Directed by the Chiodo Brothers—yes, those Chiodo Brothers—this cult classic isn’t camp. It’s a fully realized, satirical sci-fi horror that treats its absurd premise with total sincerity. Evil extraterrestrials who look like circus clowns descend on a small town, harvesting humans with cotton candy cocoons, balloon-animal stranglers, and popcorn guns. And it all works—because the film believes in itself.

This is pod people with punchlines, Invasion of the Body Snatchers by way of a haunted funhouse. The practical effects are masterful—rubbery, expressive, and gloriously tactile. The klowns have personality: some sadistic, some bureaucratic, all terrifying. The soundtrack? Iconic. The worldbuilding? Cohesive, clever, and dripping with 1980s Reagan-era dread.

Too often dismissed as ironic fun, Killer Klowns is actually a minor masterpiece of genre filmmaking—a film that plays its premise to the hilt, all “circus” bases touched.

4/5 stars. Not a guilty pleasure. A necessary one.

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Hi! I’m new here and writing 31 Days of Horror—a daily review series all October long. If you like smart, spoiler-free horror criticism that celebrates practical effects, cult gems, and bold vision, I’d be so grateful if you liked, followed, or shared this post. Every bit of support helps me keep going! 💀

Calling All Horror Lovers! The Kickstarter for a new & exciting horror/slasher short film project based on giallofilms & horror classics of the 1980s & 1990s, Macabre: a horror short by Zack Cherry & Erik Champney, has officially launched!

The Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/randyborruso/macabre-a-horror-short-by-zack-cherry-and-erik-champney

Many exciting perks are available for backers at several price points and tier levels. If you can't do or don't want to do a specific perk, you can also just donate to the campaign on that page as well.

All perks ship globally, although it might cost more for shipping outside the USA. Also, all perk levels come with a digital download of the film when it finishes at festivals and is released in early 2025. Think of it as paying ahead of time for the movie.

There will be lots of behind the scenes special features included with all digital downloads as well.

With Kickstarter, no one gets charged until the campaign is completed on September 5th, 2024, and only if the campaign successfully raises its goal amount of $40,000.00 in that time. So, it is very important to raise the full amount.

If you don't have the money now but will be able to save it by September 5th, 2024, and you want to participate, you are in luck. The money will not be taken from your account until then, guaranteed. There is no risk to you.

Please consider pledging to support the Kickstarter campaign for "Macabre." It's thanks to the generosity of people like you, that this is even possible. Thanks.

If you want to follow "Macabre" on any or all other socials or sign up for email updates as the project progresses, they are all available at the landing page: