“Torture Porn” — a term used to describe a particularly unsettling subgenre of horror — was made popular in the early 2000s through films like Hostel and Saw. Terrifier 3 doesn’t quite fall into that category, but it comes pretty dang close. Through the use of gruesome practical effects and a delightfully deranged performance from David Howard Thorton as Art the Clown, the Terrifier franchise has reached peak cult status while simultaneously making moviegoers squirm in their seats. The third film in the series uses the holiday season as the setting, bringing unimaginable horrors to the happiest time of the year. The results are a blood-soaked gift worthy of Christmas morning.
The Plot of Terrifier 3
Sienna and Jonathan Shaw — having survived their run-in with Art the Clown in Terrifier 2 — attempt to cope with the trauma of their past while settling into their new lives. Their short-lived calm is disrupted when Art returns, leaving a trail of blood and dismembered bodies in his path.
A New American Horror Icon
When thinking of true icons of horror only a few characters come to mind. When assembling a Mount Rushmore of terrifying villains most would include Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers, but the fourth slot could be hotly debated with Chucky, Ghostface or Leatherface likely battling for the title. I’d now argue that Art is in the discussion. While his first appearances in All Hallows Eve and the short films The 9th Circle and Terrifier largely went unnoticed, he caught audiences’ attention by chainsawing a naked woman in half in the first Terrifier feature film in 2016.
The first entry in the trilogy lacked much of a plot, but the sequel delved deeply into the demonic lore of Art and Terrifier 3 continues the exploration of his past and purpose. These deeper explorations are part of what makes Terrifer 3 the best in the trilogy, significantly improving upon the basework Damien Leone had established over the preceding decade. It doesn’t always make a ton of sense, but by allowing Art to be more than an unkillable, murderous clown, the story feels more coherent and purposeful.
Lauren LaVera and Bryce Johnson joined the series in 2022’s Terrifier 2 and reprise their roles in this third installment. Lauren LaVera as Sienna Shaw fulfills the necessary role of the “Final Girl,” acting as the opposing force of good to Art’s purely evil persona. While Johnson struggles to deliver a believable performance under the heavy weight of the subject matter, LaVera finds her footing and brings the character of Sienna to life with a mixture of strength and vulnerability.
Gory and Gruesome
Damien Leone knows his audience and understands what it is they want out of a Terrifier story. Fans watch Friday the 13th for gratuitous nudity and creative kills, they watch The Conjuring to see Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson battle ghostly entities and they watch Terrifier to squirm in their seats at the most gruesome and vomit-inducing gore that can practically be displayed. In that regard, Terrifier 3 is a resounding success, with one scene in particular making me queasy enough to pause and hold in place. Shock value is an important part of the franchise and without those shocking moments, the film simply doesn’t work. It’s ironic, because in most cases relying on shock value would be a criticism, but for Leone and Terrifier, it’s a necessity. It’s a testament to the skills and creativity of the special effects team that they’re able to craft such ingenious displays of gore with minimal use of CGI. One of the biggest compliments I can give Terrifier 3 is that it’s reminiscent of the work from horror effects icon Tom Savini, who makes a cameo appearance in the film.
In Conclusion
It was a bit of brilliance setting the third film at Christmas time and featuring the holiday significantly in the story. Not only does Art perfectly clash and contrast with the traditionally merry themes of the happiest time of the year, but horror hounds are a dedicated group. By making this a Christmas film it will likely be revisited each December and keep the character and the series relevant. At least, that will be the case in my household. Where will the series go next? I’m not sure, but there are seemingly no limits to what the franchise can accomplish.
8/10
Terrifier 3 is now available on digital and on demand.
Learn more about the film, including how to watch, on the official website.
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