It seems like there are more early summer thrasher clowns lurking in the cornfield, apart from the obvious ones. The buzz around this film has persisted since its premiere at SXSW in March, giving rise to special drive-in showings and broad releases. This is part of a trend in the horror genre, which is seeing an influx of new icons—perhaps doubling the number of wide-release horrors by 2024.
This film, featured by the rapidly growing horror platform Marshdard last year, was a solid choice for a late-night weekend watch, even if it felt a bit understated on the small screen. Its larger rollout likely stemmed from the unexpected success of last year’s Art The Clown Sequel, Terrifier 3. While those films were low-budget and somewhat junky, they presented a uniquely horrifying and inventive style of ultra-gore that some might find reminiscent of the shocking violence that made parents uneasy. It captures that spirit of rebellion, the kind that comes from watching something that pushes boundaries.
However, this film doesn’t quite deliver that sense of danger. The clowns here feel rather tame, essentially monitored and controlled, making them seem less threatening. At one point, an unnamed character quips, “It feels like we’re in a bad thrasher horror movie from the ’80s!” And honestly, they have a point!
Based on the 2020 YA novel by Adam Cesare, the story follows a clever, dark-haired girl who moves to a small town with her dad (played by Aaron Abrams from Hannibal). Quinn (portrayed by Katy Douglas, who gives off vibes reminiscent of a young Christina Millioti) is less than thrilled about leaving Philadelphia for the quaint town of Kettle Springs. Yet, she soon finds a crew of rebellious classmates who film YouTube videos, and there’s even a love triangle brewing between a troubled boy and the mayor’s affluent son.
But there’s a Corn Clown who’s ready to spoil the fun.
This clown, named Friend, was once the town’s mascot but now carries a chainsaw and a much more sinister demeanor. Originally a character in a prank video that targeted the sheriff, this Friend has turned real, picking off victims both inside and outside the cornfield.
The film attempts to tweak the formula of classic horror, integrating modern elements like smartphones, but this mostly appears in the busy final act—perhaps too late to rescue the whole experience. The script by Carter Blanchard and director Eli Craig may nod to its YA roots, yet the characters feel generic and poorly developed, resembling those found in run-of-the-mill slashers. There’s a surprisingly bizarre twist in the end that hints at the source material being more clever and engaging than the film itself.
Strangely, there’s a disconnect in the plot, making the storyline feel over-explained yet convoluted. Ultimately, one might wonder, “Why is this happening?” Teens looking to unwind on a Friday night probably aren’t seeking deep plot details, but even as a straightforward story, it lacks that spark to capture attention. The Friend, despite being central to the plot, doesn’t stand out among the pantheon of horror clowns we know.
Yes, there’s a clown in that cornfield, but not much else of value.
