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“Clown In A Cornfield” Film Details

• Runtime: 1 Hour(s) and 36 Minutes
• Released On: In Theaters
• Public Release Date: May 8, 2025
• Director(s): Eli Craig
• Writer(s): Carter Blanchard, Eli Craig
• Based On Work By: Adam Cesare
• Genre(s): Comedy, Crime, Horror, Young Adult
• Rating: Rated R
• Distributor: Shudder, RLJE Films, IFC Films

Summary

After the death of her mom, Quinn and her father, Glenn, moved to what we’re told is a flyover town of Kettle Springs. It’s a small, rural town, but they needed a doctor, Glenn needed an escape from the East Coast, specifically Philly, and so he uprooted his 17-year-old daughter there.

Unfortunately for both, they come to Kettle Springs around Founders Day, and with the town being conservative, very “Not in my backyard,” they witness a cultural reset in which killer clowns aim to take out those who would dare try to change Kettle Springs, potentially for the better.

Cast and Characters

Quinn (Katie Douglas)

• Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]

• Character Summary: Being from Philly, Quinn isn’t the most dainty, but she is a human being with thoughts, feelings, the ability to kill if needed, and a love for her father. It’s just, going from a part of Philly which wasn’t notably urban to a place with cornfields is a lot and adjusting to how odd some people are, and how they call her little lady, amongst other things, is disturbing for her.

Glenn (Aaron Abrams)

• Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
• Character Summary: Formerly, Glenn was an ER doctor in a Philly hospital but now he works in a family medicine practice and just wants the best for his daughter while honoring his mental and emotional health after suddenly becoming a widow.  

Why Is “Clown In A Cornfield” Rated R?

• Dialog:
  • Cursing: Occasional
  • Discriminatory Language: No
  • Innuendo: None
  • Suicide Mentions: Yes
• Violence:
  • Gun Violence: Moderate
  • Violence Against Animals: No
  • Violence Against Children: Yes
  • Domestic Violence: No
  • Gore/ Blood: Moderate
  • Body Horror: No
  • Notable Violence: Torture, Fight Scenes
• Sexual Content:
  • Nudity: None
  • Sexual Situations: Implied
  • Sexual Violence: No
• Miscellaneous:
  • Drinking: No
  • Drug Use: Smoking
  • Vomiting: Yes
  • Smoking: Yes
  • Vermin: Maggots

Links

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• Official Site Link

Review and Commentary

Highlight(s)

A Surprisingly Good Horror Comedy [84/100]

When watching Clown in a Cornfield, I want you to think Bloody Axe Wound when it comes to the comedy, if not the vibe, for they honestly feel like they could be in the same universe (they are both Shudder films). For when it comes to Clown in a Cornfield, at times, there is this feeling that it is funny because the actors made it funny, and the line didn’t have to be delivered comedically. This is especially true when some become self-aware about dying next, or when someone comes out as queer, and a slew of other moments which will make those you are watching this worth, or you by yourself, laugh.

Mind you, not bronchitis level, oh, how my abdomen hurts, type of laughter, but you will make a verbal sound.

On The Fence

It’s Corny At Times [77/100]

Where Clown In A Cornfield goes wrong is when it starts making jokes and comments about different generations, specifically Gen Z. Whether it is about them not knowing how to drive stick (who does?), or know what a rotary phone is, can it make you laugh? Yes. Does it feel a bit cheap compared to the many better jokes in the movie? Also yes.

Is That Depth Or Part Of The Joke? [78/100]

One of the main reasons we only mention two characters is that the rest weren’t that memorable, and it could be questioned if they were meant to be a trope to set up certain jokes or if we were supposed to take them seriously. For example, the town has an obsession with keeping things as they were, and it doesn’t go into a political realm, but you can see a push that those of older generations, and this is said, would rather kill change makers, the next generation, than listen to them. It is a truthful statement, and considering what happens in the film, it is apt. However, it is followed by a joke that takes away the impact.

But I should note that not all things are jokes. What happened to Quinn’s mom isn’t funny and is taken seriously, and there are moments where Quinn is left crying. But at the same time, people die in ways that take away from the fact someone was murdered, so it is like, to keep you on your toes, Clown in a Cornfield doesn’t want to commit to a tone or vibe fully and wants to bounce around as it sees fit.

Which, honestly, you may come to appreciate, depending on your sense of humor.

Overall

Our Rating (79/100): Mixed (Divisive)

Like most horror-comedies, Clown In A Cornfield can sometimes come off campy, maybe in bad taste, a bit dark, and have tonal shifts that can make you wonder if what is happening is meant to set up a joke, maybe show a character has more depth than perceived, or simply to throw you off. But, while not for everyone, those who appreciate Shudder’s brand of dark, bloody comedies, this one is for you, and while you may not want a prequel, you may want to watch this with others who appreciate your sense of humor.

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