Terrifier 3 Faces UK Walkouts and French Ban

The horror genre is no stranger to controversy, but the latest chapter of the Terrifier franchise, Terrifier 3, has already generated waves of outrage in Europe even before its official release. Known for its grotesque violence and boundary-pushing content, Terrifier 3—directed by Damien Leone—continues the story of Art the Clown, a character who has swiftly become a modern slasher icon. With a domestic release set for October 11, 2024, the film has already premiered in the UK and stirred up significant reactions, with audiences walking out due to its extreme gore, and it has faced a ratings ban in France.

Terrifier 3 premiered in the UK on Wednesday, kicking off a wave of extreme audience reactions. Damien Leone, the mastermind behind the Terrifier series, has returned to direct the third installment, after helming the first two films. Actor David Howard Thornton also returns to the role of Art the Clown, a sinister, mute character whose presence has haunted viewers since his first appearance in 2016.

Following the premiere, UK distributor Signature Entertainment took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share the audience’s intense responses to the movie’s graphic content. According to their post, the violence and gore were so overwhelming that 11 people walked out of the screening, with one person even vomiting during the showing. “Thank you to everyone joining us last night for the Terrifier 3 gala,” the post read. “Venue staff have reported 11 people walking out and 1 person vomiting.” The horror-themed film site Bloody Disgusting added that nine of those attendees left before the film had even reached its 10-minute mark, underscoring the brutal impact of the film’s early scenes.

While horror fans are no strangers to gruesome content, the walkouts suggest that Terrifier 3 pushes the limits of even what this genre’s most seasoned viewers can handle. Still, for many, this kind of extreme reaction is exactly what they expect from the franchise, which thrives on shock value and pushing the boundaries of decency.

The film’s challenges haven’t been limited to walkouts at the UK premiere. On Friday, French authorities decided to impose a strict ratings ban on the film, preventing anyone under the age of 18 from seeing it. This decision was made by the Film Classification Committee of France, and it effectively gives Terrifier 3 a classification equivalent to the NC-17 rating in the U.S., meaning the movie’s content is deemed inappropriate for anyone under 18.

France’s decision to impose such a harsh restriction on a horror film is notable. According to Fangoria, this is the first time a horror movie has received this level of restriction in the country since Saw 3 was released in 2006. The under-18 ban reflects the seriousness with which French authorities have viewed the film’s violent content, and it also marks a setback for the movie’s distribution in France, where it was eagerly anticipated by fans.

The French distributor for Terrifier 3 issued a statement in response to the ratings ban, lamenting the decision and arguing that it was an unnecessary obstacle for the film’s release. The statement, published via Fangoria, described the movie as a “film d’auteur in the purest tradition of the slasher genre,” adding that while the film’s violence was extreme, it was also highly stylized and unrealistic. The statement continued: “The film never takes itself too seriously, and we know that viewers will have the necessary distance and maturity to understand and appreciate this artistic approach.” Despite the setback, the French release of Terrifier 3 remains scheduled for October 9, although the ban will significantly limit its audience.

Much of Terrifier’s appeal lies in its ability to push the boundaries of the horror genre. Damien Leone, who directed all three Terrifier films, has developed a reputation for his unapologetic approach to gore and violence. Art the Clown, played by David Howard Thornton, is a key figure in the franchise’s success. Introduced as a silent, menacing figure who relies on his grotesque actions to communicate his intentions, Art has quickly ascended to the ranks of iconic horror villains like Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger.

Terrifier 3 builds upon the success of its predecessor, Terrifier 2, which became a cult favorite after its release in 2022. Leone has described the third installment as a continuation of the brutal, visceral style that has become the franchise’s signature. The film’s official logline teases a plot where Sienna, played by Lauren LeVera, and her brother try to move on from the horrors inflicted by Art the Clown during a Halloween massacre. As they attempt to rebuild their lives and embrace the Christmas spirit, they quickly discover that Art is not finished with them. Once again, Art’s terrifying presence brings chaos and bloodshed, turning the holiday season into another nightmare.

Despite its polarizing content, Terrifier 3 has already garnered some positive reviews from critics who appreciate its bold artistic choices. Early reviews from Rotten Tomatoes show an 88% “fresh” rating based on 16 critic reviews. However, the audience score is still pending, and it remains to be seen how general viewers will react to the film once it is released more widely.

Leone’s vision for the Terrifier series seems to focus on delivering a visceral, unfiltered horror experience that appeals to die-hard genre fans, but it also risks alienating those who are unprepared for its extreme content. With its blend of grotesque imagery, slasher thrills, and a dark sense of humor, Terrifier 3 seems designed to evoke strong reactions—whether it’s revulsion, admiration, or a combination of both.

Despite the uproar in Europe, Terrifier 3 is set to be released unrated in North America by Cineverse. By forgoing an official rating, the movie will have fewer restrictions and can reach a wider audience, though it remains to be seen whether this strategy will pay off commercially or further court controversy.

As the horror genre continues to evolve, Terrifier 3 serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between art and excess. For fans of the franchise, it promises to deliver the unflinching terror and over-the-top violence that have made Art the Clown a cult figure. But for others, it raises questions about where the line should be drawn in horror cinema. One thing is certain: Terrifier 3 is not for the faint of heart.