Terrifier 2 is the definition of doubling down for the sequel, loading up on the blood, the insanity, and the lore to the detriment of Art the Clown. For those who have not seen the original film that was made on a minuscule budget, it’s an absolute recommendation for anyone that can handle some ridiculous violence and it’s only 86 minutes of madness! Terrifier 2 has a slightly larger budget and director/writer Damien Leone uses every cent to an astounding degree, delivering even more goretastic scenes than ever in over twice the amount of runtime. 

 

Let’s just jump into the issues with this lengthy film, the film is just that, it’s too long. Not only is it too long for its own good, but it also enhances the lore of Art the Clown and links demons, ghosts, and prophecies, almost incomprehensibly. The story is a stretch this time around, Art isn’t the same maniacal maniac from before, he’s a demonic rendition of the character and his actions don’t have much behind them. Honestly, the complete lack of story and jumping around leads to a bloated experience that should have been trimmed down to strengthen the characterization throughout. 

 

While the blood effects and visual effects are insane, especially when considering the budget of the feature itself, it’s once again a case of showing too much to the point of it growing tiresome. The characters, aka the victims, are almost all awkward beings just existing for Art to have his way with them, the only two exceptions being occasionally the demonic girl that Art possibly manifests and our lead Sienna as played by Lauren LaVera. It’s the staggering dialogue from Leone that could have used an extra write-up to better enhance the experience beyond the capabilities of the actors involved.  

 

Terrifier 2 was one of the most anticipated films of 2022. Suffice it to say this horror sequel is disappointing, especially considering the fun yet horrifying experience of the first film. Damien Leones' follow-up is more of a mixed (body) bag. While I do enjoy the advances in the violence and the makeup, as well as the triumphant return of David Howard Thornton as Art the Clown -  the weak script and self-indulgent length, make for a massacre you have to embrace in chunks rather than all at once.