‘Terrifier 3’ Is the First Horror Movie France Has Banned Minors from Seeing Since ‘Saw 3’ in 2006!
Following the buzz surrounding Damien Leone's horror sequel Terrifier 3, which caused a stir in the UK after several viewers left the premiere, France's Classification Committee has decided to take action by prohibiting anyone underage from watching the film.
In a groundbreaking move for the horror genre, the Classification Committee in France has advised that the film should be prohibited for anyone under 18 years old. This recommendation marks the first of its kind since director Darren Lynn Bousman's Saw 3 debuted in 2006. The distributors, ESC Éditions, Shadowz Films, and Factoris Films, have shared this information with us.
In simpler terms, individuals who are under 18 years old are not allowed to enter theaters to watch Terrifier 3.
This specific rating is rarely applied and corresponds to the MPA’s NC-17 rating in the United States. In the U.S., Terrifier 3 will hit theaters without any rating at all.
The French distributors of the film shared with Bloody Disgusting, "We are saddened by this unforeseen decision, which will significantly affect the film's release that many French fans have been eagerly anticipating, set for October 9 (and still confirmed). Terrifier 3 is a true auteur film, deeply rooted in the slasher genre, featuring exaggerated and over-the-top violence. The film has a light-hearted tone, and we are confident that audiences will have the understanding and maturity to recognize and enjoy this creative style."
“Moreover, for more than two years, we have been dedicated and hard at work every day to support innovative, artistic, and unconventional genre films, which have consistently received praise from both critics and viewers,” the teams stated. “The fans of these films, including younger audiences, are enthusiastic film lovers who appreciate the creations and the theaters that present them.”
The history of genre films, along with their outrageous elements, is closely tied to the overall history of cinema. Limiting audience access is always a significant choice that sends a troubling message, separating creators from their viewers.
We contacted Darren Lynn Bousman, the director of Saw 3, who has gone through a similar situation, to get his thoughts. He responded to Bloody Disgusting, saying, “Absolutely! Take this as a mark of pride!”
Bousman emphasizes that art should provoke discomfort in people.
In 2006, France's culture minister prohibited the third film in the Saw series for those underage, stating that it featured "relentless and intolerable sadism."
According to Reuters, the 18-and-over rating is reserved for rare instances deemed too intense for the standard 16-and-over rating typically assigned to mainstream films featuring sexual content or significant violence.
Terrifier 3 will be released in theaters across the U.S. on October 11, 2024. Make sure to get your tickets today!
In Terrifier 3, directed once more by Damien Leone (who also made Terrifier and Terrifier 2), Art the Clown (played by David Howard Thornton) is ready to bring a fresh wave of mayhem to the unsuspecting people of Miles County as they settle in for a peaceful night’s sleep on Christmas Eve.
Following their narrow escape from Art the Clown's brutal Halloween rampage, Sienna and her brother are finding it difficult to piece their lives back together. With the festive season on the horizon, they attempt to welcome the joy of Christmas and move on from their traumatic experiences. However, just when they believe they can finally relax, Art the Clown resurfaces, intent on transforming their holiday joy into yet another terrifying ordeal.
“The holiday season takes a dark turn as Art reveals his horrifying style of chaos, showing that no celebration is immune to danger.”
The returning actors feature Lauren LaVera as Sienna, Samantha Scaffidi as Victoria Heyes, Elliot Fullam as Jonathan Shaw, and AEW superstar Chris Jericho playing Burke. Daniel Roebuck will make his first appearance as Santa Claus. Additionally, renowned makeup effects artist Tom Savini, along with Jason Patric, Antonella Rose, Krsy Fox, Clint Howard, and Jon Abrahams, will also be part of the cast.
A member of the horror community since 2008, currently serving as the Editor in Chief for Bloody Disgusting. Proud owner of the prop corpse used by Eli Roth in Piranha 3D. Shares life with four amazing cats and still enjoys playing with toys.
