The Jester 2 (dir. Colin Krawchuk)
By: Dave Hughes
The Jester is frequently associated with the recent "lovable clown" craze that has dominated modern horror. Films such as Terrifier (2016) and Clown in a Cornfield (2025) have elevated the concept of a killer with a playful yet sadistic personality, introducing this archetype to a new generation of fans. The Jester followed a similar path, beginning as a YouTube short before evolving into two motion pictures with a significant following. The Jester 2 is the latest installment in this series from director Colin Krawchuk(The Jester). Despite some stilted acting and a mediocre script, there is something admirable about a film that fully embraces its unique identity and low-budget roots.
The Jester 2 is once again set against the atmospheric backdrop of Halloween night. The Jester has emerged from his confinement to torment the living, but this time he encounters an unexpected challenge in Max. She is a kindred spirit with a deep affinity for magic tricks, some of which are so sophisticated that even the Jester struggles to comprehend them. Max soon finds herself firmly in the Jester’s crosshairs as the two become locked in a deadly battle of wits that pushes the boundaries of their shared craft.
Director Michael Krawchuk delves deeper into the Jester’s origins in this installment, providing more context regarding his creation and purpose. The Jester remains a menacing yet humorous presence throughout the film. While he remains physically mute, he finds creative and unsettling ways to communicate his intentions. By utilizing tools like a Ouija board or speaking through a re-animated corpse, the character is able to articulate his motives without ever uttering a word. These supernatural methods allow the Jester to maintain his mysterious aura while giving the audience a much clearer understanding of his dark objectives.
Beyond the Jester’s compelling personality, the film suffers from significant inconsistencies. Much of the supporting performances are wooden, evoking the unintentional charm of low-budget 1980s horror cinema. While this lack of range can be jarring at first, viewers who grew up on a diet of cult-classic slashers may find themselves becoming enraptured by these stilted deliveries as the story progresses. A notable exception to this is Kaitlyn Trentham, who plays Max. She provides a grounded "final girl" for the audience to support, blending a charming, nerdy passion for magic with a convincing sense of terror as she becomes caught in the Jester’s twisted web.
The Jester 2 is clearly not designed for mainstream appeal. Instead, this is a film created specifically for a niche horror audience and those who appreciate the tropes of legendary slashers like Jason Voorhees or Michael Myers. The narrative remains fairly elementary, offering little in the way of character development or thematic depth. However, for viewers who prioritize atmosphere and a creative central antagonist over a complex screenplay, the film provides a straightforward and nostalgic experience that respects the foundations of the genre.
Target Score 6/10: The Jester 2 is unlikely to convert skeptics to the horror genre, as its technical limitations and simple narrative are geared toward a very specific audience. Horror enthusiasts will undoubtedly grow to appreciate the Jester's unique personality over time, making this a worthwhile watch for those who value character design and backstory over polished execution.