Despite the slightness of the story that doesn't really do anything new, the first half was tightly paced and genuinely scary and suspenseful with well-timed shocks. The killings are gory, without being gratuitously so while not holding back, nail-biting and inventive. Enjoyed the 80s throwback feel to the atmosphere.

He is like Michael Myers in that his painted smiling face is like a mask, and he kills without a clear motive or saying a word. Yet where the Shape succeeded in being scary by being so emotionless, Art is frightening in how much joy he takes in inflicting pain. Art the Clown next appeared in 2024's Terrifier.