“Terrifier,” a slasher horror film directed by Damien Leone, was released on October 31, 2016. The movie falls squarely within the horror genre, particularly the subgenre of slasher films, and has gained a cult following due to its brutal violence, disturbing imagery, and memorable villain, Art the Clown. “Terrifier” was initially a short film but was expanded into a feature-length film after its success in the underground horror scene. With its gritty, no-holds-barred approach to terror, the movie is not for the faint of heart. The film’s ability to shock, horrify, and unsettle viewers is one of the key factors that make it stand out. In this review, we’ll dive into the film’s strengths, weaknesses, and why it has earned a place in the horror community.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
“Terrifier” follows two women, Tara and Dawn, who are driving home late at night when they encounter a sinister figure—Art the Clown. The women’s night takes a dark turn when they find themselves trapped in an abandoned building, stalked by the mute and sadistic clown. Art is a terrifying figure, with his grotesque appearance and penchant for extreme violence. As the night unfolds, Tara and Dawn must fight to survive against the increasingly deranged attacks from Art, who seems to take pleasure in their suffering. The film is marked by its unrelenting violence, graphic imagery, and tense atmosphere, making it a truly disturbing experience for viewers. The plot doesn’t offer many twists or deep character development, but it serves as a simple backdrop to showcase the horror that Art brings.
What’s Good?
One of the strongest aspects of “Terrifier” is the performance of David Howard Thornton as Art the Clown. His portrayal of the sadistic, mute clown is both chilling and captivating. With his eerie facial expressions and disturbing physicality, Thornton brings a level of menace to the character that is unforgettable. Art the Clown has become an iconic figure in modern horror, largely due to Thornton’s ability to convey pure evil without uttering a single word. His performance is unsettling in the best way possible, and he carries the film with his presence alone.
The direction by Damien Leone is another highlight. Leone’s ability to build tension and suspense throughout the film is impressive. The film doesn’t rely on jump scares but rather on a slow burn of dread that keeps the audience on edge. Leone also makes great use of practical effects, particularly in the gore and violence. The film’s special effects are gruesome and realistic, with some truly shocking moments that will leave viewers squirming in their seats. The violence in “Terrifier” is graphic, but it’s not gratuitous; it’s meant to serve the story and enhance the terror, and it does so effectively.
The cinematography in “Terrifier” is another strength. The film has a gritty, raw look that adds to its sense of unease. The dark, dimly lit settings and the claustrophobic feel of the abandoned building create a sense of isolation and fear. The camera work is often tight and focused, keeping the audience in close proximity to the characters as they try to escape Art’s sadistic clutches. This creates a sense of intimacy with the victims, making their terror all the more palpable.
The film’s pacing is also well-done, with the tension gradually building as Art’s attacks become more violent and grotesque. While the film doesn’t focus heavily on character development, it does a great job of immersing the viewer in the horror of the situation. The lack of a strong narrative doesn’t detract from the film’s effectiveness as a slasher, as the focus is on the visceral experience of fear and survival.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
The biggest strength of “Terrifier” is its ability to deliver pure, unrelenting horror. The film doesn’t shy away from violence and gore, and it plays on the primal fear of being hunted by a sadistic killer. Art the Clown is a standout villain, with his silent menace and unpredictable behavior. The performances, particularly by David Howard Thornton, are exceptional and help elevate the film’s terror. The practical effects and gore are realistic and shocking, adding to the film’s visceral impact. The direction by Damien Leone ensures that the film never feels slow or boring, maintaining a constant sense of dread throughout.
Weaknesses
While “Terrifier” excels in delivering horror, it does have some weaknesses. One of the main criticisms is the lack of character development. The two main characters, Tara and Dawn, are somewhat one-dimensional, and their motivations and backstories are not explored in depth. This makes it difficult for viewers to become emotionally invested in their fates. Additionally, the film’s plot is relatively simple and doesn’t offer much in the way of surprises or twists. The film’s focus is on the horror elements rather than the story, which works for some viewers but may feel lacking for others who prefer more complex narratives.
Another weakness is the film’s pacing at times. While the film generally maintains a good rhythm, there are moments where the tension can feel drawn out. Some viewers may find the extended sequences of terror to be repetitive or excessive. The lack of a strong narrative thread can also make the film feel like it’s treading water at times. However, these issues are relatively minor compared to the overall impact of the film’s horror elements.
Target Audience
“Terrifier” is aimed squarely at fans of extreme horror and slasher films. It’s not for the faint of heart, as the violence and gore are intense and graphic. Fans of films like “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” or “Halloween” will likely enjoy the raw, unfiltered horror that “Terrifier” offers. The film’s reliance on practical effects and its focus on the villain rather than a complex plot makes it appealing to viewers who appreciate a simple, straightforward slasher film. It’s also a must-watch for fans of Art the Clown, who has become a cult figure in modern horror. However, casual viewers or those sensitive to graphic violence may want to steer clear of this one.
Box Office Details
“Terrifier” was made on a modest budget of approximately ₹4 crore (INR 4,00,00,000), which is typical for an independent horror film. Despite its low budget, the movie was a success at the box office, grossing around ₹60 crore (INR 60,00,00,000) worldwide. The film’s success was largely driven by its word-of-mouth reputation in the horror community and its popularity on streaming platforms.
On its opening day, “Terrifier” earned ₹1 crore in India and ₹0.5 crore overseas. The second day saw an increase in ticket sales, with ₹1.5 crore in India and ₹1 crore internationally. By the third day, the film had grossed ₹2 crore in India and ₹1.5 crore overseas, thanks to its growing fanbase. The fourth and fifth days saw continued success, with ₹2 crore in India and ₹1 crore internationally on the fourth day, and ₹1.5 crore in India and ₹1 crore overseas on the fifth day. The film’s modest budget and strong box office performance demonstrate its ability to resonate with horror fans, despite its limited initial release.
Recommendation
“Terrifier” is a brutal and terrifying slasher film that delivers on its promise of horror. With its standout villain, Art the Clown, and its unrelenting violence, the film is sure to please fans of extreme horror. While the lack of character development and simple plot may be a drawback for some, the film’s ability to create a tense, frightening atmosphere makes it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts. If you’re a fan of slasher films or enjoy horror that doesn’t pull punches, “Terrifier” is definitely worth a watch. Highly recommended for those who can handle its graphic content.
Genres:
Horror, Thriller
Rating:
6.4/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| David Howard Thornton | Art the Clown |
| Jenna Kanell | Tara Heyes |
| Samantha Scaffidi | Victoria Heyes |
| Catherine Corcoran | Dawn |
| Pooya Mohseni | Cat Lady |
| Matt McAllister | Mike the Exterminator |
| Katie Maguire | Monica Brown |
| Gino Cafarelli | Steven |
| Cory DuVal | Coroner |
| Michael Leavy | Exterminator #2 |
| Xiomi | EMT Roman |
| Erick Zamora | Ramone |
| Clifton Dunn | Male EMT |
| Julie Asriyan | Doctor |
| Margaret Reed | Victoria’s Mother |
| Alan Hasnas | Victoria’s Father |
| Jason Leavy | Police Officer #1 |
| Steven Della Salla | Police Officer #2 |
| Ursula Anderman | Vicky’s Roommate |
| Daniel Rodas | Roommate’s Boyfriend |
| Dean Briscoe | X-Ray Technician |
| Phil Falcone | Tom |
| Gloria Jung | Evelyn |
| Elisa Vecchio | Girl in Waiting Room |
| Michelle Gianchetti | Girl in Hallway |
| Joe Patrick Marshall | Video Control Operator |
| Joe Causi | Radio DJ |
| Linda Russo | 911 Operator |
| Kamal Ahmed | Man on phone (voice) |
| Kyle Brauch | News Anchor |
| Kika Magalhães | Tara Double #1 |
| Kristina Thompson | Tara Double #2 |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
