(
KTLA
— Have you ever come across?
“Halfoween”
While the precise date for this
“halfway point to Halloween”
It usually fluctuates towards the end of April and the start of May. Currently is an excellent time for thrilling movie experiences — and Eli Craig’s work fits perfectly.
“Clown in a Cornfield,”
Which hits theaters this Friday offers just the right amount of thrills to kickstart some eerie enjoyment.
The film, based on
Adam Cesare
‘s
novel with the same title
Follows the story of Quinn (played by Katie Douglas, known for “Ginny & Georgia” on Netflix) who moves with her dad from Philadelphia to Kettle Springs, Missouri—a small, declining town grappling with economic hardship after losing its primary source of employment. The townspeople often point fingers at a clique of teenagers involved in online pranks, whom Quinn later becomes friends with.
Though Quinn and her father (Aaron Abrams) hope Kettle Springs can be the vibrational reboot after her mother’s recent death, things in Kettle Springs are bleak and soon, deadly.
But there’s more to “Clown in a Cornfield” than a killer clown. Director
Eli Craig
(“Tucker & Dale vs. Evil”) suggests that the movie also serves as a small-scale reflection of the current tense socio-political environment we see around us.
[Cesare’s novel] acts as a reflection of the American Dream, revealing the distorted face of misdirected capitalism and the anger stemming from being at the losing end,” remarked Craig about his first impressions of the book for his adaptation. “In better days, Frendo the Clown was an adored corporate figurehead; however, he has transformed into a representation of bitterness, resentment, and frustration—emotions where violence becomes intertwined with notions of fairness—for those who have been left behind.
Craig and his collaborator Carter Blanchard crafted a screenplay that expands upon the turmoil presented in Cesare’s 2020 book, infusing the movie with a witty “Scream”-style vibe that lightens some of its grisly scenes. Craig mentioned that slashers from the ’70s and ’80s heavily influenced their work, and this nostalgic connection lends an intentionally campy feel to Craig’s project.
It’s a winning recipe that also helps make up for some of “Clown”‘s less successful parts.
Although the movie boasts an excellent atmosphere and talented young actors, it gives off a rather aimless vibe throughout most of its runtime until it reaches its thrilling (and tense) finale. The initial portion of the film seems disjointed and slightly undercooked—factors that could likely be attributed to financial limitations; hence, we find ourselves willing to overlook this shortcoming. Nonetheless, it would have enhanced the overall impact if viewers had been granted additional scenes in Kettle Springs prior to everything spiraling out of control.
One thing we’ve observed in recent horror films is their reluctance to build up tension.
sit
A recent instance is Leigh Whannell’s work.
“Wolf Man,”
Which had numerous strengths but fritters away all possible suspense by confining the action within a mere twenty-four hours.
first
On the day the family ventures into a creepy woodland. Similar to “The Wolf Man,” the movie “Clown” unfolds during the initial days of Quinn’s life in Kettle Springs, and like that film, much of it falls flat due to omitting those crucial opening scenes that could have built up suspense.
However, don’t be misled, we indeed do this.
really
I enjoyed “Clown in a Cornfield.” Though it may not be flawless, it exudes a sense of genuine affection from creators who truly grasp and cherish the horror genre. It’s hard not to find value in this film. Additionally, its 90-minute run time works well, as “Clown in a Cornfield” adeptly exits stage before losing steam.
Overall, go into this film not expecting “refined horror” or deep emotional release. View it if you’re a fan of horror and want to see teenagers battling a murderous clown. “Clown in a Cornfield” aims simply to entertain, and that’s perfectly fine.
If the film makes you want more clowns and more cornfields, you’re in luck. Cesare has already penned two sequels—and he recently mentioned he has ideas for additional installments.
The fourth “Clown in a Cornfield” sequel
.
“Clown in a Cornfield” releases in theaters across the country on May 9th.
Score: ★★★☆☆
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