‘Clown In A Cornfield’ Review – Horror’s New Killer Clown Terrorizes Teens In Bloody Entertaining Slasher [SXSW 2025]

A generational conflict turns bloody in Eli Craig’s teen slasher, Clown In A Cornfield. The adaptation of Adam Cesare’s 2020 horror novel opens with Quinn Maybrook (Katie Douglas) and her father, Glenn (Aaron Abrams), moving to the small town of Kettle Springs for a fresh start after a significant tragedy. Glenn is hopeful that the fresh start will help ease his daughter’s grief and allow her to finish high school in peace.  His hopes are quickly dashed when Quinn befriends a local clique of troublemakers: the mayor’s son, Cole (Carson MacCormac), the queen bee, Janet (Cassandra Potenza), Janet’s sassy and sarcastic bestie, Ronnie (Verity Marks), and the prank-loving filmmaking duo, Tucker (Ayo Solanke) and Matt (Alexandre Martin Deakin). There’s also the kind but odd neighbor Rust (Vincent Muller), who has a complicated past with his former friend, Cole. When someone dressed as Frendo the Clown, a mascot of the town’s corn syrup factory, begins killing teens, the new group of friends must band together to survive.

Clown In A Cornfield is a bloody good slasher reminiscent of many of the genre’s classics. The kills are gory and creative, the atmosphere is tense, and the killer’s motives are timely and relevant, given the town’s history. The young cast is talented and very comfortable in their roles. Our lead heroine, Quinn, is brave, intelligent, and resilient. Kate Douglas portrays Quinn as a soulful young rebel trying to make peace with the tragedy that has befallen her family. She loves her father but resents his decision to uproot their lives. Douglas’s natural talent and charisma sell the character and ground her amid the horrific scenario she finds herself in.

The rest of the young cast enjoy their roles as well, and a natural charisma between the group of friends makes you care about them. They’re a group of misfits who yearn to escape their small town and the judgmental and accusatory adults watching their every move. Aside from Douglas’s Quinn, Carson MacCormac, as Cole, stands out and has the most development. His family is dealing with their recent loss, and his mysterious tension with his former friend, Rust, gives him surprising layers. There are several unique ways in which the movie subverts expectations. Most are a welcome switch-up from what audiences have come to expect from slashers.

Audiences will be pleasantly surprised by how adults are utilized in this story. Aaron Abrams portrays Glenn Quinn as a protective and well-intentioned father trying to do what he thinks is best for his daughter. Without spoiling too much, the film also allows him to play an essential role in the film’s climax. It’s refreshing and a nice twist of the mostly absent or oblivious adults who usually populate slasher films. Will Sasso as Sheriff Dunne is another stand-out, and Kevin Durand, the brooding Mayor Hill, also makes a big impression.

Where the movie misses the mark is its need to rush into act two without building tension and the mystery element. When the killings start, it’s unclear if the rest of the teens realize that their friends are missing. The story even misses plenty of opportunities to play with audience expectations regarding the killer reveal. Yes, the moment is great and will stun audiences, but so much more could have been done with the buildup.

Clown In A Cornfield is an exciting and fresh addition to the slasher genre despite its flaws. The killer’s motive is unique and timely, and the film will leave audiences hoping the sequels get adapted as well.

Clown In A Cornfield held its World Premiere as part of the Narrative Spotlight section of the 2025 SXSW TV & Film Festival. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release by RLJE Films and Shudder on May 9, 2025.

Director: Eli Craig

Screenwriters: Eli Craig, Adam Cesare, Carter Blanchard

Rated: R

Runtime: 96m