Terrifier 2 Movie Review

Damien Leone's latest offering, Terrifier 2, is a 2022 American slasher film that he has written, directed, edited, and produced. Terrifier 2" serves as a continuation of its predecessor, released in 2016, and marks the third installment in the franchise showcasing the infamous Art the Clown. The film boasts the reprisal of David Howard Thornton and Samantha Scaffidi, who delivered commendable performances as Art the Clown and Victoria Heyes in the original installment. The cast is rounded out by Lauren LaVera, Elliott Fullam, Sarah Voigt, Kailey Hyman, and Casey Hartnett. The narrative centers around Art's revival and his relentless quest to track down Sienna Shaw (LaVera) and her younger sibling Jonathan (Fullam) on the eerie evening of Halloween, precisely one year after the occurrences of the initial installment.

The genesis of the film can be traced back to a feature film concept that Leone commenced working on soon after completing his directorial debut short film, The 9th Circle (2009). The film's premise centered around a protagonist adorned in angelic attire, but ultimately failed to materialize. Following the debut of Terrifier (2016), director Damien Leone expressed his desire to reintroduce the film's protagonist, who would undergo a transformation into the character of Sienna. Leone has described Sienna as the embodiment of the film's emotional core in Terrifier 2. Director Damien Leone dedicated three months to crafting a character-driven screenplay in response to critiques of the first film's perceived narrative shortcomings.

The film's financing was a meticulous process, given the script's heightened level of ambition compared to its predecessor, necessitating a larger budget. Leone successfully secured funding from private investors prior to commencing production, and additionally initiated an Indiegogo campaign with a targeted goal of $50,000 to facilitate the creation of a practical effects-driven sequence.

The fundraising campaign proved to be an overwhelming triumph, surpassing the initial goal by over 430% and amassing a grand total of $250k in contributions. This film, like many others, was affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a suspension of principal photography in mid-2020 due to pandemic-related lockdowns.

The highly anticipated film made its debut at the esteemed FrightFest on August 29th, 2022, before being released in theaters across the United States on October 6th of the same year. The film's commercial success was undeniable, grossing an impressive $15 million at the box office. The film has garnered predominantly favorable reviews from critics, who have lauded the performances of LaVera and Thornton in particular. However, some reviewers have expressed reservations about the film's runtime. The film has been deemed by several critics as a superior work to its antecedent. The production of a third film is currently underway.

In the latest installment of the Art the Clown franchise, the titular character is brought back to life by an enigmatic force following the tragic Miles County Massacre. In a gruesome turn of events, Art proceeds to savagely slay the coroner tasked with examining his corpse, utilizing a hammer as his weapon of choice. The protagonist seeks refuge at a laundromat to cleanse his blood-stained clothing, where he crosses paths with The Little Pale Girl, an enigmatic and ominous figure donning a similar clown ensemble. The film portrays a haunting scene in which a solitary observer bears witness to Art's interaction with an imperceptible female entity, only to meet his untimely demise at the hands of the malevolent character.

In the film, we witness the poignant moment when Sienna Shaw, a young adolescent, meticulously adds the final embellishments to her Halloween costume. The costume, a stunning portrayal of an angel-warrior, was thoughtfully crafted by her late father, who tragically succumbed to a brain tumor. Jonathan's fascination with Art, the infamous killer from the Miles County Massacre, has led him to choose the character as his Halloween costume. He stumbled upon sketches of Art and his victims in his father's sketchbook, which intensified his fixation on the character. Sienna experiences a haunting dream in which she comes face to face with Art, and subsequently wakes up to find her dresser engulfed in flames. Interestingly, a sword gifted to her by her father remains unharmed amidst the chaos.

In this Halloween-themed film, Jonathan is witness to a disturbing scene where Art and The Little Pale Girl are playing with a deceased opossum on school grounds. Meanwhile, Sienna experiences a panic attack upon overhearing her acquaintances Allie and Brooke discussing the infamous meltdown and mutilation of talk show host Monica Brown by Victoria Heyes. Sienna and Allie venture to the costume shop in search of a new set of wings, and there they cross paths with Art. In this film, we witness the character Art committing a heinous crime by taking the life of a shop vendor. Later on, he proceeds to invade Allie's home and inflicts severe physical harm upon her. The film portrays a tragic event where the mother of Allie stumbles upon her daughter's body, which is still alive, only to meet her untimely demise.

In this scene, Jonathan unveils his father's sketchbook of Art to Sienna and their mother, Barbara. The sketchbook is filled with newspaper clippings that link Art to a series of killings. Notably, the sketchbook reveals that Art's first victim was a young girl named Emily Crane, who was the daughter of circus performers. Her body was discovered in a makeup trailer. The protagonist, Jonathan, holds the belief that their father possessed the knowledge to halt the antagonist, Art. However, Jonathan's conviction in this matter is not shared by others. Following Barbara's destruction of the sketchbook and physical assault on Jonathan, the latter character flees the scene.

In this suspenseful thriller, Barbara's unfortunate demise is brought about by the malevolent actions of Art, who takes her life after she discovers her car has been vandalized. The film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as they follow the unfolding events leading up to this tragic event. Upon Jonathan's arrival at his residence, he discovers the lifeless body of his mother. Subsequently, Art pursues him and proceeds to administer a sedative before abducting him, absconding with Sienna's sword in the process.

In this suspenseful scene, Brooke surreptitiously administers MDMA to Sienna at a Halloween gathering, hoping to alleviate her anxiety. However, Sienna's apprehension is exacerbated upon encountering The Little Pale Girl, leading to a panic attack. In this horror film, Brooke and her partner Jeff transport Sienna to her residence. However, the plot thickens when the Little Pale Girl assumes the identity of Jonathan and deceives Sienna into visiting The Terrifier, a haunted attraction situated in an abandoned carnival where Art had previously taken her life.

In this horror film, the character of Art inflicts severe harm upon Jeff and pursues Brooke into a haunted attraction. The character proceeds to throw acid on Brooke's face, bludgeon her to death, and ultimately consume her heart. In this pivotal scene, Sienna stumbles upon the lifeless body of Brooke, setting off a chain of events that culminate in a tense physical altercation between Sienna and Art. Despite her valiant efforts, Sienna ultimately succumbs to Art's brutal assault, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. The protagonist is roused from slumber to discover Art wielding a cat o' nine tails on her sibling. She proceeds to overpower Art and turns his own weapons against him in a fierce altercation. The film depicts the protagonist, Art, as a character who repeatedly meets his demise at the hands of Sienna and Jonathan, yet remarkably, he persists in his resurrection.

The protagonist disposes of Sienna utilizing her father's blade and subsequently incarcerates her in a cell designed for aquatic torment. In this scene, Art's cannibalistic intentions towards Jonathan are thwarted by the sudden and enigmatic resurrection of Sienna through the power of the sword. Sienna then proceeds to rescue Jonathan by beheading Art. In this scene, we witness The Little Pale Girl's calculated move as she seizes Art's head and departs without harming Sienna and Jonathan.

The mid-credits scene of the film portrays a disturbed Victoria, who is institutionalized and seen vomiting before proceeding to write "Vicky + Art" and profanities on the wall using her own blood. The film portrays a shocking scene where the protagonist gives birth to a living head of Art, leaving the attending nurse in a state of terror and distress.

The cast of Terrifier 2 includes a talented ensemble of actors who bring their characters to life with skill and precision. Their performances are a testament to their craft and contribute to the overall success of the film.

Lauren LaVera delivers a compelling performance as Sienna Shaw, the older sister of Jonathan, in this film.

Elliott Fullam delivers a convincing performance as Jonathan Shaw, the younger brother of Sienna.

Sarah Voigt delivers a compelling performance as Barbara Shaw, the mother of Sienna and Jonathan, in this film. Her portrayal of a complex and multi-dimensional character is both nuanced and authentic, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of a mother grappling with the challenges of parenthood. Voigt's skillful acting elevates the film and adds a layer of depth to the narrative.

Amelie McLain delivers a captivating performance as The Little Pale Girl, also known as Emily Crane, in the film.

In the film, Chris Jericho delivers a noteworthy performance as Burke, a nurse. His portrayal of the character is convincing and adds depth to the overall narrative.

David Howard Thornton delivers a captivating performance as Art the Clown. His portrayal of the iconic character is both chilling and mesmerizing, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. Thornton's attention to detail and commitment to the role is evident in every scene, making him a standout in the horror genre.

On February 12th, 2019, Leone took to his social media platform to unveil the cover page and announce the completion of the initial draft of the screenplay. Director Damien Leone had conceived the idea for the film as far back as 2008, featuring a costumed heroine who is an angel-warrior engaged in a battle with the infamous Art the Clown character. The character of Sienna, who served as the inspiration for the protagonist in question, was deemed by Leone as a fitting subject for the forthcoming Terrifier 2, a project he had already envisioned during the production of its predecessor.

Leone's approach to the writing process for this film diverged from his prior projects, which were constrained by his need to accommodate part-time employment. Leone dedicated a continuous three-month period to the process of screenwriting. The filmmaker's primary emphasis was on crafting a character that could potentially attain the same level of popularity as Art. In his leisure time, he devoted himself to the study of screenwriting by perusing literature on the subject and attentively listening to the insights of experienced screenwriters regarding their creative processes.

The filmmaker made the creative decision to reintroduce the character of the angelic protagonist after a ten-year hiatus and reimagined her as Sienna Shaw. Leone's screenplay centers around a teenage girl, whom he regards as his most beloved character to date. Leone's latest screenplay is a grander and more ambitious undertaking than its predecessor, as he himself has attested. In fact, he has revealed that he did not constrain his creative process with budgetary concerns during its conception.

One of the key elements in the writing process involved the establishment of an antagonist to Art, drawing inspiration from the dynamic between the iconic superhero Batman and his arch-nemesis, the supervillain Joker. During a lunch meeting with director Damien Leone and actor David Howard Thornton, Lauren LaVera, who portrays the character of Sienna, was informed of the intended dynamic between her character and Art. In addition to Sienna, the script prominently features her younger brother Jonathan, their mother, and her circle of friends, all of whom contribute significantly to the narrative, according to LaVera's recollection.

The upcoming film features the return of Billy Thornton and Tiffany Scaffidi, who will reprise their roles as Art and Victoria, respectively. Notably, they are the only returning cast members from the previous installment, with the exception of Michael Leavy's brief voice cameo as the Club Announcer and DJ, and Corey Duval's reprisal of his role as the coroner. Additionally, there have been reports of Steven Della Salla and Jason Leavy, who portrayed law enforcement officers in the first film, making cameo appearances in the sequel. It is noteworthy that all three individuals serve as producers for the second installment.

The casting of Lauren LaVera as Sienna Shaw's lead character was announced on September 11, 2019. The recent announcement on October 15 revealed that Felissa Rose, Chris Jericho, and Tamara Glynn have been added to the cast in cameo roles. Leah Voysey, a talented actress, initially auditioned for the roles of Sienna, Ally, and Brooke. However, co-producer Jason Leavy recognized her exceptional singing and guitar abilities and offered her the role of the host who performs a song in the Clown Cafe dream sequence. This performance ultimately led to Voysey's inclusion as a nurse in the credits scene, as directed by Leone.

Director Damien Leone had already secured complete funding for the film through a select group of private investors prior to production. However, he initiated an Indiegogo campaign with a goal of $50,000 to finance a practical effects sequence and to enlist a prominent actor to the project. The film's initial box office performance was impressive, generating a substantial revenue of $125,000 within its first week of release. The campaign successfully exceeded its initial goal by an impressive 430%, accumulating a grand total of $250k.

Principal photography commenced in October of 2019. The production of this film had reached a significant point in its main narrative arc before being interrupted by the global COVID-19 outbreak, joining the ranks of numerous other films impacted by this unprecedented event. Leone announced on September 7th that he was actively engaged in the development of prosthetic makeup for Victoria's disfigured face, in anticipation of filming Samantha Scaffidi's scenes.

The costume donned by Sienna garnered favorable reactions upon the release of production stills. However, when queried about the attire, LaVera expressed initial fondness for it on the first day of its use, but gradually developed a distaste for it during filming due to its discomfort. The protagonist's commitment to her character's appearance was so intense that it resulted in physical discomfort, as evidenced by the blisters she acquired from donning the outfit.

Production quietly resumed and concluded on July 10, 2021. The original post-credits scene featuring Art sprouting from Victoria's head was ultimately scrapped by director Kevin Leone due to similarities with the villain in Malignant. Instead, a new sequence was filmed in which Victoria gives birth to Art's head.

The highly anticipated sequel to Terrifier has released a teaser trailer on July 24th, 2020. Jeremy Dick of MovieWeb has expressed his excitement for the teaser, noting that it will be particularly thrilling for those who enjoyed the first installment. Meanwhile, Matt Joseph of We Got This Covered has analyzed the trailer, highlighting its promise of a more intense and gruesome sequel that is sure to satisfy fans of the original.

Additionally, it has been disclosed that a three-part limited edition comic book series will be published ahead of the film's premiere.

The film has garnered considerable attention from the media due to its graphic depictions of violence, most notably in the notorious "Bedroom Scene," which portrays the protracted murder of the supporting character Allie (Casey Hartnett). According to Leone, the scene depicting mutilation was the most technically demanding and challenging to shoot throughout the entire production, spanning three minutes in length. In order to bring his vision to life, Leone was tasked with the creation of a life-size replica puppet of Hartnett that was capable of functioning as an animatronic.

The director's commentary reveals that he employed a rather macabre technique in the film's production, involving the use of rods and tubing to simulate the movement of a character's limbs and breathing. Additionally, the use of digital effects is evident in the incorporation of the actor's eye onto a puppet in a particular scene.

The highly anticipated horror film, Terrifier 2, made its world premiere at the esteemed Fantastic Fest on August 29th, 2022. The film was also screened on the same day at Fright Fest in London, further solidifying its global reach and appeal to horror enthusiasts worldwide. The film in question was theatrically released on October 6, 2022, distributed by Bloody Disgusting. The film is slated for future streaming on Screambox and will also be showcased at several distinguished genre festivals before its official release. Director Damien Leone had previously conveyed his intention to showcase his film in a "road show style" upon its completion.

Despite its initial limited theatrical release, Terrifier 2 has garnered significant audience demand, prompting Bloody Disgusting to extend its run for a second weekend on October 12, 2022. The theatrical exhibition of the film has been granted an additional week, as of October 17th.

The film was made available for Video on Demand (VOD) on November 11, 2022, and subsequently released on Blu-ray and DVD on December 27, 2022.

The highly anticipated horror film, Terrifier 2, made its debut in 886 theaters across the United States, garnering an impressive opening day box office revenue of $400,000. The film's opening weekend saw a box office debut of $805,000, followed by a subsequent weekend earning of $1 million, indicating a notable increase of 28%. The film's triumph, despite its modest budget and minimal mainstream advertising, was deemed a surprise to the industry by Variety. After two weeks since its release, the film has accumulated a box office revenue of $3.4 million. In its fourth weekend, the film has expanded to 1,550 theaters, marking an impressive increase of 795. The film has garnered a total of $1.8 million, bringing its cumulative earnings to $10.1 million as of November 2022.

Director Damien Leone expressed his surprise at the overwhelming box office success of the film, stating that he had not anticipated its widespread popularity and commercial viability beyond a limited release in select arthouse theaters. The film's exponential growth in popularity, fueled by word-of-mouth and even reports of audience members becoming physically overwhelmed, was unexpected and exceeded his initial expectations, resulting in significant financial gains.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film has garnered an 85% approval rating based on 74 reviews, with an average rating of 6.7/10. According to the critical consensus on the website, Terrifier 2 surpasses its predecessor in every aspect, making it a thrilling experience for genre enthusiasts, but not suitable for those who are easily disturbed by graphic content.

According to Metacritic, the film has received a weighted average score of 59 out of 100 based on eight critics, suggesting that the reviews have been mixed or average.

According to Jeffrey Anderson, a film critic from Common Sense Media, the characters in the film are noteworthy, with Sienna standing out in particular due to her well-crafted character arc. According to Anderson, the sequel presents a greater emphasis on the value of human life. While Matt Donato of IGN acknowledges the presence of underdeveloped subplots and themes, he praises the film as an improvement over its predecessor. Donato particularly commends LaVera's performance, noting her portrayal of Sienna as a formidable final girl who battles her inner demons while fighting for her family. Additionally, Donato highlights LaVera's character's angel-winged fantasy armor and her fierce battle cries in the face of Art's taunts.

According to Matthew Jackson from Paste, LaVera's performance in the sequel successfully infuses the film with a sense of humanity, thanks to her undeniable star power. Meanwhile, Trace Sauveur of The Austin Chronicle commends Thornton for his impressive physicality and impeccable comic timing. The Guardian's Sammy Gecsoyler has awarded the film a three-star rating out of five. The critic lauds the film's inventive kills and strong performances, but also notes some shortcomings in its runtime.

Despite its merits, the film did not escape criticism. Variety's Owen Gleiberman lauds the film for its adept portrayal of the visual and auditory elements of slasher films from the 1970s and 1980s. However, he critiques the film for its unyielding brutality and the lack of empathy towards its characters. The film in question has been rated a D by Adam Graham, a reputable film critic from The Detroit News. Graham describes the film as a "bludgeoning exercise in splatter" that lacks any sense of purpose beyond its attempts to shock the audience. Furthermore, Graham notes that the film's runtime exceeds two hours, which only adds to its overall lack of coherence.

Terrifier 2 has garnered attention for its intense and visceral content, with reports emerging of audience members experiencing physical reactions such as vomiting and fainting during screenings. In one instance, emergency services were reportedly called.

Director Damien Leone commented on the audience's response to the film, stating that he would have welcomed a few walk-outs as it would have been a testament to the intense nature of the movie. However, he emphasized that he did not intend for viewers to faint or sustain injuries during the screening, and acknowledged the surreal quality of the experience.

According to statements made by both Leone and Thornton, it has been confirmed that a third installment of Terrifier is in the works. The upcoming films are expected to delve deeper into the character of Art, gradually revealing more about his backstory and motivations. During October of 2022, Leone revealed that he had developed a comprehensive treatment for a third film. However, he expressed concerns that the project had grown to such a degree that it may need to be divided into a fourth installment. This decision was motivated by his desire to avoid creating a film that would exceed a runtime of two hours and twenty minutes.

The year 2023 saw Terrifier 2 receive multiple nominations for the esteemed Dead Meat Horror Awards. The film was recognized in various categories, including "Best Practical Effect," "Best Kill," "Best Remake or Sequel," "Best Villain," and "Best Lead Performer." The film in question ultimately secured the accolades for "Best Kill" and "Best Villain."Damien Leone's latest offering, Terrifier 2, is a 2022 American slasher film that he has written, directed, edited, and produced. Terrifier 2" serves as a continuation of its predecessor, released in 2016, and marks the third installment in the franchise showcasing the infamous Art the Clown. The film boasts the reprisal of David Howard Thornton and Samantha Scaffidi, who delivered commendable performances as Art the Clown and Victoria Heyes in the original installment. The cast is rounded out by Lauren LaVera, Elliott Fullam, Sarah Voigt, Kailey Hyman, and Casey Hartnett. The narrative centers around Art's revival and his relentless quest to track down Sienna Shaw (LaVera) and her younger sibling Jonathan (Fullam) on the eerie evening of Halloween, precisely one year after the occurrences of the initial installment.