Terrifier 3

REVIEW:

This review will include spoilers, so please go watch Terrifier 3 and return to the review after if you do not want anything spoiled.

There was a lot of hype surrounding this movie after its theatrical release, primarily due to the buzz around its unrelenting gore. Thankfully, Terrifier 3 did not disappoint. Sticking with the same over-the-top practical effects as its predecessors, Damien Leone once again unleashes Art the Clown’s sadistic tendencies in full force. While the violence often borders on cartoonish, it remains deeply unsettling and certainly not for anyone with a weak stomach. Leone’s commitment to pushing boundaries has become a hallmark of the franchise, and this third entry continues that tradition unapologetically.

Lauren LaVera’s return as Sienna solidifies her growing status as a horror “final girl” icon. Her resilience and complexity make her a standout in modern horror, and with another movie under her belt, she may well earn a place alongside Laurie Strode, Sidney Prescott, and Ellen Ripley. Sienna’s arc in this film deepens her connection to Art the Clown, expanding on the mythology teased in Terrifier 2. The narrative explores the eerie, almost supernatural link between the two, setting the stage for an inevitable showdown that feels both personal and mythic.

The story’s attempt to delve into Sienna and Art’s intertwined histories is ambitious, though it leaves plenty of questions unanswered. This is both a strength and a frustration, as it teases mysteries that will likely be addressed in Terrifier 4, currently in development. Personally, I wouldn’t mind if the story extended to a fifth film if it meant a more satisfying conclusion. The ambiguity surrounding these characters, particularly the fate of Sienna’s cousin Gabbie, ensures that fans will be eager for the next instalment.

That said, I found myself preferring the second movie overall, particularly its third act, which felt more cohesive and climactic. Many criticised Terrifier 2 for its lengthy runtime, and perhaps that feedback influenced the decision to cut Terrifier 3 down. However, I would argue that the film could have easily been 30 minutes longer without losing momentum. Certain moments, like Sienna retrieving the sword from the previous film’s climactic setting, felt glaringly omitted and could have added more tension or narrative depth.

The most baffling choice was Jonathan’s off-screen death. Whether this is a misdirect or a deliberate creative decision, it felt like a missed opportunity. Considering Jonathan’s importance in Terrifier 2 as Sienna’s brother and a key emotional anchor, showing his demise would have carried much more weight. Leaving it off-screen robs the moment of the emotional impact it could have had, especially given his relationship with Sienna. It’s a puzzling omission that left me wanting more.

Despite these criticisms, the film delivers on its promises of gore and spectacle. Art the Clown remains a truly terrifying and darkly comedic villain, his presence alone elevating the movie. However, some characters feel underutilised, and the film’s focus occasionally wavers in favour of its bloody set pieces. Still, for fans of the franchise, Terrifier 3 offers plenty of thrills and chills to satisfy their craving for unrelenting carnage.

Overall, Terrifier 3 lives up to the hype in its gore but stumbles slightly in its handling of key characters and narrative threads. It’s a worthy addition to the franchise, and while it doesn’t quite top Terrifier 2 for me, it sets up an exciting future for the series. Bring on Terrifier 4!