I watched “Terrifier” around five years ago, and though the movie stood out from other killer clown movies I had watched, I did not like it. However, upon hearing the announcement of “Terrifier 2,” I found myself willing to give the series another chance — and it did not disappoint.

“Terrifier 2” takes place on Halloween, a year after the Miles County Killer — Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) — wreaked havoc over the town and slaughtered nine people, before presumably being killed. But, as all horror movies have shown, it’s never smart to assume the killer is actually gone for good. 

One of my favorite aspects of the film was that it didn’t take long to get to the true angle of the story. Plot is an important aspect to any movie, but I do not want to watch three-fourths of a horror movie which builds up to a maximum of 20-30 minutes of action and fright. Thankfully, “Terrifier 2” gave me no time to get bored. Between the two main characters, Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera) and her younger brother, Jonathan (Elliot Fullam), Art was always busy causing chaos in the town, making me wonder halfway through the film if the two would even live to see the end.

I like to think I have a very high tolerance to horror and gore. I rarely come across a film so grotesque and terrifying that it remains ingrained in my mind. Despite hearing a large number of horror fans claiming that “Terrifier 2” was another level of brutal, I simply didn’t believe them. Yet, from the very second the movie began, I was faced with an opening scene that left me with wide eyes and an expression of disbelief. Not only did the movie successfully capture my attention from the first second, but no scene that followed caused it to waver. 

While the movie didn’t leave me crawling underneath my bed sheets in fear that Art the Clown would appear in my room, it was the first time I found myself questioning if a film was pushing it too far. Art was the most unpredictable horror movie villain I’ve ever seen. His appearances in scenes could never be guessed, and solely relying on his facial expressions to convey what he thought and felt added a level of barbarity I still can’t shake from my thoughts. 

If you’re like me, constantly waiting for a horror movie to leave you with scarring scenes to last you a lifetime, “Terrifier 2” is perfect for you. The film definitely focuses more on gore and violence than plot, but all aspects still work well together. But, be warned – it is not for the faint of heart.