Terrifier is a 2016 horror slasher about a silent yet deadly killer clown named Art, an intimidating yet charismatic figure first seen in director Damian Leone’s debut anthology film, All Hallows Eve (2013). Due to the movie’s success with fans, and the clown’s growing popularity, Leone was able to earn $100,000 through crowdfunding to make a film centered around Art, raising double the initial amount needed to make this slasher throwback. Terrifier is now a fan favorite, with a sequel currently in post-production.

The plot of Terrifier is pretty basic; an enigmatic clown chases young girls around a creepy building. It’s simple, but it works. Our protagonists are friends Tara and Dawn, who, after leaving a party on Halloween night, unwittingly attract the attention of Art. The acting is fine enough from the cast, nothing Oscar-worthy. The actors are playing people scared out of their wits, and it’s passable. The best performance comes from David Howard Thornton as Art, the terrifier himself, and star of the picture. Most killer clown films would flaunt the bright colors and the soulless joviality of these deities. The most recent depiction being Pennywise the Dancing Clown from the IT films. Leone created Art to be the opposite of the Stephen King monster. 

By all appearances, Art is a crazy human being in a clown suit, but he is someone who feels grounded in our world. You almost get a sense that this is someone who could walk into your house. Whereas Pennywise flaunted bright carnival colors and dialogue, Art’s dressed in black and white in Terrifier, clearly standing out against the darkness. He is entirely mute. He doesn’t make a sound in the entire film, not even after taking damage. This trait comes from Thornton’s experience as a mime, and adds a layer of unpredictability not seen from a lot of slashers. He exhibits human pain, but he maintains his wicked sense of humor despite the abuse he takes, which I believe to be the driving force behind his actions.