Terrifier 2 (2022) Review

Damien Leone’s Terrifier 2, the eagerly awaited follow-up to its 2016 predecessor, brings back the infamous Art the Clown in a blood-drenched spectacle that treads the fine line between horror and macabre comedy.

Leone, serving as writer, director, editor, and producer, unleashes a cinematic barrage that is both visually arresting and, at times, uncomfortably realistic and brutal. As the audience navigates through the gore-soaked labyrinth, it becomes evident that Terrifier 2 revels in its own unabashed commitment to the slasher genre.

The Film unfolds in the aftermath of the Miles County Massacre, bringing back the diabolical Art the Clown for another night of gruesome terror. The narrative revolves around Sienna Shaw, played with aplomb by Lauren LaVera, who becomes Art’s target along with her younger brother Jonathan, played by Elliott Fullam. Sienna, struggling with the recent loss of her father to a brain tumour, finds herself in a nightmarish scenario as Art, resurrected by an unknown force, resumes his killing spree.

Jonathan, fascinated by Art and armed with sketches from their father’s collection, becomes a crucial part of the story. The film delves into the dynamics between the siblings, exploring their bond and the trauma they’ve endured. As Art resumes his sadistic pursuits, Sienna takes on the role of the “final girl,” confronting the malevolent clown in a relentless battle for survival.

Art, portrayed with chilling gusto by David Howard Thornton, maintains his enigmatic aura, switching between terror and absurdity. The addition of The Little Pale Girl, an eerie companion invisible to most but palpably haunting, introduces an element of supernatural horror that adds layers to the narrative.

Leone’s storytelling prowess is evident in the intricate dance between Sienna and her younger brother, whose morbid fascination with Art becomes a central plot thread. The film cleverly intertwines familial bonds with the horrors unleashed by Art, providing emotional stakes amid the gory mayhem.

One area where Terrifier 2 excels again is in its practical effects, a clear demonstration of Leone and his team working hard to improve the quality and increase the impact of their craft. The kills, though relentlessly gruesome, possess a certain artistic flair that pays homage to the glory days of practical effects-driven horror. The blood-soaked scenes, while certainly not for the faint of heart, display a level of creativity that distinguishes Terrifier 2 in the contemporary horror landscape.

That’s not to say that Terrifier 2 is bloody perfection. Though the plot and level of acting are far superior to part one, the fantastical elements introduced in the storyline are left largely unexplained, creating moments of narrative disjointedness. There are lots of dream sequences and hallucinations which work in terms of giving more bandwidth for depravity and giving some character development. But they are sometimes hard to distinguish from ‘present time’ and often this feels more of an issue with storytelling than something that’s intentional.

In defence of this barrage on the senses, it does help to create a surreal nightmarish landscape where the audience finds it hard to distinguish between reality and fantasy which might, in part, further explain the strong effect the film has on viewers (reports of people passing out/vomiting in cinemas etc).

The dream/reality aspects are somewhat reminiscent of the A Nightmare on Elm Street films, so it’s interesting that Leone has already revealed that Terrifier 2 was in fact his ‘Dream Warriors’ installment of the franchise.

There is also the addition of nostalgic 80s elements, which though nice from an aesthetic perspective, seem a little odd for a film seemingly not set in the 80s. But given the huge leaps that Leone has made from All Hallows Eve (2013) to now, anyone can forgive Leone for any small discrepancies. He has achieved two very big things with Terrifier 2 – delivered on what was lacking in the first film (namely a narrative, sound plot and relatable characters played by good actors); plus he has somehow retained the horrifying supernatural element that made Art seems so petrifying, even in his first screen appearances.

Terrifier 2, is a production born in the crucible of crowdfunding and shaped by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and it emerges as a triumph for independent horror cinema. The $250,000 budget belies the visual grandeur achieved, showcasing Leone’s ability to maximise resources without compromising on the film’s aesthetic.

As with any horror film, the question of audience reception looms large. Terrifier 2‘s impact on viewers speaks to its unapologetic commitment to pushing boundaries. It is, without a doubt, a cinematic experience that demands caution for the uninitiated.

Terrifier 2 is a relentless rollercoaster through the twisted mind of Damien Leone, a filmmaker unafraid to plunge headfirst into the dark recesses of horror. It’s a film that not only pays homage to the genre’s roots but also thrusts it into a new era of gruesome creativity. For those willing to embrace the carnage and appreciate the artistry of practical effects, Terrifier 2 offers a nightmarish symphony that resonates long after the film ends.

Leone’s creation might not be for everyone, but as we can already see from the rapidly growing Terrifier franchise following, it appeals to an expansive audience that is baying for more.

Movie Rating:

Terrifier 2 trailer