Review by Jon Donnis
Terrifier 3 is a wild, brutal ride that takes Christmas horror to a shockingly intense level. Damien Leone has truly outdone himself, blending an unsettling holiday backdrop with gut-wrenching horror that doesn't shy away from showing the worst of Art the Clown's twisted mind. As we catch up with Sienna and Jonathan, five years after the traumatic events of Terrifier 2, they're still haunted by the memories of that Halloween night. Just as they start to believe they might be able to move on, Art returns, more horrifying than ever, this time with a demented take on the Christmas spirit and a terrifying new partner, Victoria Heyes, possessed by the eerie Little Pale Girl.
One of the film's most impressive elements is the practical effects. Leone uses gore in a way that feels both nostalgic and groundbreaking, paying homage to the raw horror of classic 1970s and 1980s slashers. Every wound, every gruesome detail feels real, making the horror hit that much harder. Art's kills are some of the most inventive and grotesque yet, like using liquid nitrogen to freeze his victim before shattering them, or launching an explosive massacre disguised as a cheerful Santa handing out gifts. The detail and effort in these practical effects stand out, making Terrifier 3 one of the most viscerally effective horror films of recent years. The violence is raw and relentless, designed to get under your skin and leave a lasting impact, and it's clear Leone is unafraid to push limits.
Art the Clown, played by David Howard Thornton, has solidified his place as one of horror's most iconic villains, bringing an uncanny mix of fear and dark humour to his role. There's something chilling about his silence, broken only by his demented laughter. Watching him dressed as a Santa Claus imposter, using the festive iconography against his victims, makes the horror even more unsettling. This blend of fear and irony hits a sweet spot that's rare in modern horror, and Thornton's performance is unforgettable. His twisted humour plays out perfectly, like a bizarre punchline to his brutal kills, and he manages to make you laugh even as you're horrified by what he's doing.
Sienna, played with depth by Lauren LaVera, remains a standout character. She's strong and determined, but the film doesn't shy away from showing the scars she carries from her past. Her survivor's guilt over the death of her best friend Brooke and her struggle to reconnect with Jonathan add a real emotional layer to the story, making her more than just another horror protagonist. She's tough but vulnerable, and it's her complexity that makes her journey so engaging, especially as she faces off once again against the evil that nearly destroyed her.
Though Terrifier 3 delivers everything a fan of extreme horror might crave, its graphic content will likely prove too intense for some viewers. The unflinching detail of the violence and the sheer relentlessness of Art's carnage is designed to push boundaries, and it's bound to turn away those who aren't prepared for the ride. This is a film that doesn't hold back, testing your limits and pushing the envelope in ways that few horror films dare to do today.
Overall, Terrifier 3 is a bold and unforgettable entry into the horror genre. Its dark humour, brilliantly executed practical effects, and Art the Clown's holiday terror make it a film that sticks with you long after the credits roll. For those who have the stomach for it, Terrifier 3 is an exhilarating horror experience that will undoubtedly be a highlight of the genre. As a die-hard horror fan, I didn't feel it went too far, in fact, I can't wait to see what comes next. I'd give Terrifier 3 a solid 8.5 out of 10, and for those who dare, it's an unmissable Christmas nightmare.
Out In Cinemas Now
And on digital at https://apple.co/48q1b3z
