Warning: This article contains spoilers! It discusses key plot details and the conclusion of “Terrifier 3,” so proceed with caution if you haven’t watched it yet.

“Terrifier 3” stays true to the franchise’s reputation for graphic kills, led by its infamous antagonist, Art the Clown. Additionally, the film expands on the lore while incorporating a literal cliffhanger.

Taking place five years after “Terrifier 2” from 2022, the Christmas-themed sequel features the protagonist Sienna Shaw (played by Lauren LaVera) as she is discharged from a mental health facility to be with her aunt and uncle. However, she remains haunted by her earlier encounter with the formidable Art, who returned from the dead thanks to a magical sword and was decapitated. Now, back in Miles County donned in a Santa suit and partnered with Victoria (Samantha Scaffidi), a disfigured survivor from the first film who is now under the influence of a malevolent force, Art is on the hunt for Sienna, leaving chaos and bloodshed behind him.

Director and writer Damien Leone introduces Sienna’s father, Michael (Jason Patric), through flashbacks, which add backstory to her character as a fierce fighter and hint at broader mythological themes. Leone explains that many viewers of the previous film felt there were numerous unanswered questions. “By design, I’m treating this more like a miniseries rather than standalone films. I’m trying to pack in as much information as I can before reaching the climactic showdown I envision between Art and Sienna.”

Leone elaborates on the concluding moments of “Terrifier 3,” revealing new details about the franchise’s lore, including the absence of a post-credits scene.

What happens at the end of ‘Terrifier 3’?

In the climactic moments, Victoria and Art show up at Sienna’s family home. They brutally kill her aunt and uncle, threaten her young cousin Gabbie (Antonella Rose), and unveil the severed head of Sienna’s younger brother, Jonathan (Elliott Fullam), who is presumed dead off-screen. In a tense moment, as Victoria attempts to take control of Sienna, she seizes her magic sword and manages to slash Art’s throat and stab Victoria. This act opens a gateway to hell in the living room as Gabbie hangs on by a thread. Unfortunately, Sienna cannot save her cousin; Gabbie falls into the pit before it closes, and Art escapes on a bus out of town.

By putting Sienna in such a dire situation, it raises the stakes for her character, particularly as the narrative incorporates elements of the supernatural, including themes of heaven and hell, according to Leone. He has confirmed that a fourth “Terrifier” is in the works. “Now, Sienna has to find a way to rescue Gabbie. What could be a greater challenge than sending Sienna into hell?”

What’s the most shocking kill in the new ‘Terrifier’?

In the third installment, Leone elevates Art’s already notorious killing spree, starting with a horrific murder of a family in the bloody opening scene, followed by a startling showdown in a shower where a college student is gruesomely chainsawed in half from the bottom up. Some of the excessive violence comes off as cartoonish, given Art’s comical antics, yet there are moments that defy the unwritten rule against killing children, such as when he detonates a mall Santa meet-and-greet filled with youngsters and their parents.

Even though he often injects humor into the “Terrifier” series, Leone fears making Art the Clown less frightening. The character is “sadistic and malevolent,” and Leone insists on remaining faithful to that nature, irrespective of how unsettling some scenes may be. If he ventures into dark territory, he aims to handle it in a thoughtful and responsible manner.

“We explore a lot of sensitive subjects,” Leone explains. “If executed poorly, it could alienate the audience, which would undermine the casual horror fan’s experience and Art the Clown as a character, who I believe holds broader appeal beyond just being a niche horror figure.”

Is there a post-credits scene in ‘Terrifier 3’?

Leone mentions that some screenings may feature a music video for Ice Nine Kills’ new song “A Work of Art” following the credits, but no additional scene similar to those seen in Marvel films. In fact, he prefers not to include them, although he did add one in “Terrifier 2,” which followed a moment where Sienna decapitated Art in the film’s climax, leading to a brief post-credits sequence with Victoria.

In a mental asylum, a chilling scene unfolds as the villain’s head is gruesomely birthed.

“I aimed to allow Sienna and Jonathan a moment to savor their victory instead of immediately jumping to the fact that they just killed Art the Clown, who then gets reborn right away,” Leone explains.

What key mythology is unveiled in ‘Terrifier 3’?

Leone introduces crucial information that links Sienna and Art through a letter written by Jonathan to Sienna. The letter reveals that when a demon selects a vessel, which serves as a bridge between worlds—like Art the Clown—a counterpart must be designated by the powers of good—represented by Sienna—to fight against it and prevent the demon from accumulating excessive power.

“This reveals almost everything you need to know about this franchise, especially regarding the supernatural elements,” Leone states. However, he adds, “I still notice people claiming they don’t understand the storyline. They just need clarity on who Art the Clown is and why he was a serial killer to begin with, and until I reveal that information, I’ll continue to face criticism like ‘This movie lacks a plot.’ ”