Terrifier 3 Review: The Controversy Behind It All

The Terrifier franchise has gained a reputation for having violent kills, but Terrifier 3 takes it to another level. Some movie-goers apparently walked out of theaters, unable to handle the extreme violence, and others applauded the movie for its audacity. The film, directed by Damiene Leone, has generated a lot of controversy not just for its violence but for its provocative use of religion. 

Terrifier 3 has brought up the discussions again if horror movies have gone too far. Gisel Benitez, a sophomore at Hudson County Community College in New Jersey, appreciated the movie for its bold approach. “I wasn’t scared, and honestly, with all the hype the movie had, I was expecting even more gore.” she said.

The franchise has grown in popularity with horror fans and is best known for the graphic kills and terrifying antagonist, Art the Clown. The third installment has pushed the boundaries and sparked the debate of what audiences want, and can handle, in their horror movies. 

Sydney Tirado, a film major at The City College of New York, respected the movie’s technical aspects but still felt mixed on the film. “The lighting effects to signify the mood and emotional associations of the audience to the different characters were pretty spot on,” she said. “The gory effects and makeup were phenomenal, even if it was not the most tasteful. The sheer amount of fake blood mixed with the sound effects … created a visceral reaction in me for several scenes,” she said. 

But her main gripe was with the film’s pacing and unresolved plot points. “The climax and resolution felt rushed,” she explained. Despite the shortcomings, she appreciated the actor who played Art the Clown, “Art’s pantomiming and dark physical comedy gives the franchise a distinct even if the gore overshadows other elements.”

The movie is also controversial because of the off-screen murders of children, especially its opening scene of a young boy’s dismembered body. “I did not find it to be offensive. I thought that it was to showcase how up Art the Clown is, that he’ll go after children,” she said. 

Other movie-goers criticized the way religion was used in the movie. The controversial scenes include flashes of crosses, the use of a  crown of thorns, and a character nailed to a wall. “The movie uses religious elements to provoke a reaction,” Gisele Benitez said. “While some people might find it offensive, I think it fits the film’s goal of being shocking. It’s horror, not theology.” 

Whether you enjoy the film for its bold approach or are critical of it, Terrifier 3 has left its mark on the horror genre.