Terrifier 3 has solidified Art the Clown (David Howard Thorton) as a horror icon. With his almost child-like, comedic mannerisms and his all out evil kills, he has become more than just another horror villain. Picking up where we left off in Terrifier 2, we see Victoria Heyes (Samantha Scaffidi) birthing an Art the Clown head in the psychiatric hospital followed by the two taking up residence in a house that he’d previously murdered in to patiently wait for his chance to go up against Sienna once again in another battle of evil vs. good. 

Damien Leone promised more and bigger and he delivered on all fronts. More kills, more blood, and more gore, Art is not clowning around. With the main narrative taking place five years after the second film ended, the demonic clown goes on a murderous spree in Miles County, spreading chaos and destruction during the happiest time of the year. The film opens with a young girl creeping down the stairs to catch “Santa” in the act only to discover the man in the suit isn’t the beloved Santa Claus she expected. And in Art the Clown fashion, he leaves the house a lot bloodier than he found it. As Art comes across more of the residents in this sleepy town, he leaves his mark- and the kills are glorious, especially with the Christmas backdrop. Leone also gives us that whimsical, enchanting glow that we’ve all come to recognize from his work and it fits so well with the film’s setting.

Sienna (Lauren LaVera) and Jonathan (Elliott Fullam) return in this iteration of the franchise, but the dynamic has changed significantly. Jonathan, away at college, is trying to leave the past behind him and is ready to move on with his life. Sienna returns home after a stay at a psychiatric facility hoping things would be different, only to realize that Art is back and it’s her duty to put an end to the madness. LaVera is such a joy to watch on screen, even more so in this film than the previous. With the trauma of what she experienced and now attempting to chart a new path, we are very aware of Sienna’s emotional turmoil and are able to empathize with her, wanting to see her win. Art does not come at her easily and takes her through the ringer physically, mentally and emotionally. 

Once we get to the third act and watch as Victoria places a literal crown of thorns on Sienna’s head and Art brutalizes her hands with a hammer, the parallels to that of Christ or a sacrificial lamb are evident in this battle of good vs. evil. Even with that, some of the other fantastical elements from Terrifier 2 are missing from the continuation but I am hoping we get more of that in the confirmed Terrifier 4. 

Fans of the Terrifier franchise will love this one. It takes the meaning of gore to all new heights while serving up some laughs, frights, and a badass final girl you can’t help but root for. With never before seen kills and a new take on Christmas horror, Terrifier 3 is one to add to your holiday watchlist going forward. 

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