Clown In A Cornfield gave me exactly what I want in a slasher. Even though I hate clowns, I found myself having a blast with this one.

I need to preface this review by stating that I hate clowns. Ever since I watched IT when I was way too young, they absolutely terrify me. So why would I subject myself to Clown In A Cornfield? Honestly, I have no idea. I just love a good slasher and this one seemed like it was going to be a lot of fun. Thankfully, it is a blast and has everything that I love in a slasher – well, except for the clowns.
It should come as absolutely no surprise when I tell you that this movie did not help my fear of clowns. In fact, I am ninety-nine percent sure it made it worse. And yet, somehow, I really want a sequel. Clearly I like to punish myself.
The premise behind this film is the perfect horror set up. A teenage girl named Quinn (Katie Douglas) and her father (Aaron Abrams) move to a small town after her mother dies. There is barely any cell service in town, so she often ends up in dead spots (no pun intended) making her unreachable and unable to reach anyone else.

She finds a group of friends to connect with instantly, who like to make YouTube videos featuring the creepy clown who is a mascot of the local corn syrup company. They have turned him into a serial killer as a joke and, unsurprisingly, that is exactly what he becomes in real life.
Clown In A Cornfield is a proper slasher. It is intense and suspenseful, but it also adds a few elements that make it unique. Unfortunately, I cannot discuss them without ruining the movie, but you will know exactly what I am talking about when you see it.
My favorite thing about a slasher is the kills. Yeah, I have no idea what that says about me, but it is true. Some of these are expected, and predictable (but still a lot of fun), but there are a couple thrown in here that I did not see coming that had me squealing and screaming with glee.

The entire cast is great but Douglas does a wonderful job of leading Clown In A Cornfield. She has solidified herself as a scream queen – one that I would love to see a lot more of.
This movie is a blast. It begs to be seen on the big screen in a packed theater. Trust me, you will want to be able to react with everyone else who has no idea what to expect. Also, clowns are scary so you will also want to be surrounded by people.
I am surprised at how much I loved this film considering the way I feel about clowns but here we are. Clown In A Cornfield is based on a book series, which means there could be more. And I really, really want more.
Clown In A Cornfield premiered at SXSW 2025 and comes to theaters on May 9.
NEXT: The Surfer Review: This Movie Made Me Very Mad

About Clown In A Cornfield
Quinn and her father have just moved to the quiet town of Kettle Springs hoping for a fresh start. Instead, she discovers a fractured community that has fallen on hard times after the treasured Baypen Corn Syrup Factory burned down.
As the locals bicker amongst themselves and tensions boil over, a sinister, grinning figure emerges from the cornfields to cleanse the town of its burdens, one bloody victim at a time. Welcome to Kettle Springs. The real fun starts when Frendo the clown comes out to play.
Clown In A Cornfield premiered at SXSW 2025.
Clown In A Cornfield gave me exactly what I want in a slasher. Even though I hate clowns, I found myself having a blast with this one.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.
