The Terrifier Movies Are Doing Slasher Sequels in Reverse

The Terrifier Movies Are Doing Slasher Sequels in Reverse

As a longtime fan of the horror genre, I’ve seen my fair share of slasher films that have left me wanting more. The Terrifier trilogy, however, stands out as a breath of fresh air in this often stale subgenre. Having grown up on classics like Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street, I was initially drawn to the series for its unapologetic brutality and commitment to delivering gruesome kills. But as I continued to follow the evolution of the franchise, I began to appreciate the depth and complexity that writer/director Damien Leone brought to the table.


The Terrifier trilogy represents a new stage for the slasher genre, which was once hugely popular but has since seen many trends come and go. Slasher films have inspired numerous meta parodies, but most of their original stars have faded away. Jason and Freddy are now merely silent icons, while Michael and Leatherface have been subjected to countless disappointing remakes. Art the Clown, however, remains a fresh and terrifying presence in horror. In Terrifier 3, he’ll be joined by an intriguing ensemble of characters.

The Terrifier movies continue to shock audiences, standing out as one of the most extreme examples of cinema today. In the past, people would pass around clips and stories about films like A Serbian Film and The Human Centipede to frighten their peers. However, with the rise of YouTubers sharing disturbing content, the impact of these films has been diminished. Many horror movies have opted for a safer PG-13 rating in response. But audiences still craved something truly unsettling. Enter Terrifier, which met this demand and earned millions for its daring production.

Terrifier 3 is coming this October

The Terrifier Movies Are Doing Slasher Sequels in Reverse

Director Damien Leone
Writer Damien Leone
Stars Lauren LaVera, Samantha Scaffidi, David Howard Thornton, Elliot Fullam
Release Date October 11, 2024

In simple terms, the horror movie “Terrifier 3” is set to premiere in October this year. Unlike the typical holiday cheer, Art the Clown, the infamous killer character, wears a Santa suit and spreads terror instead of joy during Christmas time. The initial trailer reveals the signature gruesome scenes that fans have come to anticipate from this series. “Terrifier 3” could easily join the ranks of classic horror films such as “Silent Night, Deadly Night” and “Black Christmas.” With a reported budget of $2 million, it’s eight times larger than its predecessor’s budget. The film distribution will be managed by Cineverse, allowing for a wider release compared to the limited theater run of “Terrifier 2.” Exclusively available on Cineverse and Bloody Disgusting’s Screambox service, “Terrifier 3” promises to be Art’s most significant appearance yet.

Terrifier movies are becoming more about the characters

The grand tradition of long-running horror franchises is that each entry devotes more of its time to the antagonist. The Saw movies, while not technically a slasher series, are a perfect example. The original Saw is a tense, claustrophobic horror film about victims trying to survive Jigsaw’s traps while cops try to capture the killer. The villain, John Kramer, appears only a couple of times for around five minutes of total screentime. Jigsaw is dead for most of the franchise, but almost every entry dedicates its time to exploring the character’s backstory and deepening his connection to the audience. Fast-forward to last year’s Saw X, and fans will see John as the central hero of a new story. All the iconography remains consistent, but the focus shifts away from the victims and toward the killer. Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, and even Jason Voorhees enjoyed elements of the same treatment. Art the Clown seems immune to this typical trope.

In simpler terms, the movie “Terrifier” lasts only an hour and a quarter, yet its storyline can be summarized in a brief phrase. The film is set in a dark, desolate world where Art, the killer, emerges to brutally murder individuals. Despite having named victims, their deaths are senseless and gruesome. One woman manages to survive, setting up for the sequel. In the first film, Tara, an initial possible final girl, perishes halfway through. Her sister Victoria endures horrific injuries, transforming her appearance. Towards the end of the first movie, Victoria assaults a news reporter, an event replicated in the second installment. In “Terrifier 2,” Victoria assumes a new role by giving birth to Art’s detached head. Initially criticized for its lack of character development, Victoria will be more prominently featured in the film. She joins Sienna Shaw, the protagonist of “Terrifier 2” and the franchise’s first fully-realized character. The series has transitioned from being just about violence to telling a story with distinct icons, eventually focusing on its survivors.

Terrifier 4 could be something very unique

The Terrifier Movies Are Doing Slasher Sequels in Reverse

It’s highly probable that there will be a fourth instalment in the “Terrifier” series. This film is expected to continue the unusual path of its predecessors by combining gruesome violence with intriguing character development. The franchise has been evolving like a movie series gradually uncovering essential storytelling elements over time. The initial film had minimal content, but its simplistic approach became an advantage. The second installment, though excessively long, showcased a hero with distinct personality traits. The audience can connect more with the violence when the victims are well-defined characters instead of just prop containers. With “Terrifier 3” upcoming, fans will find out if the larger budget has enhanced the sequel’s development.

Critics may dismiss the Terrifier series as mere gore-fests lacking depth, comparing them to cheap Halloween decorations. The initial movie supported this assessment. However, the second installment introduced new elements, distinguishing it from being just a mindless slasher. Rather than deepening the enigma of Art the Clown, these films have chosen to humanize the victims. In Terrifier 3, Vicky could be given the opportunity to develop as a character. With a compelling final girl and an intriguing former victim, the Terrifier series is progressing towards becoming something more substantial and engaging.

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2024-07-26 19:03