The story centers on Quinn Maybrook, a high school senior who moves from Philadelphia to the small town of Kettle Springs. She quickly becomes part of a group of local teenagers who are creative and fun, notably making horror videos featuring the town's mascot, Frendo the Clown. Quinn's interactions with these teens, including Cole, the heir to the corn syrup fortune, form a key part of the narrative. The adults in town, including teachers and the sheriff, are portrayed negatively, contrasting with the more sympathetic depiction of the teenagers.

The film initially follows familiar slasher tropes: a masked killer, a group of young people partying, and brutal murders. However, around the midpoint, the story reveals deeper characterization and unexpected details about both the killer and the victims, which enhances the suspense and engagement. The killer's identity is somewhat predictable but the motive is unusual and distinctive, though some critics found its execution less effective. The movie balances horror with moments of humor and character development, making the latter half more compelling.

The town of Kettle Springs has a strange history involving Frendo the Clown, the mascot for the local corn syrup brand. This mascot is central to the horror elements, as the killer wears a clown mask inspired by Frendo. The teenagers' hobby of making horror videos featuring Frendo ties the mascot directly into the plot and the unfolding murders. The town's history and the clown mascot create a unique backdrop that influences the story's atmosphere and the killer's identity.

Quinn Maybrook is the protagonist, a high school senior who moves from Philadelphia to the small town of Kettle Springs seeking a fresh start after her mother's death. She becomes central to the story as she navigates the town's strange history and the local kids' obsession with the clown mascot, Frendo. Her character development and interactions with others are key to the unfolding events and the film's characterization depth.

Frendo the Clown is the mascot for the local corn syrup brand in Kettle Springs and a significant figure in the town's history. The local youth create horror videos featuring Frendo, and the clown figure is central to the slasher elements of the film, including the masked killer(s) who terrorize the characters. Frendo embodies the town's eerie and sinister atmosphere.