Clown in a Cornfield

If you're into slasher flicks with a twist of small-town paranoia and a creepy clown lurking in the cornfields, Clown in a Cornfield might be right up your alley. Directed by Eli Craig (of Tucker and Dale vs. Evil fame), this 2025 horror film brings a mix of gore, dark humor, and social commentary to the screen. Based on the 2020 novel by Adam Cesare, the movie stars Katie Douglas, Aaron Abrams, Carson MacCormac, Kevin Durand, and Will Sasso.

The story kicks off when Quinn and her dad move to the seemingly quiet town of Kettle Springs for a fresh start. But things go south fast. The town is still reeling from the mysterious fire that destroyed its beloved Baypen Corn Syrup Factory, and tensions between the older and younger generations are running high. Enter Frendo the Clown—once a harmless mascot, now a terrifying figure who starts picking off townsfolk in increasingly gruesome ways.

What sets this slasher apart is its attempt to blend traditional horror tropes with a bit of social satire. There’s a clear generational divide at play, and the film doesn’t shy away from poking at issues like community decay and misplaced blame. It’s got a fast pace, a lean runtime of 96 minutes, and a soundtrack that jumps from '80s hip-hop to modern electronica, keeping the energy high.

Critics were generally positive, with Rotten Tomatoes showing a 73% approval rating. Some praised its clever subversions and chaotic fun, while others felt it got bogged down in trying to explain too much. Audience reactions were more mixed—CinemaScore gave it a C+, and only 44% of PostTrak viewers said they’d definitely recommend it.

If you love slasher movies with a bit of bite and don’t mind a few rough edges, you’ll probably enjoy Clown in a Cornfield. Fans of Eli Craig’s previous work will appreciate the balance of gore and humor. On the flip side, if you’re looking for deep character development or a completely original take on the killer clown trope, this might not hit the mark. But for a late-night horror watch with some bloody thrills and a few surprises, it delivers. Just maybe don’t watch it alone if you live near a cornfield.