Terrifier has left viewers with countless questions, especially about its chilling ending. The movie premiered on March 15, 2016 in the United States. Damien Leone directed the film which has grown to be a cult classic. Leone created a horrific and unforgettable character in Art the Clown.
The official movie synopsis states:
"A maniac named Art the Clown terrorizes two friends on Halloween and everyone who gets in his way."
The film ends in a vicious manner, as one would expect from the slasher genre. The central figure of terror, Art the Clown, starts an unrelenting killing spree. He apparently meets his death in the last scenes of Terrifier. The police confront him following a horrific outburst; just as his reign of terror seems to be ending, Art shocks everyone by killing himself.
Later, his body is transported to the morgue: Art reanimates and kills the coroner, so exposing that his death was not the end. This turn of events prepares the ground for what might be an endless nightmare.
The final confrontation of the movie Terrifier
The last act of Terrifier centers on Victoria, Tara's sister, who arrives at the scene searching for her sibling. As she navigates the eerie and abandoned building, Victoria is unaware of the horrors that have transpired. Her encounter with Art the Clown is as terrifying as it is inevitable. Despite her efforts to escape, Art captures her, and the ensuing violence is both graphic and horrifying.
Victoria's fate is sealed when Art brutally attacks her, leading to her disfigurement, which we later see in the film's opening scene. This reveals that Victoria is the disfigured survivor interviewed at the start of the movie. The ending brings the story full circle, connecting Victoria's tragic transformation with the narrative's beginning.
About Art the Clown
Terrifier's ending makes abundantly evident that Art the Clown is something far more sinister than just a man in a costume. His seeming resurrection at the morgue points to him perhaps being an immortal or supernatural being meant to carry on his rule of terror.
The last scene shocks the viewers with the knowledge that Art the Clown cannot be readily killed and his threat will linger.
Plot Overview
Terrifier follows the story of Tara and Victoria, two sisters who find themselves targeted by the enigmatic and horrifying Art the Clown on Halloween night. What begins as a night of celebration quickly turns into a nightmare as Art stalks and kills anyone in his path.
The film is known for its graphic violence, particularly the infamous hacksaw scene, which has become a talking point among horror fans. The relentless pursuit of Tara and the ultimate confrontation between Victoria and Art highlight the film's dedication to delivering unfiltered horror.
Cast and release insights
Terrifier features David Howard Thornton as the menacing Art the Clown, Jenna Kanell as Tara Heyes, and Samantha Scaffidi as Victoria Heyes. The cast also includes Catherine Corcoran as Dawn and Katie Maguire as Monica Brown.
It was the first film in the franchise released on March 15, 2016. The second part was released on October 6, 2022. The producers have confirmed that the third part will be out on October 11, 2024.
Terrifier's ending makes a lasting impression and confirms Art the Clown as a fresh sort of horror icon who challenges death and keeps haunting the living beings. The last scenes of the movie not only set up next sequels but also strengthen the mythos of this horrible character.