“Terrifier 3”: Not Suitable for Sensitive People
The third installment of the Terrifier franchise has brought a new level of violence and evil to our screens.
Summary
Five years after the Halloween massacre, Sienna is still struggling to leave her past behind. Spending Christmas with the few relatives she has left brings some momentary break to her suffering.
But just when she thinks she might be safe, Art the clown makes an unexpected return, turning the holiday cheer into a reign of blood and terror.
Not My Cup of Tea
I must begin my review by mentioning I’m not a fan of horror films. I can enjoy violence in a more comedic context, but slashers are a little too much for me to take. However, as I’ve noticed how much interest Terrifier films had gathered in the past few years, I got curious. I don’t like to write about things I don’t know, so I took the time to watch all three films back to back, an experience I can only describe as disturbing.
That being said, my commentary will be more focused on the storytelling aspect, and how I consider it evolved through the films, and not on how much I personally enjoy each one. Because honestly, I didn’t enjoy any of them.
There is a Strange Charm to It
First, even though I’m not the target of this franchise, I think I can understand why someone who likes horror films can be drawn to it. It’s quite strange, but despite the subject of the story and the amount of horrible things that are displayed on screen, these movies feel like they were made with love. Like they have dedicated people behind them.
The practical effects are quite impressive, especially considering that all three films were produced with a very small budget—in fact, the first Terrifier, released in 2018, cost only $35.000. Art’s killing sprees never lose creativity or brutality, so it’s impossible to get bored. Also, along with the “independent film” visual there is a disturbing soundtrack that gives the project a 1980s air, even though many elements indicate that the story is happening in the present day. It looks timeless and cool, and I expect it to be the inspiration of many Halloween costumes in years to come.
An Expanding Universe?
While all Terrifier films put Art slaughtering people at the center, the second film made an important change regarding the storytelling. Violence is still indispensable, but Terrifier 2 shows an interest in adding to the project in terms of character development. It introduces Sienna, a new protagonist with a dark backstory, and also tries to build (or at least to start building) an origin for Art the clown.
In Terrifier 3, we pick up the story exactly where its predecessor left it: Victoria Hayes brings Art to life once more (I don’t feel like explaining the details of how), and they escape Miles County Psychiatric Hospital together. They find a house, where they both enter into a sort of hibernation state. Why? I’m not sure. But conveniently, Art and Vicky wake up five years later, exactly when Sienna is being released from a mental health center and going back to what is left of her family.
Character and Plot are Important
And this is when character development left the chat. The third film loses track of the story once more, and we are left with the most extreme violence and gore, that are shown just for the sake of it. I would say it’s the most impactful of the franchise so far (some scenes made me a bit nauseous) but it’s also the one with the weakest plot. It’s the third installment after all, and at this point, there should be a more solid story. Especially after all the things Terrifier 2 left unexplained.
What kind of creature is Art the clown, and what is he doing? Why is Victoria behaving that way since Art attacked her? Is she possessed? How did that happen? Why do they go into airplane mode together at the beginning of the third film? And where is the little pale girl?
Why is Sienna the chosen one? Is there a way for her to destroy Art for good? How is her dad implicated in all that? Where did the sword come from?
I understand that people who like these films don’t watch them looking for an award-winning script, but if Damian Leone wants the franchise to have longevity, he is going to need a better story to keep things interesting.
Reception and Box Office Results
As expected, Terrifier 3 has been a huge hit. With a production budget of $2.000.000, it has reached an impressive amount of $75.718.111 while in theaters. Art even managed to overtake Joker: Folie à Deux in terms of audience, running over poor Arthur Fleck.
Up until this moment, Terrifier 2 continues to be the more profitable of the franchise, mostly because of its modest budget.
Would I recommend this film? No. Unless you have a tough stomach. These films are not for everyone, so if gore is not your thing, you should stay as far away from it as you can.
Do I think this franchise will continue to be very successful? It probably will. In fact, I believe Terrifier 4 is already in development. But the story needs some serious improvements. These films require a plot, otherwise people will eventually get bored. If the director manages to correct course on that aspect, I dare say Art the clown has many more projects ahead of him.