The Controversial Era of Video Nasties
During the early days of the VHS era, a wave of unclassified movies inundated the UK, many of which were excessively violent and subsequently banned from release. Films like Cannibal Holocaust, I Spit On Your Grave, and The Last House On The Left left viewers shocked and appalled. While these “sick” movies were forbidden for sale, bootleg copies could still be found at car boot sales across the country. Despite being widely available now, some of these films have undergone edits mandated by classification bodies like the BBFC.
Terrifier 2: A Sickening Evolution
Mentioning the video nasties of the past serves as a context for discussing Terrifier 2, a movie that would undoubtedly have faced a ban had it been released in the early 80s. This sequel bypassed UK cinemas due to its extreme levels of violence but can now be rented on certain digital platforms or accessed by Paramount Plus subscribers. The question remains: should you watch it? Personally, I regret doing so.
The Sadistic Art the Clown
The main focus of Terrifier 2 is Art the Clown, a sadistic serial killer endowed with supernatural abilities. His primary targets are teenagers Sienna and Jonathan, and a significant portion of the movie is dedicated to Art relentlessly pursuing and gruesomely murdering those in their proximity. The motivations behind Art’s deranged actions remain ambiguous. On one hand, it appears that he chooses victims at random, relishing the opportunity to commit heinous acts. On the other hand, Art may have a connection to the siblings through their father, who experienced visions of the malevolent clown before his untimely demise.
Gore Over Plot
Director Damien Leone prioritizes crafting scenes of excessive violence over delving into the clown’s motivations. Viewers familiar with the first Terrifier installment are well aware of its graphic nature, and if they found enjoyment in that aspect, they may opt to watch the sequel. However, it must be noted that Terrifier 2 surpasses its predecessor in terms of violence, requiring caution when deciding whether to engage with the film.
A Disturbing Display of Violence
While violence in movies has become somewhat normalized, it typically consists of brief sequences. When iconic characters like Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees dispatch their victims, they efficiently move on, sparing audiences prolonged suffering. Terrifier 2 flips this convention on its head.
Art the Clown not only kills his victims but also sadistically tortures them for extended periods. In one particularly disturbing sequence, he scalps and skins a woman, tears off her arm, and douses her in bleach. This distressing scene unravels slowly, lasting several minutes and leaving viewers profoundly uncomfortable. Yet, the torment doesn’t end there. Art takes sadism to new heights by rubbing salt into the woman’s literal wounds, amplifying her agony. Shockingly, he leaves her alive, ensuring her desecrated body is discovered by her horrified mother.
Disturbing as it is, this scene isn’t the apex of depravity in Terrifier 2. Art also inflicts torture upon children, including Jonathan, who endures repeated strikes from a bladed whip across his back. The duration of the scene intensifies the distressing nature of the act. Additionally, a dream sequence reveals a child with blood around their mouth, the result of consuming breakfast cereal laced with razor blades.
Boundary-Pushing Violence
It is easy to understand why Terrifier 2 could have been labeled a video nasty. Its depictions of violence against children and the extended torture sequences would undoubtedly have warranted a ban, as they obliterate the boundaries of taste and decency. The controversy surrounding the movie could have been mitigated had the director opted for occasional cutaways from the most extreme scenes, allowing viewers a brief respite. Unfortunately, every horrific moment is showcased front and center, leaving audiences to endure the explicit brutality in its entirety.
Technical Excellence vs. Gratuitous Shock Value
Though it must be acknowledged that the special effects in Terrifier 2 are skillfully executed, and the performances of the two young leads are impressive, they are overshadowed by the director’s constant need to shock and appall. While Damien Leone successfully captures creative shots, these aesthetic triumphs are consistently tainted by the relentless pursuit of front-row seats to every dreadful moment.
A Lengthy Endurance Test
The movie’s nearly two-and-a-half-hour runtime only exacerbates the toll of enduring its unrelenting nastiness. By the time the end credits roll, viewers may find themselves utterly exhausted by the ceaseless onslaught of disturbing imagery they had to endure.
A Call for Reflection
An audience exists for movies of this nature, and if you fall into that category, then perhaps this film is for you. However, it is crucial to reflect upon certain questions. Is it ethically acceptable to depict the torture of children on screen? Does it cross a moral boundary to depict scenes of teenage stabbings and acid being thrown at people’s faces?
In an era where such realities exist, perhaps it is essential to step back from movies like Terrifier 2 and question the necessity of their creation. Not every violent film warrants a ban, but in the case of Terrifier 2, there is a legitimate argument to limit its accessibility to those who may be easily influenced.
Conclusion
Terrifier 2 pushes the boundaries of violence in film, potentially outranking its predecessors in terms of shock value. Its disturbing depictions of torture, especially involving children, position it on the brink of what is deemed acceptable. While the technical aspects and performances may be commendable, they are overshadowed by the constant need to provoke and disturb audiences. Ultimately, the decision to engage with this film lies in the hands of individuals who are aware of and prepared for its extreme content.
Read More: Terrifier 2 Ending Explained
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