Each year, at the start of May, horror fans eagerly anticipate what we like to call “Halfway to Halloween.” This celebration has gained so much popularity that streaming services like Shudder and Screambox now curate extraordinary movie selections for this mid-year tribute to our favorite holiday. And what better way to mark the occasion than with the premiere of an exciting new slasher film in theaters?

Slashers are my favorite horror subgenre; they never lose appeal. If you stick to the classic formula, a slasher film can be highly entertaining: a killer sporting an intriguing mask, a body count featuring inventive kills and perhaps a couple of love interests thrown in for good measure. 

I picked up Adam Cesare’s Clown in a Cornfield shortly after its release in 2020. The buzz it generated on social media made me eager to dive in. Although categorized as a “young adult” book, I found it a gripping and gory tale, with me pulling the blankets up to my eyes at night.

So, when a film adaptation was announced, I was ecstatic!

The story centers around high-school student Quinn (Katie Douglas), and her father (Aaron Abrams), moving from Philadelphia to Kettle Springs, Missouri. He takes a job as a doctor following the passing of Quinn’s mother. Kettle Springs is a charming, close-knit community surrounded by cornfields and the abandoned Baypen corn syrup factory.

Quinn quickly finds her place among the local teens, who have a fun pastime of making YouTube videos featuring a fictional killer clown, Frendo, who was once the mascot for Baypen. That is, until a killer clown starts killing the teens. 

Eli Craig, renowned for his work on the acclaimed horror comedy Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, takes an intriguing turn with Clown in a Cornfield, a film he directed and co-wrote alongside Carter Blanchard. Unlike his previous projects, this film gravitates away from the horror-comedy genre, immersing viewers into a darker narrative.

However, to my surprise, the script incorporates moments of levity that break the prevailing tension. While these humorous interludes occasionally disrupt the suspenseful atmosphere, they also provide a refreshing layer of depth that enriches the story in ways the original book does not explore. This creative choice not only adds complexity to the characters’ interactions but also helps to alleviate the film’s darker themes without diminishing its overall impact.

The performances here are consistently strong, especially with an authority figure like Mayor Arthur Hill (Kevin Durand) in the mix. However, Katie Douglas’ portrayal of the protagonist, Quinn, stands out. Adapting a book into a movie can be challenging, as fans often hope the film captures the characters as they envision them. Douglas embodies Quinn’s moody and angsty nature, reflecting her mannerisms and courageous actions to protect her friends and father. She’s a beautiful girl with a rich, broody voice that commands the screen, and I look forward to seeing her in more projects. 

The filmmakers did an outstanding job of bringing the book to life as a movie, particularly in capturing its themes. A significant thread throughout the story explores how capitalism can harm humanity. Frendo the Clown, who once represented the American dream, gradually transforms into a figure of spite and violence.

The book also features an unexpected queer relationship that may catch audiences off guard. While it’s not a major plotline, I’m pleased the adaptation includes this arc because it keeps the progressive nature of the story.

Craig has mentioned that he drew inspiration from slasher films of the ’70s and ’80s, and I recognized that influence. The movie has a campy charm and a nostalgic vibe that feels very familiar. Its autumnal color palette and overall atmosphere make it feel like a Halloween classic, evoking a sense of comfort and nostalgia. This unique blend of elements evokes comforting memories while simultaneously capturing the thrill and excitement of the genre.

This film delivers plenty of brutal kills and gore to satisfy horror enthusiasts! While it doesn’t break new ground within the genre, a successful slasher flick knows the importance of keeping the blood flowing, and this one certainly delivers on that front. Some moments will have you squirming in your seat, even if the kills lack creativity. 

The film’s pacing is generally well-executed, maintaining a steady rhythm throughout, though it does feel slightly rushed in the final act. This hurried conclusion may leave some viewers wanting more depth. Nonetheless, the revelation of the killer is executed in a way that has the potential to catch most audiences off guard, particularly those who are unfamiliar with the original novel.

While the climax may not stand out as the most exhilarating in the genre, it does feature a clever twist that genuinely surprised me upon my initial encounter with the narrative. With a runtime of 96 minutes, the film achieves a commendable balance between character development and plot advancement, ensuring that the story unfolds at a satisfying pace while still engaging the audience effectively.

I admire the design of Frendo the Clown’s costume. He has that fun, lovable clown vibe, but his mask gives him a sinister look. Add a pitchfork into the mix, and he turns into a real killing machine. Some folks are already drawing comparisons to our newest slasher icon, Art the Clown, but comparing the two is tough. They each represent distinct characters with their motivations. There’s enough space in the horror genre for another murderous clown!

I rate Clown in a Cornfield four out of five stars. It has all the ingredients for an excellent slasher: a menacing clown, a group of teenagers and brutal kills, not to mention a fun soundtrack and a couple of budding romances. My only critique is that it sometimes feels rushed, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment. This is the slasher film I’ve longed for since I watched Heart Eyes in February. I found that film enjoyable, although it didn’t quite deliver on the slasher vibe I hoped for. Clown in a Cornfield really filled that gap for me. I can see a sequel in the works with two more books available for adaptation and a strong box-office potential.

So, celebrate Halloween early this year and head to the theater for a fun slasher flick. Pumpkin spice lattes may not be in season yet, but horror movies are all year round. 

Watch Clown in a Cornfield exclusively in theaters starting on May 9th.