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Terrifier 3 poster

Terrifier 3

"Prepare to be terrified again."

2024 2h 5m EN
👍
6.7
SOLID
★6.7TMDB · 2,058
Horror
Synopsis
Spoiler shield

Five years after surviving Art the Clown's Halloween massacre, Sienna and Jonathan are still struggling to rebuild their shattered lives. As the holiday season approaches, they try to embrace the Christmas spirit and leave the horrors of the past behind. But just when they think they're safe, Art returns, determined to turn their holiday cheer into a new nightmare. The festive season quickly unravels as Art unleashes his twisted brand of terror, proving that no holiday is safe.

“Prepare to be terrified again.”

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Cast

Credits

Behind the camera

Director
Damien Leone
Writers
Damien Leone
Languages
English
Countries
United States of America

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8
MONEY

Did you know

Shot for just $2.0M — micro-budget by Hollywood standards.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01
2 / 8
MONEY

Did you know

Grossed $90M — a 45.2× return. The kind of profit studios chase for a decade.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02
3 / 8
ERA

Did you know

Released 2 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03
4 / 8
CINEMA

Did you know

Part of the "Terrifier Collection" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04
5 / 8
DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Damien Leone, shot by George Steuber. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05
6 / 8
DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Paul Wiley. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06
7 / 8
DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Damien Leone shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07
8 / 8
ERA

Did you know

Lauren LaVera and David Howard Thornton and Samantha Scaffidi carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Damien Leone directs. George Steuber behind the camera. Paul Wiley scores. Damien Leone cuts. Made its budget back several times over at the box office. Produced in United States of America. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

  • 1Shot for just $2.0M — micro-budget by Hollywood standards.
  • 2Grossed $90M — a 45.2× return. The kind of profit studios chase for a decade.
  • 3Released 2 years ago.
  • 4Part of the "Terrifier Collection" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.
  • 5Directed by Damien Leone, shot by George Steuber. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
  • 6Original score by Paul Wiley. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
  • 7Editor Damien Leone shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
  • 8Lauren LaVera and David Howard Thornton and Samantha Scaffidi carry the top of the cast.
  • 9Marketing tagline: "Prepare to be terrified again.".
  • 10IMDB entry: tt27911000 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
  • 11Classified under 40 themes, including "monster", "post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd)", "angel", "shower".

The technical file

Cinematography
George Steuber
Original score
Paul Wiley
Editing
Damien Leone
Production design
Olga Turka
Costume design
Olga Turka
Makeup / hair
Brianna Loydgren
VFX supervisor
Joshua Petrino
Sound
Paul Hackner
Stunt coordinator
Drew Leary
Runtime
125 min · 2h 5m
Aspect ratio (typical)
1.78:1 (16:9)
Status
Released
Budget
$2,000,000
Box office
$90,322,103
Return
4516% of budget
Original language
EN
Certification (US)
NR

Part of

Terrifier Collection

Terrifier is an American horror media franchise consisting of slasher-splatter films, comic books, and various other media. The franchise mainly focuses on Sienna Shaw, a young woman destined to defeat the enigmatic Art the Clown, a demonic serial killer that inhabits the fictitious Miles County, New York. Additionally, the series follows Victoria Heyes, a disfigured survivor struggling with her mental health, and the Little Pale Girl, a sinister entity accompanying Art.

Also by

Damien Leone

Stills · wallpapers

Selected frames

Full-resolution frames — open one to save it as a wallpaper.

Trailers & featurettes

Watch the pieces

Community reviews

What people are saying

  • CinemaSerf
    ★ 7/10

    This maybe hit the cinemas a month too early as there's a distinctly festive feel to this latest outing for the menacing "Art" the clown. He descends upon the townsfolk with blood-thirsty enthusiasm causing some brutal carnage but then he and his equally heinous pal "Vicky" (Samantha Scaffidi) go for a long nap. It's a pair of unfortunate demolition guys who provide their wake up entertainment and rejuvenated, they set out in search of "Sienna" (Lauren LaVera) and brother "Jonathan" (Elliott Fulham) - and woe betides anyone who gets in the way - even if you are dressed as Santa Claus. This is by far the best of the three so far, I think. There's much less repetition with the standard slashing-fayre and a bit more, dare I say, intimacy from our "Terrifier" as David Howard Thornton imbues his character with more akin to an emotional and quirky mime artist. There's more sadness, mischief and playfulness as he wields everything from an axe to a chain-saw. Shower sex might never be the same again! It's really the last half hour that gets it moving and though that scenario is largely predictable and I have to say that none of the speaking-part acting here is really very good, the tension mounts nicely and there's an entertaining degree of shock mixed with dark humour and Christmas gifts to raise a smile and maybe the one hair on the back of your neck towards the denouement. Sure, it's formulaic and there aren't so many surprises, but they are getting better and moving away from the Hammer style of ketchup gore and annoying, hysterical, frat-style characters that we've seen before. It's entirely forgettable, and far too long, but I did quite enjoy it.

  • r96sk
    ★ 7/10

    Just as violent, just not as entertaining. It's better than <em>'Terrifier'</em>, though falls slightly below <em>'Terrifier 2'</em>. <em>'Terrifier 3'</em> is thankfully a little shorter than the prior installment, though the story isn't quite as watchable as before. It does have some good moments though, while Lauren LaVera and David Howard Thornton again bring strong onscreen showings.

  • VicSur
    ★ 9/10

    How "Terrifier 3" Redefines Horror Cinema and Mirrors Societal Anxieties Introduction In a cinematic landscape often dominated by high-budget blockbusters and familiar franchises, "Terrifier 3" emerges as a remarkable exception. Directed by Damien Leone, this low-budget horror film has defied industry expectations by grossing over $82 million worldwide against a modest $2 million budget. Beyond its financial success, the film offers a profound exploration of psychological fears, societal tensions, and subtle political commentary, redefining the potential of horror cinema in the 21st century. A Subversion of Holiday Traditions Set against the ironically cheerful backdrop of Christmas Eve, "Terrifier 3" subverts traditional holiday themes by delving into the darkest corners of human fear. The malevolent antagonist, Art the Clown - portrayed with chilling intensity by David Howard Thornton - embodies unpredictability and chaos. His reign of terror over Miles County isn't just a series of gruesome events; it's a relentless assault on the notions of safety, normalcy, and the comfort typically associated with the holiday season. Psychological Exploration At its core, the film is a psychological study of fear and human responses to extreme situations. It taps into Carl Jung's concept of the "shadow self," compelling both characters and viewers to confront the darker aspects of their psyche. Art the Clown is not merely a villain; he represents repressed anxieties and the chaotic potential within society. The notably subdued reactions of audiences - such as the silent screening experiences I experienced in CinemaCity in Romania - highlight the film's ability to reach deep into the subconscious, evoking a primal response that transcends typical cinematic experiences. Social Commentary and Contemporary Relevance "Terrifier 3" serves as a mirror reflecting contemporary societal fears. In an era marked by global uncertainties and the erosion of traditional safety nets, the film's disruption of the holiday idyll resonates powerfully. It challenges the illusion of security in familiar settings, suggesting that chaos can intrude upon life without warning. This theme is particularly poignant given current global anxieties related to political polarization, social unrest, and the fragility of societal structures. Subtle Political Undertones The movie subtly weaves in commentary on the divisiveness and unpredictability that have characterized recent political landscapes, particularly echoing sentiments reminiscent of calls to "make it great again." Even it might be a bit of a stretch interpretation it lands very well and align in reality we are today. Art the Clown's embodiment of chaos and his assault on societal norms can be interpreted as an allegory for the breakdown of traditional structures and the rise of polarizing forces. His relentless terror reflects the disruption of established conventions, forcing communities to grapple with unprecedented challenges - a parallel to the societal upheavals experienced during turbulent political times. The narrative also examines leadership and authority. The inability of societal institutions within the film to contain or comprehend the terror inflicted by Art the Clown mirrors real-world frustrations with ineffective governance in the face of crises. This reflection invites contemplation on how societies become vulnerable when trust in leadership erodes. Note: The interpretations presented regarding the political undertones, are my personal opinions and reflections. Don't get to excited! :) David Howard Thornton's Masterful Performance Thornton's portrayal of Art the Clown elevates the character from a mere slasher antagonist to a symbol of deeper psychological, social, and political fears. His ability to convey menace without dialogue relies on physicality and expressive nuance, creating a sinister charisma that is both repulsive and captivating. This performance is instrumental in making the film's thematic explorations resonate so profoundly with audiences. The Appeal of Extreme Horror The film's financial success, despite - or perhaps because of - its extreme gore and brutality, speaks to a cultural fascination with boundary-pushing content. "Terrifier 3" taps into the audience's desire for cathartic experiences, offering a space to explore intense emotions and confront the darker facets of humanity. This attraction to extreme horror can be seen as a form of collective processing of fear and uncertainty, providing both an escape from and a reflection of real-world tensions. Implications for the Film Industry "Terrifier 3" challenges conventional wisdom in the film industry regarding the profitability and impact of low-budget productions. Its success demonstrates that audiences are hungry for content that is innovative, thought-provoking, and willing to push boundaries. The film exemplifies how strategic storytelling and thematic depth can overcome financial limitations, suggesting a shift in how success can be achieved in cinema. For filmmakers and industry professionals, "Terrifier 3" serves as a case study in leveraging genre conventions to explore complex themes while engaging audiences on multiple levels. It highlights the potential for horror films to transcend entertainment, becoming vehicles for social commentary and philosophical inquiry. Conclusion "Terrifier 3" is more than a horror film; it's a bold artistic statement that challenges viewers psychologically, socially, and potentially politically . Damien Leone has crafted a work that is unflinching in its depiction of terror yet rich with depth and relevance. The movie invites audiences not only to experience fear but to question its origins and implications within the context of contemporary society. As the film continues to captivate and unsettle viewers worldwide, it redefines the potential of horror cinema in the 21st century. "Terrifier 3" stands as a testament to the power of storytelling that is unafraid to delve into the complexities of existence, reflecting and challenging the societal and political currents of our times. "Terrifier 4" is just inevitable!

Production companies

Who made it

  • DA

    Dark Age Cinema

    US

  • Fuzz on the Lens Productions

    Fuzz on the Lens Productions

    US

  • The Coven

    The Coven

    US

Key crew

  • ProducerPhil Falcone
  • Executive ProducerBrandon Hill
  • Executive ProducerChris McGurk
  • Executive ProducerBrad Miska
  • EditorDamien Leone
  • CharactersDamien Leone
  • Co-ProducerSteven Della Salla
  • Co-ProducerJason Leavy
  • Co-ProducerMichael Leavy
  • CastingMatthew Maisto
  • Stunt CoordinatorDrew Leary
  • Stunt DoubleA.J. Paratore
  • Second Assistant CameraFay Emmolo-Johnson
  • Assistant AccountantDeanna Gallucio Young
  • SongsRyan Morris
  • Production DesignOlga Turka
  • Costume DesignOlga Turka
  • Executive ProducerPriscilla Ross Smith
  • Executive ProducerLisa Falcone
  • Executive ProducerMatthew Helderman
  • Executive ProducerYolanda Macias
  • Executive ProducerErick Opeka
  • Executive ProducerLuke Taylor
  • Assistant Makeup ArtistBrianna Loydgren

Themes & keywords

What it's about, really

  • monster
  • post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd)
  • angel
  • shower
  • child murder
  • santa claus
  • college
  • clown
  • bartender
  • gore
  • dormitory
  • sequel
  • serial killer
  • teenage girl
  • slasher
  • chainsaw
  • massacre
  • mental illness
  • disfigured face
  • mental asylum
  • cousin relationship
  • mall santa
  • killer clown
  • terrorist bombing
  • christmas horror
  • evil clown
  • christmas spirit
  • christmas
  • murder of parents
  • orphan siblings
  • supernatural power
  • death of a child
  • supernatural horror
  • bar
  • bloody
  • independent film
  • blood
  • low budget
  • megaslasher
  • sadistic horror

Release history · US

When it landed

  • Premiere2024-09-19· Fantastic Fest
  • Theatrical2024-10-11NR
  • Digital2024-11-27NR
  • Digital2025-02-14NR· Screambox

Also known as

International titles

  • مرعب ۳IR
  • Ужасающий 3RU
  • 断魂小丑3CN
  • Terrifier 3: Payaso siniestroMX
  • Ужасяващо 3BG
  • Damien Leone's Terrifier 3US
  • Aterrorizante 3BR
  • Klaunovy VánoceCZ
  • 劊樂小丑3TW

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