In the world of horror cinema, the “killer clown” trope has become a familiar, if not overused, fixture. The Clown in the Cornfield follows in the footsteps of films like It and Terrifier, adding its own entry to the subgenre. Yet, for many viewers, this new addition might feel like a rehash of earlier works, lacking the originality that horror fans crave.
Directed by Eli Craig, known for producing the horror-comedy Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, The Clown in the Cornfield attempts to combine horror with dark humor. However, unlike Tucker & Dale, which subverted horror conventions, Craig’s latest film struggles to stand out. Instead, it often feels like a reworked version of previous slasher movies.
The film follows Quinn (played by Katie Douglas) and her father, Dr. Abrams (Aaron Abrams), who relocate to a small town after a personal tragedy. The town’s mascot, a legendary clown named Frando, is beloved by the local kids, many of whom make TikTok and YouTube videos mocking the figure’s violent persona. Quinn, keen to fit in, joins a group of aspiring filmmakers who plan to make their own mock videos—but things take a terrifying turn when a real killer clown starts targeting them.
While The Clown in the Cornfield offers a few creative kills and tense moments, its narrative often feels predictable. Fans of It or Terrifier will likely recognize the film’s familiar beats. The cornfield setting, with its ominous rustling stalks, echoes the atmosphere of Freddy vs. Jason, making the sequence feel like a direct homage—or perhaps a ripoff—of that earlier film.
Despite its shortcomings, the film isn’t entirely without merit. Douglas’ performance as the troubled protagonist is solid, and Aaron Abrams brings some emotional depth to the role of the overly sensitive father. Will Sasso also delivers a strong performance as the suspicious local sheriff, adding a touch of mystery to the story.
However, The Clown in the Cornfield ultimately falls short of being a standout in this year’s crowded horror slate. It lacks the originality of films like The Night House or the criminally underrated The Company of Strangers. While it offers a familiar brand of clown-induced terror, it doesn’t deliver the kind of shock or innovation that would make it a must-watch.
There are moments where Craig’s signature dark humor shines through, but these moments are few and far between. The final result is a film that feels like it’s been cobbled together from various horror influences, without offering anything fresh. For those who have already seen their fair share of killer clown movies, The Clown in the Cornfield may not be enough to reignite their fear of painted faces.
Despite the film’s flaws, it still manages to create a few jump scares, though they’re not quite enough to shake off the feeling that this is a tired formula. For those who haven’t seen It or Terrifier, the film might be an enjoyable ride, but for seasoned horror fans, it’s unlikely to make a lasting impression.
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