Fans have praised Terrifier 3 as the ‘best horror movie they’ve ever seen’, despite it being banned from some cinemas.
The sequel – a follow-up to the 2022 film – follows Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) returning to Miles County and causing gruesome chaos while dressed in a creepy Santa Claus costume.
Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera), who managed to escape his clutches in the last flick, has her world shattered again when she senses his presence once again.
The third instalment of the creepy franchise was released in US cinemas today, with cinemas issuing warnings to ticket-holders over the seriously grim scenes, amid reports of some viewers vomiting during screenings, or walking out.
The news of those under 18 years of age being banned from showings in France has clearly done little to deter anyone, as Terrifier 3 currently boasts a whopping 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to a critics rating of 78%.
Heaping praise on Art and co, Stephanie raved: ‘Best horror movie I have seen yet! Very creative scenes!’
Brandie P agreed: ‘I love love loved how This movie really was one of the scariest movies that I’ve seen in years. Art the clown is back n more devious then ever. Top tier blood and gore. I can’t wait for Terrifier 4 [sic].’
Shannon S penned: ‘Had me clenching the arm chair in scenes. The audience laughed, gasped and clapped at the end.
‘This is how a movie should make a cinema experience feel. Exciting and fun. And yes it is very disgusting! But, it’s a slasher that goes for it! And it wouldn’t be Terrifier without it!’
‘It was somehow more gorey and violent than the last couple, didnt even know that was possible,’ Kitsune S said.
Daniel replied: ‘Wow! This movie is super gory, as much as the first 2 combined. That is why Terriifier franchise is best horror out right now. Something different that makes you watch just to see what’s about to happen next.’
As an anonymous reviewer added: ‘Holy, this movie was a masterpiece. Disgusting in the right ways and beautiful horror.
‘Favorite movie to release this year for sure. 100% recommend giving this movie a watch if u have the stomach for it ofc. If not, then watch on an empty stomach! [sic].’
Director Damien Leone released the first Terrifier in 2016, with the hugely popular sequel landing in cinemas just two years ago.
For the first time in almost 20 years, the French film classification committee slapped an under-18s ban on Damien’s most recent offering – the last flick to get the block was Saw 3 in 2006.
The movie’s French distributors ESC Éditions, Shadowz Films and Factoris Films shared a joint statement slamming the decision with Bloody Disgusting.
‘We can only deplore this unexpected final decision, which will seriously hamper the release of the film, awaited by tens of thousands of French viewers and scheduled for October 9 (and of course maintained),’ it read.
‘Terrifier 3 is a film d’auteur in the purest tradition of the slasher genre, with perfectly “grand-guignolesque” and unrealistic violence.
‘The film never takes itself too seriously, and we know that viewers will have the necessary distance and maturity to understand and appreciate this artistic approach.’