Continuing right after the previous film, Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) has supernaturally risen back from the dead. After brutally murdering the staff member at the mortuary, Art steals various medicine supplies along with other bits that may come in hand to use as weapons and violent instruments. Before Art returns to what he does best, he quickly stops at the local laundromat, given his outfit is still covered in blood stains and leftover flesh from his last mayhem. While waiting for his outfit to be clean, Art has a strange, mysterious vision of a young girl who, funny enough, looks remarkably similar to him. After a quick round of paddy cake with the enigmatic young creepy girl, Art the Clown gets dressed and conducts more mayhem to some fresh victims.
One year has passed since Art’s mysterious resurrection, and it’s the night of Halloween again. This time, we are introduced to a teenage girl named Sienna (Lauren LaVera) along with her younger brother Jonathan (Elliot Shaw), who both live with their mother, Barbara (xx). We learn early on that something tragic happened to Sienna’s father. For Halloween this year, Sienna is eager to create a Valkyrie costume designed by her father. On the other hand, Jonathan is more interested in a costume that’s precisely like Art the Clown and carries a passion for all things serial killers. As Halloween celebrations approach, strange and unexpa,inable things begin to happen to Sienna, including having bad dreams that feature Art the Clown and haunting visions. Little did Sienna know she and everyone close to her were the primary targets of Art the Clown. Can Sienna defeat and survive the ultimate evil?
Terrifier 2 is a horror film with plenty of splatter, gore and violence. Given how the movie begins and plays out, the film introduces a new aspect surrounding supernatural and mystery. Teffifier 2 has once again been written and directed by Damien Leone, who also directed the previous Terrifier film from 2016 and All Hallow’s Eve from 2013.
As a sequel, Terrifier 2 goes up a significant notch in many areas. Firstly, the horror and gore have most certainly been turned up here. The violence is more brutal, unsettling and sickening. Once kill in practically that involved flesh ripping and Art torturing further using salt truly did make me sick to my core. There is more blood spillage and many kills that are unexpected and shocking. Needless to say, if you love horror and gross violence, you’ve found the right film. Naturally, I have nothing negative to say about actor David Howard Thornton’s performance as Art the Clown. I highly praise costume and physical effects regarding gore, flesh and blood. It all looks highly realistic.
Another area that has improved is the film’s plot details. Unlike the previous movie, where we saw Art the Clown go on a killing spree, this sequel reveals more information about Art the Clown and an unexplainable connection with the film’s new lead, Sienna. While, as audiences, some answers are given, the film also raises several more new questions, one including the strange creepy girl who looks highly similar to Art the Clown and how it is possible that after death, Art is able to rise and continue to go on a murdering spree. On top of the plot, the film’s leads are more outstanding than those in the previous movie, specifically Sienna. Sienna is likeable and carries many great qualities in this film, including being strong and refusing to give up even in the most bloody and creepiest situation. Her character also has depth, and like Art the Clown, her past includes mysterious things like her father. With so much praise here, I still have one major issue with the film. The runtime is far too long, and at various moments, the film drags defiantly and includes its lengthy finale, which feels like it will never end. Some unexplained mysteries will also annoy some viewers, leaving them only hoping that the answers they seek will be revealed in the next film. Maybe!
Overall, Terrifier 2 is a massive step up from the previous instalment, which was released in 2016. Here, Art the Clown is on an even bigger murderous rampage, and all aspects of horror, gore, and violence are next level. Be prepared to feel with this one because some kills are entirely messed up. Introducing new characters is welcoming, and Sienna is likeable as the lead. It’s also great to see new details about Art the Clown and this terrifying world, but simultaneously, the film takes the joy and introduces new ones. However, the film’s biggest sin is the runtime, which is far too long, with many scenes dragging on long.
Terrifer 2 (2022) is Now Available on 4K UHD Blu-ray, thanks to Umbrella Entertainment!
FILM SCORE: 7.5/10
Published: 28th December 2024
Written by: Peter Walkden
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