Film Review: Terrifier 3 (2024)
Here we are: the third installment of the Terrifier franchise. The question on every fan’s mind is “Can Art the Clown continue to shock and entertain in another outing, and does he have any new tricks in his box?” While many horror franchises stumble after a few entries, Terrifier 3 ups the ante, delivering one of the most viciously fun experiences in horror this year.
The Terrifier series has made a name for itself with its over-the-top gore and iconic villain, and in my assessment, Terrifier 3 proves it’s still got what it takes to send audiences into a state of gore-induced rapture.
“Art’s back, and this time, it’s personal.”
Picking up after the shock conclusion of Terrifier 2, Art the Clown is still on the loose, but this time, he’s joined by a new cohort of equally depraved figures that push the limits of schlocky obscenity even further. This escalation of evil is one of the most exciting aspects of the film, showing Art as not just a lone predator, but part of a larger, more sinister world of torment. The new additions to the roster of terror add an extra layer of discomfort, as Art no longer feels like the only threat, but rather the vanguard of a much darker space where merciless horrors exist around every corner.
Our protagonist, Sienna (Lauren LaVera), faces more than she ever imagined in her pursuit of Art and the evil he carries. Unlike many other slasher films, Sienna’s character development doesn't feel like an afterthought—it’s woven throughout the story, making her personal stakes and emotional investment in the fight against Art feel grounded, despite the absurdity of the situation. LaVera’s portrayal shows vulnerability, but it also conveys a sense of quiet determination that makes her a perfect foil to Art’s chaotic brutality. With her family in the crossfire, Sienna’s journey is a perilous one, and her transformation from a victim to avenging angel is one of the film’s most compelling arcs.
In contrast, Art the Clown—played by the peerless David Howard Thornton—remains as captivatingly twisted as ever. The murderous mime is a study in physical horror, with every twitch of his eyes, every embellished movement adding to the sheer terror he exudes. There’s something inherently unsettling about the way Thornton plays the role, from the glassy-eyed stare, to the way he plays with his victims, his performance is as uncomfortable as a root canal and pulled off at a level on the best horror icons can manage.
With all that can be said for the effects and performances, let’s be real about the rest: the plot itself isn’t something that will be studied in film schools. This is a straightforward slasher, with Art doing what Art does best—frightening, maiming, and killing with impressive creativity. Unlike my pretentious editor who hated the original Terrifier, I would argue simplicity of the story is part of its charm, as it allows the filmmakers to focus on the visceral horror rather than unnecessary plot twists. The film embraces its role as a pure slasher, never pretending to be anything else, but where Terrifier 3 truly shines is in its commitment to taking horror fans on a ride that is hard to find in the current landscape of horror cinema: this isn’t a movie that cares about “logic” or “taste.” It’s raw, it’s grotesque, and it’s fun as hell, here to make you react, not think.
“Art’s kills aren’t just graphic—they’re an art form”
Damien Leone’s direction is as savage as Art himself, pouring out everything the franchise is known for: gruesome kills, intense gore, and an sense of impending dread that never lets up. Leone doesn’t shy away from pushing the boundaries of horror, taking every opportunity to make each moment more disturbing than the last. Whether it’s through a tension-filled build-up to a kill, or an abrupt, violent act, Leone’s pacing story deliberate and considered, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment so long as you’re picking up what he’s putting down.
The practical effects in the Terrifier series have received endless praise, and those in Terrifier 3 are a masterclass in the craft. No CGI, no quick cuts, just some mechanical creativity, lots of corn syrup (or whatever alternative is popular now), and the hard work that goes into making it all look good. The kills are brutal and inventive, each one seemingly designed to outdo the previous in terms of creativity and shock value. The practical effects are some of the best in modern horror, and they play a crucial role in building the film’s unrelenting tone. The painstaking attention to detail in these kills shows a true love for the horror genre, making every death feel earned but not necessarily gratuitous, even when the violence is pushed to the limits of taste.
Let’s talk gore—because Terrifier 3 is about as gory as you can get without crossing over into self-parody. The kills are brutally inventive, and most audience members will be cringing and cheering simultaneously as Art carves his way through each scene. From impalements to dismemberments, the practical effects are peerless, which only makes the terror elements feel more tangible and horrific. The brutality is earned, and the audience can feel the weight of each death, especially as they occur in such absurdly creative ways.
But it’s not just about the gore—Leone’s execution of horror is precise and mindful, creating moments that are both impactful and masterfully staged. Whether it’s a moment of silence before a kill or the grotesque aftermath of one, Leone creates a visual language that is as effectively disturbing as it is gleeful. His direction is unflinching and sharp, ensuring the viewer never gets comfortable.
But more than that, Art’s twisted sense of humor plays into these murders, making them all the more chilling. There’s a macabre absurdity to his actions, as if he always has one eye on the camera to make sure the audience is still taking it seriously. This element of humor makes the violence a bit more fun, even as it unsettles the viewer. The juxtaposition of gore and humor is a hallmark of the Terrifier franchise, and it reaches new heights in this installment.
“What happens when you push horror to its limits?”
Terrifier 3 is another brutal entry in the franchise, delivering more of what fans have come to expect from Art the Clown’s twisted, gory antics. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor, it still delivers a wild ride for those who enjoy the over-the-top carnage and dark humor the series is known for. However, it does struggle to find much in the way of depth or fresh ideas, and the pacing can feel uneven at times. I think it’s a fair to ask if Art is running out of steam, and that the next installment needs to show a new wrinkle if the franchise is going to have staying power. If you’re a die-hard fan and crave more of Art’s gruesome ways, you’ll likely still have a good time, but don’t expect it to set the genre on fire….unless it does so literally.
While I’m a huge fan, there are valid criticisms to aim at Terrifier 3. There’s still a lack of narrative depth that may leave viewers who aren’t just here for the kills wanting more substance, and the pacing slows down at times, especially when it moves away from Art’s chaotic presence. Some scenes could have been edited for better pacing, as the film occasionally meanders on well-established but not especially interesting points.
Additionally, while the movie delivers a lot in terms of gore and horror, the plot doesn’t break much–if any–new ground. But those are small complaints in a movie that delivers exactly what it promises. By 2024, if you’re going into a Terrifier movie and don’t know what you’re getting, that’s on you.
At the end of the day, Terrifier 3 isn’t trying to reinvent the slasher genre—it’s here to elevate it and inject some much needed life. This is horror for horror’s sake, and that’s something worth celebrating. It’s here to give the audience a relentless parade of grotesque killings, absurd moments of dark humor, and a villain who has earned his place as one most critical modern icons. If you’ve been following Art’s bloody rise to infamy, this third installment will only solidify his place as one of the most sinister characters in the horror pantheon.
Score: 8.0
Strengths:
A relentless performance by David Howard Thornton as Art the Clown
Gore galore, with creative kills that are fun and shudder-inducing at the same time
Lauren LaVera’s performance makes Sienna a standout lead
Weaknesses:
Still lacking depth, but that’s not what we’re here for
While it’s a slasher, a bit more backstory or character development could elevate it
Also check out Wyatt’s review of the original Terrifier, where he hates fun.