SXSW Debut 'Clown in a Cornfield' Earns Praise as a Fresh Take on the Slasher Genre

Eli Craig's adaptation of Adam Cesare's novel blends brutal kills, sharp humor, and social commentary to revitalize the slasher film for modern audiences.

The film, directed by Eli Craig, premiered at SXSW 2025 and is based on Adam Cesare's 2020 young adult horror novel of the same name.
Set in the small town of Kettle Springs, Missouri, the story follows teenager Quinn Maybrook, played by Katie Douglas, as she navigates a fractured community haunted by its mascot-turned-killer, Frendo the Clown.
Critics and audiences have praised the movie's combination of gruesome kills, self-aware humor, and unexpected twists, which honor slasher traditions while subverting genre tropes.
The film incorporates themes of generational divides, economic hardship, and societal tensions, offering commentary on contemporary issues within its satirical framework.
Clown in a Cornfield is set for wide release on May 9, distributed by RLJE Films and Shudder, with many seeing it as a potential new favorite for horror fans and young adult audiences alike.