feel about it afterwards. No shame should you choose not to continue. It’s understandable because this is definitely  an acquired taste. As for me, I had fun with it. Would I have liked it better if it was longer and possibly explored a few things a little deeper? Yes. But as it is, I still liked what I saw and I can’t wait to see more. Because we all know that this franchise isn’t stopping anytime soon. I might not have left the theater Terrified, but I definitely  left satisfied. 

3.5/ 5 stars