Clown in a Cornfield is a 2025 offering that is, in essence, a generational horror film. A darkly comic look, using the teen horror genre as a vehicle, at how the generation gap will never disappear.
The film also uses sly humor to point out an almost hidden message about the state of American politics. “Tell the people what they want to hear,” says Arthur Hill.
Director Eli Craig shares writing credits with Carter Blanchard (screenplay) and author Adam Cesare (source material). The three have, with the help of SHUDDER and RLJE made a completely enjoyable horror film. One with just the right mix of gore, comedy, music that fits and deeper message running just under the surface.
The Story
Quinn and her father have moved to Kettle Springs. He is the new doctor in town and daughter Quinn is the new girl in the high school. There is an underlying sense of sadness to the father daughter pair. Kettle Springs has a dark past and an even darker future.
Quinn mixes in with the “bad crowd” at the school. In terms of bad though nothing can compete with Frendo, a murderous clown. The homicidal looms large in the cornfields while the town people blame Quinn’s new friends for a factory fire.
The Main Cast
Katie Douglas is Quinn.
Aaron Abrams is Dr Glenn Maybrook.
Carson MacCormac is Cole.
Kevin Durand is Arthur Hill.
Will Sasso is Sheriff Dunne.
Cassandra Potenza is Janet.
Verity Marks is Ronnie.
Ayo Solanke is Tucker.
Alexandre Martin Deakin is Matt.
Cast is King (or Queen)
Craig’s cast rock Clown in a Cornfield. Aaron Adams always brings a certain truth to whatever he does. His emotionally drained doctor feels real and poignant without overplaying. Douglas as Quinn is a delight. Will Sasso is spot on as the countrified sheriff. Old favorite Kevin Durand is always good value for money and the entire gang of “bad kids” were just brilliant.
It Works
Eli Craig, another personal favorite makes Clown in a Cornfield a fun watch. The kills are imaginative, the plot very “today” and the message of acceptance proposed via the generational undertone is excellent.
The tale shows the immersion of youth in the internet. Tik Tok has become the new YouTube, Vine or even, heaven help us; MySpace. The body count is impressive, although a lot of kills do take place off camera.
Clown in a Cornfield has a lot of twists and turns. There are also a number of nods and winks to other films. From Tropic Thunder to Jaws, the film allows the filmmakers to show their love of movies.
Some scenes are comic gold. The “where’s the button” gag made me giggle and Douglass has some of the funniest lines in the film.
The VFX are splendid and the CGI blends with what appears to be a fair old number of practical FX.
Frendo
I have to admit that the name of the murderous clown, “Frendo” made me chuckle. Each and every time it is uttered, I hear Javier Bardem, as Anton Chigurh. He calls the petrol station owner “frendo” in No Country for Old Men. That scene, so full of suspense, feels as if it might just have inspired the clown’s name in this film.*Or the book by Cesare. *
The Verdict
Clown in a Cornfield is just meta enough to garner a full 5 star rating. I watched the movie twice and found nothing to really moan about. It looks like there room for at least one sequel. The film is in cinemas right now. Head on down to the theatre, buy some popcorn and fizzy and prepare to have fun. Check out the trailer below:
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