Clown in a Cornfield
Clown in a Cornfield
Stars: Katie Douglas. Aaron Abrams, Carson MacCormac. Kevin Durand and Will Sasso
Director: Eli Craig
Scriptwriters: Carter Blanchard and Eli Craig, based on the teen novel “Clown in a Cornfield” by Adam Cesare
Composer: Brandon Roberts and Marcus Trumpp
Cinematography: Brian Pearson
Temple Hill Entertainment/Shudder
Rating: R
Running Length: 86 minutes
Before I begin, if you are afraid of clowns, and some people are, clowns are abundant in this film.
Horror films can come out at any time, usually September into October. However, this film, geared toward teens, comes from the popular teen novel of the same name, “Clown in a Cornfield.” Not to be confused with “Children of the Corn” by Stephen King, that came out years ago and made anyone driving through the Midwest, drive that much faster to reach any large city. Also, the “Clown” is reminiscent of Stephen King’s “It”, also featuring a clown. Director Eli Craig (“Tucker & Dale”) places the actors in just the right positions to get close up facial expressions. Oh, those eye brows, they speak for themselves.
As the storyline goes, Kettle Spring, Mo. is your average small Midwest town, but this one is almost broke because their main source of income, Baypen Corn Syrup is out of business. Quinn (Katie Douglas), is the new arrival in town..She’s moved with her father (Aaron Abrams), a medical doctor and recently widowed, to an old farmhouse. It doesn’t take long for Quinn to meet the other teens in town, especially Cole (Carson MacCormac) and what the local teens consider fun. They make two-minute videos and sometimes dress up as Frendo, The Clown and town mascot. However, and there always is a however----when there are bodies in the town, something---or someone---is definitely out of control. What to do? Stephen King is busy, so things have to sort themselves out.
The script by Carter Blanchard and Eli Craig has surprise moments to propel the storyline along. Just when you expect something…..or not expect it…..something happens. You may even think you are seeing double in this cozy syrup town. As far as actors, Katie Douglas, as Quinn, presents the new girl in town with style. Kevin Durant, who seems to specialize in horror and drama, has a new role here.
Finding happiness in this quaint little town is like trying to find a coin in the bottom of a well. There are side jokes, also, as this is a typical small town, the phone system isn’t what you think it should be. All in all, “Clown in the Cornfield” is reminiscent of television’s “Buffy” in that the unusual is considered normal and the audience never knows what to expect. Any everyday object can become a weapon and you never know who is filming you. If you see a Frendo Jack-in-the-Box, start running.
Three Tocks
Copyright 2025 Marie Asner
