As someone who has braved the darkest corners of horror cinema, I can confidently say that “Terrifier 3” is not for the faint-hearted or easily squeamish. Damien Leone has once again outdone himself with this gruesome masterpiece, pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable in a slasher film and leaving audiences gasping for air (and perhaps a strong stomach cleanser).
When a horror movie receives sensational headlines proclaiming it as the scariest ever produced and is accompanied by numerous stories of viewers fainting and requiring medical assistance in cinemas, it can put tremendous pressure on the filmmaker. This was possibly true for Damien Leone, both writer and director of the popular “Terrifier” series, particularly after the unexpectedly successful 2022 sequel that thrived on buzz generated by shocked word-of-mouth reviews. His films are unforgiving slasher flicks featuring a demonic serial killer named Art the Clown who wreaks havoc across entire towns, killing indiscriminately, driven purely by his enjoyment of the act itself.
However, they avoid becoming exercises in bleak despair due to their darkly humorous flair, and the lead actor, David Howard Thornton, skillfully employs slapstick humor reminiscent of silent film legends. This is what makes Art stand out from the crowd of modern horror’s killer clown villains – he’s exceptionally talented at his role, although his prop comedy involves more dismembered body parts than any circus would tolerate.
Art’s not just clowning around
In the initial 10 minutes of “Terrifier 3”, as grim and pessimistic as some critics might claim the series has been, we see Art brutally eliminate an innocent family with young children on Christmas Eve. There’s no humor or lightness to soften the blow. Instead, it’s a skillfully crafted moment of dread that underscores Art’s role as an unyielding horror antagonist, not a complex hero like many slasher icons. By removing any comedic elements, even for just one scene, it makes the audience hesitate before finding amusement again, even if they have a dark sense of humor.
It’s unfortunate that despite being shorter than its predecessor, “Terrifier 3” is the most detailed installment yet – and this statement includes more than just visual details. Five years after the previous film, we meet Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera) as she leaves a wellness center, still struggling to cope with the sorrow and trauma of being one of the few survivors of Art. Upon arriving at her family’s home for Christmas, Sienna is overwhelmed by survivor’s guilt, making it an especially inopportune time for Art, now accompanied by the undead – though severely disfigured – Victoria (Samantha Scaffidi), to return to the town and commence a fresh wave of holiday slaughter.
In previous “Terrifier” films, some viewers have criticized the portrayal of brutal murders of women as misogynistic. However, filmmaker Damien Leone appears to be aware of this criticism and is addressing it in various ways. One such method is by introducing a strong female character in the films. The central theme of “Terrifier 3” delves into the question: can a final girl, when confronted with a supernatural character that defies all rules, retain any power against them? This exploration is done quite explicitly, as seen in Sienna’s emotional journey throughout the film. Yes, “Terrifier 3” continues the trend of horror movies dealing with trauma, but considering the horrific experiences Art inflicts upon his victims, it seems fitting that this genre trope reappears in this context.
Kills, glorious kills
In a “Terrifier” film, viewers don’t flock for the deep emotional layers crafted by Damien Leone, but rather, they anticipate the gruesome scenes where characters are mutilated. The writer/director’s stated intention to push boundaries in this installment leads to some of the most appalling visuals ever projected onto a movie screen. It’s not just the innovative dismemberment techniques that make it revolting, but also the surprising transformation of grotesque moments into comedic elements.
Leone was in the editing studio until early September, working diligently to prevent “Terrifier 3” from being overly long like its predecessor “Terrifier 2.” However, when the movie abruptly shifts into a home-invasion third act without much warning, the need for swift pacing becomes quite evident. This rapid pace leaves some crucial scenes unexplored, instead relying on dialogue to fill in the gaps. Although it’s unusual for a horror film to exceed two hours, it’s even more uncommon for one of this length to feel hurried. The movie hurtles towards its chaotic climax too swiftly, making it difficult for viewers to fully absorb the scene; this hasty progression may reflect Sienna’s mental state at that moment, but it still requires a few additional moments to build tension before the chaos ensues. In essence, the movie seems shorter than it is due to its abruptness, and this lack of impact could have been avoided with more pauses for suspenseful build-up. Essentially, the film seems to need what Art never grants his victims: a chance to catch their breath.
“Terrifier 3” premieres in theaters on October 11.
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2024-10-07 11:29