Clown in a Cornfield SXSW Review

As a person of a certain age, I have had slasher films in my life for as long as I can remember. I saw Michael terrorize a babysitter, Jason make camp counseling even more difficult, and Freddy haunt people’s dreams. The problem is, those movies came out over forty years ago, and it seemed like it took forever to get another true slasher icon—someone who loves scary movies and, of course, killing teenagers. But 2025 looks to be a good year for the genre. With In a Violent Nature and Heart Eyes already out and now a killer clown from a cornfield, I think it’s safe to say the slasher is back.

Quinn (Katie Douglas) and her dad, Dr. Maybrook (Aaron Abrams), have moved to a small town called Kettle Springs. He’s there to take over as the town doctor, but it’s also an escape from their past, where Quinn’s mom recently passed away. Kettle Springs wouldn’t exactly be described as a thriving town—some might even call it a dying one—but its residents, especially the older generation, take great pride in it. The town once revolved around a corn syrup factory called Baypen, but after the factory burned down a few years ago, a group of teenagers was blamed for it. Naturally, that’s the group Quinn falls in with, seemingly led by Cole (Carson MacCormac), whose family owns Baypen. Also in the group are Ronnie (Verity Marks), Janet (Cassandra Potenza), and a couple of boys who enjoy making slasher short films for YouTube.

Something is amiss, though. Two members of the group disappear, and while at first, it seems like just another one of their videos, they soon realize that you don’t mess with Frendo—the killer clown—as Quinn and her friends find themselves running for their lives.

Written by Carter Blanchard and Eli Craig (the latter also directing) and based on the book series by Adam Cesare, Clown in a Cornfield delivers exactly what its title promises—and then some. Craig, best known for Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, brings his signature blend of cheeky humor and over-the-top bloodshed, making for a wildly entertaining ride. Horror films have always played on societal fears, and Clown in a Cornfield is no different, tackling generational divides and the older generation’s fear of what the younger one will do with what has been built for them. That might not sound like the foundation for a slasher film, but trust me, it works—and you don’t have to go to a theater to see that.

Clown in a Cornfield takes a well-worn formula and elevates it, delivering a film that feels familiar yet fresh. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, it throws in a twist that defies expectations. Craig plays into the audience’s assumptions perfectly, always making the right choices to keep the ride thrilling and unpredictable. Clown in a Cornfield has been one of my favorite theater experiences so far this year—because, for me, it rekindles that warm, fuzzy feeling that only a great slasher can deliver.