Title: Terrifier 3
MPA Rating: Definitely R
Director: Damien Leone
Starring: Lauren LaVera, David Howard Thornton, Samantha Scaffidi
Runtime: 2 hr 5 mins

What It Is: Art the Clown (Thornton) returns to make your holiday season bloodier than ever. Following his resurrection by his deranged, mutilated minion, Vicky (Scaffidi), Art awaits the perfect moment to resume his reign of torment. Meanwhile, survivor Sienna Shaw (LaVera) takes a break from her institutionalization to visit her remaining family for the holidays, all while grappling with the terrifying visions that haunt her day and night. When she suspects Art is getting closer, Sienna, with the help of her younger brother Jonathan (Elliot Fullam), must take it upon themselves to protect what little they have left to lose.

What We Think: Merry Christmas and happy holidays, fuckers!! Our favorite immortal, torture-loving demon mime is back and sassier than ever. But for real—this time, we get a little extra spice with our Art, as somehow, he feels even more dynamic, thanks to a pitch-perfect performance by the iconic Thornton. He pushes his expressionism, comedy, and physicality to the limit, channeling the energy of Jim Carrey in The Mask. We were blessed to screen Terrifier 3 at its premiere, where Thornton, in a Q&A after the showing, attributed his performance to characters like Harpo Marx and silent film stars. Thanks to Fantastic Fest, we experienced the magic of being surrounded by kooky, saucy clowns (a few of whom I swear I recognized as viral scare actors), all while being screamed at, laughed at, and pelted with confetti. It was delectable—a perfect fit for such a wondrous occasion, as I strongly identify as a Terrifier fiend. So, as a fan—and assuming you’re a fan too—let’s talk about the wild ride you’re in for this Hallow-day season:

No, the first ten minutes aren’t as “bad” or “controversial” as they’re hyped up to be. Forget the TikTok lust-for-views nonsense; let’s focus on the bigger picture, kids. It’s a Terrifier movie: yes, Art’s going to kill whoever, however, in ways that are gross, silly, and wrong—but all in perfect, maniacal harmony. The real, non-hyperbolic truth is how Leone and his team managed to cram even more degenerate jokes and creative kills into one (two-hour-but-doesn’t-feel-like-it) sitting. Like in Terrifier 2, did this one give me a little tummy ache? Not quite, but for those dipping their toes into the hellish pit that is this franchise, that might be a good thing. As our resident rom-com aficionado and non-horror guy Will said after watching something that’s normally way out of his wheelhouse: “Like, it’s such a beautiful fucking picture.” Which, if you know El Jefe, is pretty weird.

So, overall, this is another big win for Terrifier fans and non-fans alike. We were all in the theater giggling, kicking our feet, and going, “Oohhhhhhhhh!” with our hands over our faces. What Terrifier 3 lacks in drawn-out suffering compared to T2, it makes up for with the sheer number of absurdly grotesque casualties and humor. Its pacing delivers whiplash in gore and violence, paired with high-end effects that are—ironically but on-brand—hypnotic and fun to watch. The nostalgic film grade and cinematography add so much atmosphere, making this the perfect goresploitation flick to bring your wife and kids to (just kidding, maybe). And finally, it’s amazing to see our favorite characters from the Terrifier Cinematic Universe return, especially one of the best final girls in recent memory, Sienna. Lauren LaVera reprises her role with an intense and powerful performance.

Our Grade: B+, Bitchin’. What a treat! Whether you’re watching this for Halloween or want to keep the vibes nasty for the winter season, Terrifier 3 fits the bill as the feel-good splatter flick of the year. Thanks to the impassioned work from the filmmakers, performers, and art department, this sequel proves yet again that this offensively vile gem of a franchise is worth sticking around for. It will continue to reward us with more delicious trash that appeals to our hungry little rat brains.