Plot
The movie tells the tale of two best friends, Tara (Jenna Kanell) and Dawn (Catherine Corcoran) and who are confronted by the hostile yet silent Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) on Halloween night. As the night unfolds, Art's perverse games become more violent and the two characters must fight back against his sadistic onslaught. The plot itself might not be groundbreaking however, it's an effective vehicle for showcasing what the film is really about in the dark and terrifying entity of Art the Clown.
Pictures with practical effects and gruesome imagery
A standout aspect of "Terrifier" is its commitment to the use of practical effects. In a world where CGI is now the standard for film makers, Leone's decision to use practical effects not only calls back to the past with classic horrorfilms, but also provides a visceral, tangible quality to the film's gore. The shockingly inventive deaths are testament to that of the originality of the special effects team, led by Leone himself with a background within SFX makeup. From the brutal dismemberment and dismemberment of one character , to the bizarre facial mutilations of another "Terrifier" extends the boundaries of violence that is onscreen and creates shockingly horrific scenes.
David Howard Thornton's Unsettling Performance in the role of Art the Clown
The most notable aspect of "Terrifier" that distinguishes it from other horror films is the terrifying performance by David Howard Thornton as Art the Clown. Thornton's portrayal as the menacing, silent figure is truly the stuff of nightmares. With his white face paint, exaggerated smile, and eyelashes that are dark, Art the Clown is an impressively beautiful character who exudes malice with every movement.
Thornton's physical act is impressive, demonstrating a mastery of body language and facial expressions which make Art's movements scary. The performance is further enhanced by his total absence of dialogue, making the actor rely solely on the body and facial expressions to convey Art's perverse motives. This silence only adds to the character's terrifying presence that makes him one the most terrifying horror movie villains of the 21st century.
The Film's Limited Budget: A testimony to creativity and resourcefulness
Another notable aspect of "Terrifier" the ability to deliver a truly terrifying experience for a budget-conscious. The film was made for around $100,000, a just a tiny fraction of what horror movies cost to make. Despite this, Leone has managed to create an aesthetically stunning and deeply disturbing experience that can compete with the best horror films with higher budgets.
The filmmakers' ability to think outside the box is evident in the film's grim, urban setting that conveys a sense of solitude and vulnerability. Additionally, the limited budget may have led to the choice to make use of practical effects that, as was mentioned previously add to the overall impact of the film.
critical reception and fan response
"Terrifier" has been extremely well-received review by moviegoers and critics, garnering an enthralling following in the horror community. The film has been praised by critics for its original practical effects, Thornton's shivering performance acting as Art the Clown, and its ability to create an incredibly terrifying experience with an extremely limited budget. Filmgoers have been enthusiastic about the film for the uncompromising brutality, unsettling atmosphere and memorable villain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Damien Leone's "Terrifier" is a shining illustration of what can be achieved through creativity, resourcefulness and a complete knowledge of what makes horror truly terrifying. With its horrifying practical effects along with David Howard Thornton's shocking depiction of Art the Clown and its impressive performance on only a modest budget "Terrifier" is now among the best terror films in 21st-century. For those who are fans of the genre the film is one not to be left out.
Director: Damien Leone
Starring: David Howard Thornton, Jenna Kanell, Samantha Scaffidi
Day of Release: 15 October 2016
Rating: 4.25/5