Our take
Clown in a Cornfield adapts a YA novel into a bloody Gen-Z slasher. It is rated R for bloody horror violence, language throughout, and teen drinking. Killers use chainsaws, pitchforks, and guns with graphic gore played partly for dark comedy
Story (may spoil tone)
Quinn and her father have just moved to the quiet town of Kettle Springs hoping for a fresh start. Instead, she discovers a fractured community that has fallen on hard times after the treasured Baypen Corn Syrup Factory burned down. As the locals bicker amongst themselves and tensions boil over, a sinister, grinning figure emerges from the cornfields to cleanse the town of its burdens, one bloody victim at a time.
What we flagged
Scores are 0–5: 0 means none; 5 means the strongest we flagged in that category.
Details
Violence Graphic slasher kills with chainsaws, pitchforks, and shotguns
Graphic slasher kills with chainsaws, pitchforks, and shotguns
Language Constant f-words and harsh teen banter
Constant f-words and harsh teen banter
Sex / nudity No sex found in this title
No sex found in this title
Drugs / alcohol Teen drinking, vaping, and marijuana at parties
Teen drinking, vaping, and marijuana at parties
Frightening Creepy clown stalking and jump scares in cornfields at night
Creepy clown stalking and jump scares in cornfields at night
Self-harm / suicide Brief suicide references in dialogue
Brief suicide references in dialogue
Sexual violence No sexual violence found in this title
No sexual violence found in this title
Child peril / abuse Teen characters are hunted and killed in graphic slasher set pieces
Teen characters are hunted and killed in graphic slasher set pieces
Bullying / discrimination Generational and social outcast tensions fuel conflict
Generational and social outcast tensions fuel conflict
Gore / death / weapons Blood spurts, dismemberment, and lingering injury detail
Blood spurts, dismemberment, and lingering injury detail
Dangerous behaviour Prank horror videos and weapon fights glamorize risky stunts
Prank horror videos and weapon fights glamorize risky stunts
Eating disorders / body image No eating found in this title
No eating found in this title
Mental health No mental health found in this title
No mental health found in this title
Gambling No gambling found in this title
No gambling found in this title
Grief / bereavement Town mourning after a factory fire sets the mood
Town mourning after a factory fire sets the mood
Talk after watching
- Small-town pride turns violent here. How do communities handle generational conflict better?
- Teens drink and mock horror online. What are real risks of party culture and clout chasing?