What happens when a town's mascot turns murderous? Clown in a Cornfield isn't just another horror flick—it's a visceral, darkly funny slaughterfest that's already being called “the scariest movie of 2025” by SXSW audiences. And after watching the trailer? We believe it.
Directed by Eli Craig (Tucker and Dale vs Evil), this adaptation of Adam Cesare's cult novel follows Quinn (Katie Douglas), a teen whose fresh start in Kettle Springs turns into a bloodbath when Frendo—the town's deranged clown icon—emerges from the cornfields. With the Baypen Corn Syrup Factory's ashes still smoldering, the community fractures, and Frendo… well, he cleanses.
When the distribution deal was made, Craig said,
I'm thrilled to partner with RLJE Films and Shudder to release this insanely fun action, horror, comedy where we always wanted it to be seen — in theaters! As always in my movies, there's a deeper theme about the collision of perspectives and ideals that leads to utter mayhem. It was fun in this one, however, to let the horror thrills take the lead, while the comedic absurdity that I can't help but see in life brings a bit of levity.
Why It Stands Out:
- Tone: A wicked blend of slasher brutality and deadpan humor—think Happy Death Day meets The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
- Visuals: The cornfield sequences are claustrophobic masterclasses, with Frendo's looming grin shot like a nightmare.
- Performances: Kevin Durand (Lost) and Will Sasso (MADtv) bring unexpected gravitas to the chaos.
Critical Buzz:
Early SXSW reviews praise its “relentless pacing” and “subversive wit,” with some calling it “the best horror-comedy since Shaun of the Dead.” But don't mistake comedy for camp—this trailer promises real terror.
Release & Expectations:
Mark your calendars: May 9, 2025 (theaters + Shudder). If the trailer's any indication, Frendo might dethrone Pennywise as horror's most iconic clown.
Clown in a Cornfield isn't just riding the nostalgia wave—it's carving its own path with a chainsaw. Eli Craig's direction balances gore and giggles flawlessly, and Frendo? He's the villain we didn't know we needed. But here's the real question: Will this be the horror hit of 2025, or will its ambition get lost in the corn maze?
For now, the trailer suggests a winner. And if you're not slightly afraid of smiling clowns yet… you will be.
