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Clown in a Cornfield is a 2025 American slasher film directed by Eli Craig and co-written with Carter Blanchard, based on Adam Cesare’s 2020 novel of the same name. The film stars Katie Douglas, Aaron Abrams, Carson MacCormac, Kevin Durand, and Will Sasso. Produced by Temple Hill Entertainment and Rhea Films, it premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival on March 10, 2025, and was released theatrically in the United States on May 9, 2025, by RLJE Films and Shudder.

🎬 Film Overview

• Title: Clown in a Cornfield
• Director: Eli Craig
• Screenwriters: Eli Craig, Carter Blanchard
• Based on: Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare
• Producers: Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Isaac Klausner, John Fischer, Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis, Terry Douglas
• Production Companies: Temple Hill Entertainment, Rhea Films
• Distributor: RLJE Films, Shudder
• Runtime: 96 minutes
• Country: United States
• Language: English
• Budget: $1 million
• Box Office Gross: Approximately $7.7 million worldwide

🧠 Plot Synopsis

In 1991, in the town of Kettle Springs, Missouri, a group of teenagers party near the old Baypen Corn Syrup factory. Two teens sneak off into the nearby cornfield and are killed by Baypen’s mascot, Frendo.

In the present, Quinn Maybrook and her father, Glenn, relocate to Kettle Springs, where Glenn is the new town doctor. Their relationship is fractured following the death of Quinn’s mother, Samantha. Following a sporadic detention in her first class, she befriends Cole Hill, the son of the mayor, and his group of friends, including Janet, Matt, Ronnie, and Tucker. Cole shows Quinn the horror parody videos they create on their YouTube channel, all of which surround a psychotic Frendo throughout Kettle Springs. Cole informs Quinn of the burnt-down Baypen Factory, the town attributing the accident to them.

While overviewing the most recent recording, Quinn spots a second, mysterious Frendo in the background. Meanwhile, Tucker receives a notification of someone dressed in a Frendo outfit outside his home. Reaching a road, they call for a passing car only to find Sheriff Dunne, who refuses to listen to them and immediately arrests Cole for trespassing. Meanwhile, Glenn, searching for Quinn, noticed his practice has been broken into. After investigating, he is forced to operate on an injured Frendo, but soon outwits his captor and stabs him in the throat.

Continuing on, Quinn and her friends are again discovered by Frendos in the cornfield, and Ronnie is eviscerated by one wielding a chainsaw. Reaching a neighboring house, the pair are attacked by another Frendo, who impales Janet with a pitchfork. Quinn manages to kill the Frendo but is captured by a trio of others waiting outside.

Quinn awakens inside the old factory surrounded by Frendos, who take off their masks to reveal themselves as Sheriff Dunne, teacher Mr. Vern, shopkeeper Otis, and diner waitress Trudy. They blame the teens for the town’s troubles, not sticking to tradition, and ruining their public image. Arthur Hill, Cole’s father, reveals himself as the Frendo leader and the Baypen Factory arsonist, and plans to kill both his disowned son and Quinn as a staged murder-suicide. Glenn arrives, driving his car through the factory, killing Trudy and Otis in the process.

Quinn escapes and electrocutes Dunne with a cattle prod in his mouth. Rust arrives and saves Cole, leading the two to reignite their relationship. Outside, Quinn runs over Mr. Vern while Hill escapes. One year later, Glenn is running for mayor, and Quinn is leaving for college. Afterwards, she finds a Baypen music box in the back seat, which she throws out the window.

🎭 Cast

• Katie Douglas as Quinn Maybrook
• Aaron Abrams as Dr. Glenn Maybrook
• Carson MacCormac as Cole Hill
• Kevin Durand as Arthur Hill
• Will Sasso as Sheriff Dunne

🎵 Music & Technical Crew

• Music Composers: Brandon Roberts, Marcus Trumpp
• Cinematography: Brian Pearson
• Editing: Sabrina Pitre

🎥 Production Details

Filming took place in Winnipeg from September 18 to October 23, 2023.

📅 Release Information

• World Premiere: March 10, 2025, at the South by Southwest Film Festival
• U.S. Theatrical Release: May 9, 2025
• International Releases:
  • Australia and New Zealand: May 8, 2025
  • Germany: May 29, 2025
  • United Kingdom: June 6, 2025
  • Russia (CIS): June 19, 2025
  • France: August 20, 2025

💰 Box Office Performance

• Opening Weekend (U.S.): $3.6 million from 2,277 theaters
• Domestic Gross: $7.15 million
• International Gross: $508,406
• Worldwide Gross: Approximately $7.66 million

🌟 Critical Reception

Clown in a Cornfield received mixed to positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 74% approval rating, with the consensus stating, “Clown in a Cornfield doesn’t reinvent the corn-maze, but its clever insights, subversion of expectations, and solid foundation help slash its way to the top.

Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com gave the film 2.5 out of 4 stars, noting it was more interesting when embracing chaos rather than explaining it. Maegan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting rated it 3 out of 5, praising its balance of gore and comedy. However, Owen Gleiberman of Variety criticized the film for its derivative nature and lack of distinctiveness.

🕵️‍♂️ Themes & Style

The film blends traditional slasher tropes with modern elements, incorporating social media-savvy teens and a critique of generational divides. While it pays homage to 1980s slasher films, it attempts to modernize the genre with self-aware humor and contemporary themes.

Clown in a Cornfield offers a nostalgic yet fresh take on the slasher genre, delivering a mix of horror and dark comedy that appeals to both longtime fans and new audiences.