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Fans demand Oscar nomination for 'Terrifier 2' despite viewers fainting and puking from extreme violence

Many lauded the performances by leading lady Lauren Lavera and antagonist David Howard Thornton, who plays Art the Clown

A low-budget horror movie is earning Oscar recommendations from fans after going viral for its extreme violence and gore.

'Terrifier 2' became one of the most unexpected blockbusters this year, with people calling for the slasher flick to be considered for 2023's Academy Awards. Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the film's gruesome effects and pushed for a nomination in the best special effects category. Many lauded the performances by leading lady Lauren Lavera and antagonist David Howard Thornton, who plays Art the Clown.

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"So when does the @TerrifierFilm Oscar buzz start? David Howard Thornton's performance as Art the Clown is PERFECT, with no dialog he maximizes his screen time like no other. @_LaurenLaVera_ is everyone's new final girl crush! Congrats @damienleone your film rules!" one fan tweeted. "Terrifier 2 deserves Oscar for the best picture!!!" another wrote "I truly think Terrifier 2 is my favorite horror movie of all time," someone else gushed. "I can’t stop thinking about #Terrifier2. I think Art the clown deserves to be ranked as one of the goats in the grind-house slasher genre," another insisted.

The film's producers, including Steve Barton and the distribution company Bloody Disgusting, appreciated the overwhelming response on social media. "Sometimes fans will send in pics of themselves going to the movies that fill us with joy. This is one of those times. For those about to rock, we salute you!" Barton tweeted.

'Terrifier 2' became a box office hit through word of mouth and grassroots support. After initially opening in a limited weekend release in the US, the film quickly made waves after reports that moviegoers passed out and puked in theaters due to the violence. The theatrical run was subsequently extended and the 138-minute thriller has since raked in $5.2M off a paltry $250,000 investment. The film later opened in Canada and is expected to hit Australian theatres on Friday, October 28.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, director Damien Leone addressed reports about fans vomiting over his movie. "Listen, I would have loved to have a couple of walk-outs, I think that's sort of a badge of honor because it is an intense movie," he told the outlet. "I don't want people fainting, or getting hurt during the movie. But it's surreal. Here's the thing, it's called Terrifier 2, you should probably see Terrifier 1 before you jump into this one. If you see Terrifier 1, you'd know what you're getting into." Leone also tweeted how the reports of audiences fainting and puking were "100% legit" and not simply a marketing stunt for publicity. "I swear on the success of the film it is NOT," he insisted. "These reports are 100% legit. I wish we were smart enough to think of that! But then again, we didn't need to."

According to The Daily Mail, producers were forced to issue a warning on social media to ensure viewers were fully prepared to watch 'Terrifier 2' due to its "brutal depictions of horror."

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