My Review Of "Terrifier"

"Terrifier" is an indie horror from writer/director Damien Leone. Centering around one of modern horrors most unnerving characters, Art the Clown, it draws upon the 80's genre arthouse slashers while staying original. The film stars Jenna Kanell, Catherine Corcoran, and Margaret Reed, with David Howard Thornton as Art.

Two women, on their wayhome from partying on Halloween night, are stalked by a deranged killer in a clown costume. Systematically and theatrically, Art the clown (Based on the character familiar to horror fans through Leone's short films) is out for murder and mayhem

"Terrifier" is an atmospheric, all out gorefest. The film is a total tribute to 80's horror, but it is so much more. Where most throwbacks mimic, or recreate the 80's vibe, "Terrifier" redefines what a successful throwback should do. Damien Leone has taken the style of early giallo, filled with gritty, low-fi concepts, and mixed in an almost grindhouse level of brutality and gore. And he does so while making it look natural and original instead of "copycat".

The acting is sustainsble beyond the typical low-budget affair. Limited in dialog, what is utilized is the classic, slightly camp appeal of traditional characters. The cast know their parts and play them well. Void of the heavy,  often times cumbersome,  back story, or info-rich dialog,  "Terrifier" gives the right amount of character study to set them up as affectational victims. Art is the centerpiece and his psych-centric stylings are enough to mesmerize and disgust. Kudos to Thornton for taking what could have been a death nail character, and creating a truly skin crawling, terrifying clown killer.

The special effects areaeesome, minus a couple CGI blood splatter moments, "Terrifier" keeps with quality,  practical effects. And Leone gives it to us in full frontal,  gory gratuity. Not shy or intimidated by lack of effectiveness,  the camera keeps focus on the carnage as it happens. It is 100% a top-notch gorehound celebration in visceral,  bloody fun. This movie has American giallo eyes with a slasher smile. A definite watch for horror fans who think a stomach turning moment is a plus. (4.5/5)