‘Clown in a Cornfield’ Review : Pop Culture Leftovers

‘Clown in a Cornfield’ Review

April 10, 2025 6:10 pm |

I’ve never been an avid reader, but Clown in a Cornfield brought me back into that world and sparked a horror reading addiction. The novel of the same name is a fantastic YA horror with a sick twist; it’s bloody and gory and shares hints of iconic horror, which thankfully translates these goretastic attributes with ease in Eli Craig’s adaptation.

After the massive success of the IT films nearing a decade ago, it’s curious what took so long for the killer clown trend to continue. Clown in a Cornfeld came out of absolutely nowhere in 2020 and took the young adult (novel) world by storm. A riveting mystery that brings out all the best memories of reading Stephen King at an early age. It’s a phenomenal book that really seemed like it was going to be a challenge to properly adapt…

Well, safe to say that Clown in a Cornfield, apart from a few kills and character beats is as close to the book as any adaptation will ever get. It’s a film that doesn’t try to impress with largely established talent to distract the audience, with 99% of the cast gracing our screen to make a name for themselves alongside Frendo the Clown. Amongst the fresh faces, three actors standout, having been making the rounds in Hollywood over the years: Aaron Abrams (Hannibal), Will Sasso (Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage) and Kevin Durand (Abigail). All three of these actors provide a great variation of performances from an off-putting sheriff, a local aristocrat and the town doctor. Hidden amongst Kettle Springs something might be distinctively off about the local adults and they’re obvious distain toward the young folk of the town, but it’s in the legend of Frendo that everyone should be afraid.

Frendo is essentially the town’s mascot, created as a brand icon for a local corn syrup factory that burned to a crisp. Frendo isn’t the friendliest depiction of a brand mascot, although just how friendly is Ronald McDonald anyways? Frendo never shies away from making a grand appearance and shed a little blood for the greater good. Set up as a stunt to go viral for the local youth, Frendo is a murderous clown on the prowl to kill teens – shot in eerie found footage style horror. These moments are really clever and thrilling, but it’s more so a plot device for what’s to come. The design of Frendo may seem like just a guy in a mask, but imagine a clown face with dead eyes appearing amongst the stalks of corn —- yeah I’d be dead already.

Katie Douglas leads the film as newcomer Quinn, in a narrative that is as equally nostalgic as it is refreshing; giving the same chills as though it were coming from a classic King or Stine novel. Quinn is a tough around the edges teenager that locks into a local friend group almost instantaneously, despite being advised against by the local authorities. Douglas is incredibly engrossing as Clown in a Cornfield’s final girl initiative and while a few moments of hers can be boiled down to typical horror stereotypes, the film has a funny way of surprising you. It’s best not to love any one character because for the first time in a long time, anyone is fair game in the town of Kettle Springs.

Blood soaked, creative and just a damn good time to be hunted by a psychotic clown, Clown in a Cornfield lives up to its name and then some. The first act of the film is rather predictable slasher fodder, but once the teens enter the corn, there’s no knowing if they’ll ever get out. Director Eli Craig, known best for his iconic debut, Tucker and Dale vs Evil, delivers a thrilling good time that knows how to turn the expected chaos on its head. If there is one fair warning for those that haven’t read the book… stay away from the trailers (good ideology for any horror fan).

Published Simultaneously on Cinefied.com