Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ho-ho-horrifyingly violent, bloody slasher sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
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Terrifier 3
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 37 parent reviews
Parents say this movie is highly graphic and intense, garnering strong reactions for its excessive violence and gore, leading many to assert it is not suitable for children or those sensitive to such content. While the film may appeal to fans of horror seeking a thrilling experience and impressive practical effects, it has been criticized for lacking depth in storytelling and relying heavily on shock value rather than genuine suspense.
- graphic violence
- unsuitable for kids
- intense experience
- disappointing storytelling
- worthwhile for fans
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 73 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is extremely gory, with many reviewers noting that it is not suitable for children due to its graphic violence and disturbing content, including scenes that depict intense torture and death. While some viewers found it entertaining and appreciated the comedic elements alongside the gore, others expressed regret for watching it and recommended it for older teens or adults only.
- extreme gore
- not for kids
- mixed reviews
- dark humor
- graphic violence
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In TERRIFIER 3, it's five years after the Halloween massacre of Miles County. Main character Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera) has been in and out of psychiatric treatment, attempting to deal with her trauma, while her brother, Jonathan (Elliott Fullam), is off at college and barely communicates with her. Their Aunt Jess (Margaret Anne Florence) and Uncle Greg (Bryce Johnson) invite the siblings to stay for Christmas. Sienna arrives, greeted by young, gushing Gabbie (Antonella Rose), who worships her older cousin. Meanwhile, Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) and his zombie sidekick, Vicky (Samantha Scaffidi), have been resurrected, and they start their unholy murderous rampage once again, this time with Art dressed as Santa Claus.
Is It Any Good?
It's part of the ultra gory killer-clown horror series, and the folks behind this Christmastime-set tale clearly put some thought and care into its characters, situations, and especially its bloody effects. Terrifier 3 leaves the starting gate with a bang, and right away horror hounds will realize that it's better than average. The opening sequence involves a family of four slumbering in their beautifully decorated holiday house ... at least until Art shows up. Believe it or not, the movie has a softness to it, almost fine grained like an older film. (Writer-director Damien Leone used special anamorphic Panavision lenses to achieve the look.) Leone is also known for creating his own practical gore effects, and his imagination knows no bounds. Even slasher aficionados will be shocked by the graphic carnage this movie comes up with.
But the real secret here is the characters, especially Sienna. Leone gives himself extra time to shape them, building the emotional impact of the eventual killings. This threequel runs 125 minutes—a little shorter than the 138 minutes of Terrifier 2—but all of those minutes are used wisely, never as padding. The time that Sienna and the hero-worshipping Gabbie spend together helps shape them both and establishes Sienna as more than just a "final girl." And it's admirable how Leone has shown commitment to learning from his mistakes, especially the ones he made in the series' dismal first entry, Terrifier. He's even earned the approval of genre legends like Clint Howard and Tom Savini, who appear here in small roles. On the other hand, there's no denying that, while it's a good one, Terrifier 3 is very much a brutal slasher movie, and it's unlikely to convert any new fans. Beware. And happy holidays!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Terrifier 3's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it compelling? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
Did you find the movie scary? What's the appeal of horror movies? Why do people sometimes enjoy being scared?
Why do you think many horror movies are set during Christmastime? What makes this combination interesting?
How do characters demonstrate courage? Why is that an important character strength?
Do you consider Sienna a role model? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 11, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : December 24, 2024
- Cast : Lauren LaVera , David Howard Thornton , Antonella Rose
- Director : Damien Leone
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Cineverse Entertainment
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Holidays ( Halloween ) , Fantasy ( Monsters )
- Run time : 125 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 11, 2025
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