As awards season arrives, I'm once again kind of awestruck by the tapestry of cinematic experiences put forth as awards season fodder. For the most part, these are not bad films - there are always exceptions that leave me scratching my head wondering "Do you really see this film as having awards potential?" However, for the most part, I watch these films and think to myself "I suppose it's possible." 

Eli Craig's Clown in a Cornfield is just such a film. This RLJE/Shudder Films release is adapted from Adam Cesare's 2020 horror novel of the same name. Cesare was aiming for a modernized slasher story. For the most part, he succeeded and has ended up creating a literary trilogy centered around Frendo the Clown. 

The story takes place in the small town of Kettle Springs, a simple small town that for years succeeded on the strength of Baypen Corn Syrup Factory. The factory burned down and so did the good fortunes of Kettle Springs. Quinn Maybrook (Katie Douglas) is a teen who has relocated to Kettle Springs with her father (Aaron Abrams). There's a horror vibe that radiates throughout the town, a sense that the past and the present haven't quite made peace with one another and it's the townsfolk who pay the price. 

I don't really imagine that Clown in a Cornfield is going to end up on my year-end "best of" lists, though I understand its presence among my year-end screeners. Eli Craig, working alongside co-writer Carter Blanchard, beautifully captures Cesare's dastardly kills coupled with an emotional depth that may very well surprise you. It's helpful that Katie Douglas portrays this duality so well, absolutely getting us invested in her life story before Clown in a Cornfield becomes a bit more deranged. 

There's a generational tension in Kettle Springs that feels realistic and palpable. The older generation clearly is held hostage by the past here, a past that is now out of touch with this older generation clearly harboring a deep, volatile resentment toward the younger generation they've convinced themselves is responsible for the town's downward spiral. 

As a horror film, Clown in a Cornfield scores some creative though not particularly frightening kills. You tend to know when they're coming, though you still giggle with their awesomeness. Frendo makes for a killer killer, a grimed up hostile mofo less cartoonish and more revved up and ready to seek revenge. 

I can't help but think that those who will appreciate Clown in a Cornfield the most will be those who vibe with its dueling dualities of creative kills and emotional resonance. Even if you don't particularly jibe with the actual story, this is a fun film to watch with a terrific turn by Katie Douglas and a strong ensemble cast in support. Eli Craig plays the story smart here, remaining faithful to Cesare's novel while also ensuring that story transfers to the big screen in fine fashion. As someone who has often found the horror scene to be meaningful and surprising healing, Clown in a Cornfield is my kind of flick. While it may not end up on my year-end awards lists, it's the kind of film that makes me crave a sequel and want to watch it over and over again. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic