CLOWNADO (2019) The New Gore Drenched Film From Todd Sheets is an Absolute Blast- Fitz of Horror Review

Bryan Fitzgerald (Fitz of Horror) February 9, 2019

Synopsis-Cursed demonic circus clowns set out on a vengeful massacre using tornadoes. A stripper, Elvis impersonator, truck driver, teen runaway, and a dude get caught in the supernatural battle between femme fatal and the boss clown from hell.

Let me start by saying that I absolutely loved this movie. Todd Sheets (Bonehill Road, Dreaming Purple Neon) took a title and a premise that really had no right to be a good movie and by sheer talent turned it into a great and fun film. I’m also giving a huge shout out to the main actors, John O’Hara, Rachel Lagen, Bobby Westrick, Antwoine Steele, Dilynn Fawn Harvey, Sierra Stodden, and Douglas Epps for all bringing their outright “A” game. It was very evident that everyone was fully committed to their roles, the film, and the director’s vision. Given the outlandish premise of this film, the actors could have just as easily dogged their performances but a gifted director and a talented ensemble cast can create something truly special and that is what Clownado turned out to be.

When Clownado opens I was struck with an undoubtedly Film Noir vibe, the dark set with off-color lights, the situation and even how the characters were talking-I loved it already. The situation I am speaking of is the introduction of Savanna Dane (Rachel Lagen) and her lover attempting to carry out a plan to steal her husband’s, Big Ronnie (John O’Hara), money. When Big Ronnie busts in and finds out what the two are up to he promptly loses his shit. The introduction of Big Ronnie shows what kind of sadistic human being he is but he is not only the circus owner, he is also the leader of the clown gang and his villainous presence as an evil clown is nothing short of pure and brilliant insanity.

After Big Ronnie kills Savanna’s lover he vows to pin the murder on her if she doesn’t cooperate with him. This leads to Savanna instituting the help of a gypsy friend to bring a death curse down on Big Ronnie and his sinister clown gang. I am assuming that this curse didn’t fully go as planned because the gypsy summoned a tornado that was targeted at the gang but instead of killing them it sucked them up into the sky and they instead became the Clownado that now has the ability to appear and disappear in the blink of an eye via their very own tornado transport system. Just hear me out.

After the clown gang disappears into the sky we are introduced to our reluctant crew of misfit heroes, Bambi a stripper (Dilynn Fawn Harvey), Dion a black Elvis impersonator (Antwoine Steel), Hunter a random trucker dude (Bobby Westrick), and Rachel a strong-willed young adult (Sierra Stodden). Once we have back stories and the crew is somewhat forced to be together they soon realize that something is causing major havoc on the roads so they take to a nearby diner. The crew is also being stalked by a creepy Hawaiian shirt wearing guy, Nic Stone (Douglas Epps) and the showdown between Hunter and Nic solidifies the crew’s unity but also adds another interesting layer to the story. Savanna too is in this diner and that’s bad news because Big Ronnie and the now supernatural Clownado gang are looking for her and that’s where they find her. 

It is now our ragtag group and Savanna together fighting off the supernatural Clownado invasion on the diner and this is when Todd Sheets turns up the gore dial to a 10. From here it is an all-out chase with most of the crew narrowly escaping each time until they meet up with a couple of storm chasers, Molly (Millie Milan) and Chris (Jeremy Todd) who help the group try to figure out a crazy yet scientific way to stop the Clownado once and for all, but can they carry out their plan before the Clownado gets them instead?

When their paths finally collide it sets up for an epic finale that will leave you wondering “what in the hell did I just watch?” (in the best way possible) and then you will want to watch it again and then recommend it to all of your gore/horror/clown loving sick friends like yourself. 

I was blown away at Sheets’ ability to pull off such a great film on such a limited budget, outlandish premise and a film title like Clownado. He institutes the use of a real airplane, no CGI, to help fight the Clownado and it looks amazing. His copious amounts of practical gore FX (all accompanied by gooey and gross sound FX) were in your face without cutting away from the money shots. I truly believe that this is Sheets’ best effort and showcases his growth as a storyteller and director. The dialogue in this film was smart and witty without being forced and delivered with great timing by the actors. Even the score had a different and professional feel to it as it helped transition shots and give depth to the story. The combination of score and dialogue reminded me of early Tarantino work as it had a very pulp/grindhouse feel throughout. Also, his use of lighting and camera angles gave the movie a true noir feel which is something you don’t see a lot of in indie horror movies. He has genuinely crafted a well done and unique horror movie that will no doubt still be talked about twenty years from now.

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