Unmasking Economic Fears: The Jaw-Dropping Twist in ‘Clown in a Cornfield’

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The horror movie “Clown in a Cornfield” lives up to its name by featuring frightening clown antics in a cornfield. However, for those familiar with Adam Cesare’s popular 2020 YA novel of the same name, there are unexpected turns beneath the surface that we won’t reveal, and these twists carry profound truths about rural America.

The story opens with sullen teenager Quinn (Katie Douglas) and her strained relationship with her melancholic father (Aaron Abrams), who relocate to a small, deteriorating Midwest town following the closure and arson of its corn syrup factory. Upon befriending a band of delinquent peers, a clown reminiscent of Frendo, the factory’s mascot, starts haunting the town and menacing Quinn and her companions. However, around halfway through the film, there’s a scene that subverts typical horror movie conventions so skillfully that it serves as a complete shift in perspective for the viewers.

Cesare notes that from the very beginning, the book was bound to be compared to clown horror narratives. However, he clarifies that this isn’t a tale about a terrifying clown like Pennywise; rather, it’s a slasher story featuring masked characters. The title might give off an ‘It’ meets ‘Children of the Corn’ vibe, but then readers are pleasantly surprised to find something different. It’s almost as if the cover is playing a trick, a fun one, and once you understand the central theme, it’s intriguing. The aim with these stories is to keep things fresh every 20 minutes or so, approximately every 40 pages.

Director and co-screenwriter Eli Craig explains, ‘The title might seem lighthearted and physical, but it also delves into something profound – classism in America.’ The film offers multiple layers of depth that many viewers find surprising. It tackles the extravagance and generational resentment prevalent in America today, which is tearing our society apart.

Craig finds the fundamental aspects of the plot intricately connected to the depths of American history.

He comments that corn, cornfields, and clowns all hold a distinct American identity. Clowns gained acceptance in America during the 1930s, with their design being inspired by characters like Lon Chaney from the film ‘A Thousand Faces.’ These clowns often wore small top hats. There’s an unusual sadness behind their cheerful appearances. The paradox of a clown mirrors that of America: it represents hope, but at the same time, it’s crumbling and filled with anger. This facade of happiness masks a great deal of underlying anger.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel that Craig is an ideal choice for this project, considering his knack for redefining horror tropes with his unique spin on satire. His debut work, the beloved “Tucker & Dale vs Evil,” offers a refreshing perspective by humanizing the stereotyped backwoods villains usually portrayed as murderous psychopaths in slasher films. Similarly, his film “Little Evil” pokes fun at classic devil-child movies like “The Omen,” featuring Adam Scott in a compelling performance.

Craig suggests that the most effective method for blending satire, frightening elements, and humor into an appealing format is by centering on essential emotional connections and then expanding from there.

He expresses his fondness for settings that evoke horror and tension, and he’s captivated by the cinematic realm of horror,” he mentions. “As a filmmaker, it stimulates me, yet I perceive the horror as merely a setting to narrate human stories. Whether it’s humor like ‘Tucker & Dale,’ which centers around a man conquering his insecurities, or this project, focusing on a girl strengthening her relationship with her father and overcoming personal flaws to emerge stronger, I view the genre as an appealing backdrop for the human narrative.

As a movie enthusiast who recently had the pleasure of viewing “Cornfield,” I must say that this intriguing blend of genres has left quite an impression on early audiences. Although it first graced our screens at South by Southwest in March, the film’s true magic was unveiled during its April 5 debut at the Overlook Film Festival in New Orleans – a horror-centric event that truly amplified the screening’s energy with a unique, electric atmosphere.

Craig exclaims that the screening was fantastic. He’s thrilled about the audience, remarking that it seems like an ideal location for events like this. To him, it feels as if it’s an anti-corporate film festival due to its small size and passionate community. Watching the films with this crowd is a joyful experience for him.

Naturally, similar to any successful slasher series, fans are already brainstorming potential sequels. The author is currently working on the fourth book in the series, which implies that two books have already been written and can be published if the duo, who developed a quick camaraderie while discussing the film, get a chance to delve deeper into Quinn’s story.

Craig suggests, “Let’s hope this film turns out to be a success! It would be fantastic to collaborate on another project featuring the quirky character of Frendo.

On May 9, the movie titled “Clown in a Cornfield” will hit theaters through RLJE Films and Shudder. You can watch the trailer for it below.

The movie called “Clown in a Cornfield” will be available in theaters on May 9 from RLJE Films and Shudder. Check out the trailer below.

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2025-04-07 21:19