
Plot
The film follows the story of two friends, Tara (Jenna Kanell) and Dawn (Catherine Corcoran), who encounter the vicious, silent Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) on Halloween night. As the night progresses, Art's games of scheming become more violent and the two friends must battle to survive the harrowing assault. The plot might not be revolutionary but it's an effective vehicle to highlight the film's true strength in the dark and terrifying entity called Art the Clown.
Graphic Effects and Gruesome Imagery
One thing that stands out in "Terrifier" is its dedication to real-world effects. In an age when CGI has become the go-to for many filmmakers, Leone's choice to make use of practical effects not only brings back the classic terror, but also creates an emotional, tangible dimension to the film's gore. The ingenuous and horrifying kills are proof of that of the originality of the special effects team, led by Leone himself and who has a background that includes SFX makeup. From the brutal dismemberment scene of one actor to the disgusting facial mutilations and slashing of another "Terrifier" exceeds the limits of violence on screen and provides an extremely terrifying experience.
David Howard Thornton's shocking performance as Art the Clown

Thornton's physical portrayal is remarkable showing a mastery in facial expressions and body language that make the entire action bewildering. His performance is enhanced by the silence of the dialogue, forcing the actor to rely only on his body and face to communicate Art's bizarre intentions. This silence only adds to the character's frightening presence, making him one of the most terrifying horror movie villains of the 21st century.
The Film's Costly Budget: A testament to creativity and Resourcefulness
Another striking aspect of "Terrifier" Its ability to provide a truly frightening experience on a limited budget. The film was said to have been made at a cost of around $100,000, which is a only a fraction of what the majority of horror films cost to create. In spite of this, Leone has managed to create an aesthetically stunning and deeply disturbing experience that can compete with some of Terrifier (2016) the more expensive horror films.
The filmmakers' resourcefulness is evident through the film's gritty, urban setting that conveys the feeling of loneliness and vulnerability. Additionally, the limited budget may have led to the choice to use practical effects, which, as mentioned previously are only meant to enhance the film's overall impact.
Critic Reception, and the Response of Fans
"Terrifier" has been highly acclaimed by reviewers and the general public, and has gained its fans a loyal following within the community of horror. Critics have praised the movie for its original practical effects, as well as Thornton's terrifying performance acting as Art the Clown, and its ability to create the most horrific experience on an extremely limited budget. Fans of the genre have embraced the film due to its uncompromising brutality, awe-inspiring atmosphere and memorable antagonist.
Conclusion
In the end, Damien Leone's "Terrifier" is a shining illustration of what can be done with creativity, resiliency and a profound knowledge of what makes horror truly frightening. With its horrifyingly practical effects and David Howard's disorienting depiction of Art the Clown and its impressive performance on only a modest budget "Terrifier" will be in the top film horror of this century. For those who love the genre the film is one not to be left out.
Directed by: Damien Leone
Starring: David Howard Thornton, Jenna Kanell, Samantha Scaffidi
Release Date: October 15th, 2016
Rating: 9/10