As the TV turns on and comes to life, an interview is showcased featuring the sole survivor of the Mile Country Massacre, which took place a year ago. Although the survivor is unrecognisable, she mentions a man named Art the Clown. Following the massacre, reports indicated that Art the Clown's body had vanished without a trace. Simultaneously, a mysterious figure—Art the Clown—appears, smashing the TV before he begins to dress and equip himself, seemingly preparing for what could be another massacre.
On Halloween night, two best friends, Tara (Jenna Kanell) and Dawn (Catherine Corcoran), spend their evening drinking heavily at a party. While walking, they spot a mysterious stranger dressed in a white clown suit, who soon disappears. Feeling hungry and wanting to continue their night out, they visit a local pizzeria.
While dining at the pizzeria, Tara and Dawn are again distracted when the same unusual clown, Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton), enters. Art is dressed in a black and white outfit with blood all over his teeth and a tiny black hat. He doesn’t speak, which adds to the unsettling atmosphere.
As Tara and Dawn try to enjoy their meal, they experience disturbing interactions with Art. At one point, Art offers Tara a plastic toy ring from a nearby vending machine. Meanwhile, Dawn finds Art amusing and decides to take a selfie with him while sitting on his lap, but Art appears unimpressed by her antics.
As Tara and Dawn approach their car to leave, they discover that the tyres have been slashed. Left stranded, they search for alternative ways to get home. In desperation, Tara reaches out to her sister, Victoria (Samantha Scaffidi), for help. Although Victoria is overwhelmed with assignments, she agrees to pick them up but warns that it will take her some time to reach their location. Unbeknownst to Tara and Dawn, they have unwittingly become the primary targets of the maniacal killer, Art the Clown. Will Tara and Dawn survive the night or become Art's latest bloody victims?
"Terrifier" is a brutal horror film with numerous terrifying moments filled with gore and violence. It was written and directed by Damien Leone. For those who may not be familiar, "Terrifier" is based on a short film of the same name and the anthology series All Hallows' Eve, which was released in 2013. The short film and the series introduced the iconic character Art the Clown.
Art the Clown is undoubtedly the standout feature of the film. He is creepy and unsettling, providing plenty of nightmare fuel for horror enthusiasts, especially those with an aversion to clowns. Despite not saying a single word, his mannerisms and expressions convey a mixture of horrifying and even comedic moments. David Howard Thornton brings tremendous energy to this character, earning credit for creating a new type of horror icon.
Overall, while the plot outline isn't groundbreaking, there's no denying that this film has given rise to a horror icon: Art the Clown. He is creepy and terrifying, and full credit goes to David Howard Thornton for his performance and writer and director Damien Leone for creating such a compelling character. It’s truly remarkable to see Thornton on screen, showcasing his unique mannerisms with high energy, especially considering the character never speaks a single word. The predictable story features familiar character outcomes and dialogue reminiscent of cheesy TV movies. However, the killings are violent and disturbing, so if you're a fan of bloody horror films, this movie will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings in that regard. The film's ending includes a fun reveal and an unexpected supernatural element, providing viewers with enough intrigue to eagerly anticipate the next instalment.
* This review has been written for Sanity. For more reviews from Walkden Entertainment, check out the link here: www.walkdenentertainment.com