By: Rory Zeman and Megan Hastings

Media Production Editor & Public Relations Manager

Terrifier 3, the third installment in the cult-classic gore slasher movie series, released theatrically in the United States on Oct. 11, takes place five years after the events of the second film. Final girl Sienna Shaw, played by Lauren LaVera, is trying to rebuild her life after multiple stays in a mental hospital, now living with her aunt and her family. As the holiday season unfolds, her life seems to become more bright and cheerful—until Art the Clown returns with a new demonic friend, Victoria.

Reprising his role as Art the Clown, David Howard Thorton adds a chaotic and humorous relief to contrast the gore and horror. Thorton’s acting makes Art the Clown one of the greatest horror icons in cinematic history, a notable achievement in today’s modern horror landscape. LaVera also shines in the film, seamlessly stepping back into the role of Sienna Shaw despite the character’s trauma from the previous film. While the violence she endures can be intense, her performance during the fight scenes delivers some of the most impressive imagery seen in a slasher film, evoking a strong sense of excitement.

Arguably the best aspect of the saga, the special effects in the new film not only met but surpassed the gory expectations of the second film. Sticking to their traditional use of practical effects rather than CGI, Terrifier 3 epitomizes what it means to be a good 70s slasher film. With numerous mass murder scenes, the film used up to 25 gallons of blood as a major part of its minuscule two-million-dollar budget. Furthermore, the effects of the new movie are more refined than the previous two films. The movie producer Phil Falcone commented on how the upgrades coincided with the fact that “on Terrifier, we had six people in our crew I believe, and Terrifier 2 was around 11 people. On Terrifier 3, I think the crew is about 40. Plus we brought in an effects team.” With such advanced effects, reports have circulated of people getting physical senses of nausea and malaise from the film’s gruesome illusions, with many people leaving the film after the first scene due to its obscene nature. The film also takes the genre to new heights when it comes to being macabre, as child death is a new, frequent occurrence in the film. Additionally, the new effects team along with the Christmas-themed lights and set designs throughout the film created a unique film experience. This holiday horror could perhaps spark the next debate of whether or not it falls under the category of being a Christmas movie, similar to the debate of the classic movie Die Hard.