Slasher films elevate the horror genre by about one hundred notches. The kills are gorier, the dialogue is campier, and the story often borders on inconceivable when compared to classic or elevated horror. This formula has been a double-edged sword for this type of horror; some fans love these films while others criticize everything about them. 2016's Terrifier is considered a fun-to-watch slasher, but isn't a cult classic by any means. Nevertheless, Damien Leone developed its sequel within three years of its release. After some Covid-related delays, Terrifier 2 made its way to theaters Fall 2022, and unlike its predecessor, has gained immediate acclaim due to its elevated script, fleshed-out characters, and over-the-top kills. Following the trend of superior sequels, Terrifier 2 is comparable to The Empire Strikes Back, The Dark Knight and notably, Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Here's what makes Terrifier 2 the Terminator 2 of slashers.

A Touch of Comedy

Terrifier 2
Bloody Disgusting

Terminator 2 carries a comedic nuance through the interactions between John Connor and T-800 (and Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic one-liners). For a film with so many perturbing deaths, Terrifier 2 also provides several comedic moments. The series' titular villain, Art the Clown, excels at creating hilarious scenarios in scenes where audiences should be feeling uncomfortable. In one specific scene, Art is in a Halloween costume store observing Sienna Shaw (the film's new Final Girl); in what would have otherwise come across as a drawn-out attempt at suspense, Art comically taunts Sienna as she waits for the cashier's return. For a character without any dialogue, Art's sheer facial expressions and mannerisms produce laughter from viewers continuously.

Related: Terrifier 2 Officially Put Forward for Academy Awards Consideration

Art the Clown is Truly Menacing

Art the Clown in Terrifier 2
Bloody Disgusting

Art is equally menacing to Terminator T-1000. He calculates his kills and no one is off limits; from adults to children, if Art has his sight fixed on someone, he'll go after them; most of the film's victims are teenagers. Some of the most tense moments in Terrifier 2 involve Art's pursuit of Sienna's younger brother, Jonathan (a John Connor character-type). Jonathan is used as bait to get Sienna to come to Art, a twist given Art's predatory nature. While audiences can assume Jonathan will survive his ordeal when Sienna comes to the rescue, Art's attacks are so vicious that Jonathan's fate feels uncertain at moments. One specific scene leaves its mark when Art literally starts feeding off an unconscious Jonathan as Sienna is down for the count. There is nothing more terrifying than seeing children in danger.

The Film is Unsettling

Terrifier 2 Pale Girl
Jeff Harris Photography

The Terminator series is known for its high character body count and relentless villains; Terrifier 2 has a way of getting under its audiences skin for these exact reasons. While the film has several shocking kills, one stands out among the rest: Allie's. Allie is Sienna's best friend who has the misfortune of catching Art's attention. Art stalks and eventually breaks into Allie's home to kill her-but he takes his time with her demise. The scene is hard to sit through due to goriness alone, but what truly hurts is seeing a likable character killed so cruelly. Allie is a good friend to Sienna; she is a level-headed teenager, and the voice of reason in her friend's group; she is easy to root for, and seeing her tortured by Art the Clown is almost unwatchable.

As unsettling as Allie's death is Terrifier 2 new villain, The Little Pale Girl. While she herself doesn't commit any of the kills, her eerie nature adds another layer of creepiness to the story. Nothing is known about her, but she follows Art the Clown throughout his spree fearlessly, and is undoubtedly devoted to his cause. When Art finally meets his demise at the hands of Sienna, The Little Pale Girl picks up Art's remains and menacingly smiles at the film's survivors.

Related: Terrifier: Top 10 Moments From the Gory Horror Franchise

A Great Final Girl

Terrifier 2
Bloody Disgusting

The Final Girl factor is half the reason audiences tune into slashers. Much of Terrifier's negative reception results from its characters; they are one-dimensional caricatures that make the worst decisions. Terrifier 2 rectifies this issue by presenting Sienna Shaw, Damien Leone's conceptualization of the series' definite hero. Sienna embodies all the characteristics fans want in a Final Girl: she is smart, gutsy, and will do anything to protect her loved ones. Sienna's willingness to sacrifice herself to protect Jonathan is admirable and makes audiences root for their survival. When Sienna finally taps into her powers, it's satisfying to see her defeat Art, after all the damage he's caused her family and friends. Sienna is a superhero living in a slasher universe: The Sarah Connor of Terrifier 2. Just like Sarah Connor and the Terminator, Sienna Shaw will surely return to continue battling Art the Clown in further Terrifier installments.