Clown in a Cornfield (dir. Eli Craig)
By: Dave Hughes

Gateway horror is a challenging space to navigate. Horror aficionados will often say that it only took one movie to make them lifelong fans of the genre. But just as easily, one film can turn someone away from macabre storytelling entirely. Clown in a Cornfield aims to win over new fans—at least those willing to look past its odd title—while still attempting to appeal to those more familiar with the genre. Directed by Eli Craig (Tucker and Dale vs. Evil), Clown in a Cornfield is an adaptation of the first book in a young adult horror series written by Adam Cesare. Blending slasher tropes with teen drama and a surprising layer of social commentary,it leans heavily into genre tropes in hopes of appealing to newcomers and veterans alike with varying degrees of success. 

Set in the fictional town of Kettle Springs, Missouri, Clown in a Cornfield focuses on the new girl in town, Quinn, played by Katie Douglas (Ginny and Georgina). We are introduced to her new group of friends, who are convinced the town is stuck behind the times. As is often the case in films like this, there are some cringe-worthy dialogue moments and scenes early on as we meet the cast. The characters are likable, with Douglas  in particular giving a standout performance with her natural charm and sharp comedic timing giving the audience a strong final girl to root for, even if the plot tends to struggle. Still, it’s hard to ignore the cliché setups and familiar storylines we’ve seen many times before. The story has its share of twists—some predictable, others genuinely surprising.

This is a film that, like its own characters, struggles with identity. It’s often unclear whether it wants to be a sincere coming-of-age slasher or a sharper critique of generational tension. When you’re juggling generational divides, conservative small-town values, and a killer clown, not every theme gets the space it deserves. Moments that should be important for major characters late in the movie get cast aside due to the frantic pace of the film’s final moments. 

Riding the wave of Damien Leone’s Terrifier franchise and Andy Muschietti’s upcoming Welcome to Derry, it makes sense that RJLE Films and primary distributor Shudder would back a more accessible spin on the killer clown archetype with Frendo. What’s surprising is how director Eli Craig pulls back on the gore but still keeps the scares impactful and engaging. Frendo’s kills don’t match the brutality of Art the Clown’s in Terrifier, but they’re still effective—delivering enough tension and style to keep audiences entertained, all while staying firmly in more accessible territory. The mythos and reveal of Frendo’s story does leave a bit to be desired but for those just dipping their toes into the genre, it delivers enough to fright to act as a solid gateway horror experience.   

Target Score: 6/10
Horror fans are always chasing that next thrill—something that pushes them just a bit further outside their comfort zones. While Clown in a Cornfield may not satisfy the most hardcore genre veterans looking for boundary-pushing scares, it still has enough humor and sincerity to be enjoyable. The film’s scattershot blend of themes is balanced by its playful energy. Newer fans might find plenty to love, while seasoned horror buffs may see it as more of an appetizer rather than a full blood-soaked meal.