Review: Terrifier 2 (2022)
Directed by: Damien Leone
Starring: David Howard Thornton, Lauren LaVera, Elliott Fullam, Samantha Scaffidi
Plot Summary
Following the events of Terrifier (2016), Terrifier 2 sees the return of Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton), a sadistic, supernatural killer who comes back to wreak havoc on Halloween night. This time, his targets include Sienna (Lauren LaVera), a teenage girl with a mysterious connection to him, and her younger brother. As Art embarks on another gory killing spree, Sienna must fight for survival while uncovering the dark truth behind her fate.
Strengths
✔ Insanely Brutal & Gory – The film pushes the limits of horror with graphic, over-the-top kills, making it one of the bloodiest slashers in recent years.
✔ Art the Clown’s Terrifying Presence – David Howard Thornton’s performance as Art is creepy, unpredictable, and deeply unsettling.
✔ A Strong Final Girl – Lauren LaVera’s Sienna is a refreshing addition to the genre, giving audiences a badass, resilient protagonist to root for.
✔ Bigger Budget, Better Production – Compared to the first film, Terrifier 2 has improved cinematography, practical effects, and a more expansive story.
✔ Halloween Atmosphere – The film perfectly captures the eerie, chaotic energy of Halloween night, adding to its unsettling tone.
Weaknesses
❌ Extremely Graphic Violence – Not for the faint of heart—the brutality is relentless, and some scenes push boundaries of taste.
❌ Long Runtime – At 2 hours and 18 minutes, it’s unusually long for a slasher film, and some parts feel unnecessarily stretched.
❌ Minimal Story Depth – While entertaining, the plot remains secondary to the kills, with some supernatural elements left unexplained.
❌ Not for Casual Horror Fans – If you’re not a fan of extreme gore and sadistic horror, this may be too much to handle.
Verdict
Terrifier 2 is an ultra-violent, nightmarish slasher film that ups the ante in every way. It delivers brutal kills, a chilling villain, and a surprisingly strong heroine, making it a must-watch for hardcore horror fans. However, its extreme gore and lengthy runtime may turn off more casual viewers. If you love no-holds-barred horror, Terrifier 2 is an unforgettable experience.
⭐ Rating: 8/10 🎭🔪💀
