Ah, small-town America—where the corn is tall, the secrets are buried deep, and the clowns are... homicidal. Clown in a Cornfield promises teen drama, small-town tension, and a mascot that definitely didn’t graduate clown college. Frendo the Clown is less “birthday party fun” and more “chainsaw enthusiast with a grudge.” But does this slasher fill those big shoes, or is it just a little too… corny.
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Movie Details
• Title: Clown in a Cornfield
• Release Dates:
○ SXSW Premiere: March 10, 2025
○ US Theatrical Release: May 9, 2025
• Directed by: Eli Craig (known for Tucker & Dale vs Evil, Little Evil)
• Screenplay: Eli Craig & Carter Blanchard
• Based on: The 2020 YA horror novel by Adam Cesare, winner of the #1 Bram Stoker Award
• Cast:
○ Katie Douglas as Quinn Maybrook
○ Aaron Abrams as Dr. Glenn Maybrook
○ Carson MacCormac as Cole Hill
○ Kevin Durand as Arthur Hill
○ Will Sasso as Sheriff George Dunne
○ Plus Vincent Muller, Cassandra Potenza, Verity Marks, and more
• Runtime: ~96 minutes
• MPAA Rating: R, for bloody horror violence, teen drinking, and language
• Country/Language: United States / English
• Budget: $1 million
• Box Office: $10.2 million
🧠 Plot Overview
Quinn and her doctor dad relocate to Kettle Springs—just as old legend meets present-day nightmare. The town blames masked clown Frendo for brutal 1990s murders near the defunct syrup factory. Now, teens are disappearing again, and Quinn, along with local kids like Cole, Rust, Janet, Matt, Ronnie, and Tucker, must unmask the bloody truth concealed in the corn.
⭐ Reception & Reviews
• Rotten Tomatoes: 73% critics, 59% audience
“Clever insights, subversion of expectations… slash its way to the top.”
• Critical Split:
○ SF Chronicle: “An effective slasher… horror and comedy work together”
○ The Times (UK): Gave it ★☆☆☆☆, calling the tone lazy and disrespectful to viewers
○ Polygon: Highlights frights, throwbacks, and self-aware horror vibes
○ Shudder/Decider: Confirms its theatrical exclusivity and upcoming Shudder release window
💡 Fun Facts & Themes
• Nostalgic Slasher Homage: Starts with a 1991 prologue, then boldly leans into ’80s-era horror clichés with intentional pastiche—and humor
• Satirical Eye-Roll at YA Culture: Small-town adults, teen Snapchat sleuths, and rotary phone panics highlight generational disconnect .
• Low Budget, High Thrills: Made on ~$1M, grossing over $10M—definitely worth more than candy corn .
• Based on Award-Winner: Adam Cesare's novel won the Bram Stoker Award and sparked a film sequel & further YA books
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