A new film hits French screens today, causing quite a commotion. Terrifier 3, the third installment in the horror-slasher series, has been banned in France—a rare occurrence since 2006. What makes this even more notable is that films in France typically face less stringent regulations compared to the UK. The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) has one of the most detailed—some might say restrictive—classification systems in Europe, with six ratings. In contrast, France usually opts for two (12 and 16 ratings), only escalating to a 16 rating for particularly intense content. The last film to receive such a rating was Julia Ducournau’s Palme d’Or winner, Titane.

Now, France’s film classification committee has imposed an “under-18 ban” on Terrifier 3. The last film to receive this restrictive ruling was 2006’s Saw III, another third installment in a horror franchise. For those unfamiliar with the Terrifier series, it is the creation of Damien Leone, focusing on Art the Clown, a demonic serial killer who wreaks havoc on Halloween (Terrifier, 2016), returns for more mayhem on Halloween (Terrifier 2, 2022), and now targets Christmas (Terrifier 3, this year). The series has become one of the biggest independent horror successes in recent years, with Terrifier 2 grossing over $15 million worldwide on a budget of just $250,000.

However, the films are not without their critics. Terrifier 2 was an improvement over the original, offering relentless gore and creative kills, but little else. It’s a subtext-free genre film, perfect for those who enjoy a bloody good time but lacking in nuance for those who prefer more sophisticated horror. Unless you’re 18 or older, French horror fans will have to look elsewhere for their fix. The film’s French distributors, Factoris Films, Shadowz Films, and ESC Editions, expressed their disappointment in a joint statement, arguing that the film’s violence is “grand-guignolistic and unrealistic” and that viewers have the maturity to appreciate the artistic approach. They also highlighted their efforts to defend free, creative, and radical genre cinema, which has been well-received by both critics and audiences.

While exceptional ratings can sometimes harm box office numbers, they can also generate interest. It’s no surprise that an extreme horror film like Terrifier 3 received a special classification. The only surprising aspect is that it came from France, a country known for its transgressive New French Extremity movement. Perhaps it’s the sanctity of Christmas that pushed the committee over the edge.

Does Terrifier 3 deserve the hype brought about by this decision? And will you be watching it? Terrifier 3 is now showing in French cinemas and will be released in the UK and US on Friday.