Sometimes things just go well together, and horror films and cornfields are one of them. Adapted from Adam Cesare’s novel, Clown in a Cornfield is a neat little slasher that gives everybody something that they love. Director Eli Craig (Tucker and Dale vs. Evil) runs with it, and you can tell in the film that there was a true joy in working on it. It is one of those slashers that make you long for fall and corn mazes and being scared half to death by the unexpected rip of a chainsaw.

The film begins with Quinn Maybrook (Katie Douglas) and her dad, Dr. Glenn Maybrook (Aaron Abrams) as they arrive in Kettle Springs, Missouri. Beneath the usual small-town vibes, something is clearly off. Quinn quickly discovers that the adults in Kettle Springs are stuck in the past and don’t seem to enjoy the younger generation as she befriends a rebellious group consisting of Cole Hill (Carson MacCormac), Matt (Alexandre Martin Deakin), Ronnie (Verity Marks), Janet (Cassandra Potenza), Tucker (Ayo Solanke), and Janet (Cassandra Potenza).

The town’s Children of the Corn-type vibes don’t diminish as the film moves on; as we are introduced to Friendo, the town’s mascot from its now-defunct corn syrup factory, things begin to ramp up, with the kills really just beginning. And Craig is unapologetic about them: the nastier the better, and it is one of the things that makes Clown in a Cornfield as great as it is. A good slasher requires good slashing, and you get that aplenty here.

The cast also helps elevate the film, because it’s just that good. Ensemble films like this can fail if the cast doesn’t mesh well together, and this one felt like they all truly were friends outside of shooting. Vincent Muller (Rust) is a boy of few words, but he can really make those words count, and as a result he is one of the more moving parts of the story.

Kevin Durand (Arthur Hill) could have definitely used more screen time, but what he had was done perfectly. Similarly, the small cast of townspeople, including Sheriff Dunne (Will Sasso), are utilized well in the third act. Cesare’s story is one that wraps up bigger topics like grief and facing it inside deli foil, letting it all marinate into a multi-layered film that may surprise you.

Clown in a Cornfield is tidy, efficient, and absolutely a perfect early-summer slasher for both teens and adults alike. Man, I still hate clowns.

Clown in a Cornfield releases in theaters on May 9, 2025.

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