Fear Street: Prom Queen: A Solid New Installment (Early Review)

Fear Street: Prom Queen is the latest installment in the Fear Street film series based on the book series of the same name by R.L Stine. Adapting “The Prom Queen” from that series, the film is a mostly standalone entry compared to the connected trilogy of films, all released in 2021. This time around, audiences are taken back to the town of Shadyside during prom season where all of the high school’s “It” girls, led by the ruthless Tiffany (Strazza), are busy being both sweet and vicious in their campaign for the prom queen crown. But when gutsy outsider Lori Granger (Fowler) puts herself in the running for the crown, the other girls start mysteriously disappearing, while a red coated killer is on the loose. While it might not have the freshness of the experiment that was the aforementioned trilogy, it is a solid addition to the franchise and one that stands on its own, especially for fans of 80’s slashers.

If not for the digital look and modern cast, the film almost feels like it was made in the 80’s, at the height of the slasher craze, which is arguably the highest compliment one can give a film like this. It does a great job recreating the time period, and while nostalgia in film and television is something that is getting a little too played out in Hollywood, it utilizes its setting effectively. Similarly, the film features an awesome synth score, and a great soundtrack full of 80’s hits that help to further bring the time period to life. Though the film definitely could have developed certain story beats and characters more, it is also paced well and makes the most out of its 89-minute runtime.

A slasher offering up another run-of-the-mill killer, they at least boast a cool look, while possessing the kind of brutality that helps create a rather menacing presence. The film’s kills are a lot of fun, leaving quite the body count throughout. Leaning mostly on practical effects instead of CGI to portray its deaths was a nice surprise, featuring some that will absolutely stick due to there brutality and versatility. As Lori, Fowler makes for a likeable lead, and one who audiences will find themselves rooting for her survival. Son, meanwhile, is another big standout as Megan Roberts, arguably the best character of the film. Son and Fowler have such strong chemistry that audiences are sure to be emotionally invested in their friendship. On the other hand, Strazza does a terrific job as Tiffany, an extremely unlikable and unpleasant bully.

That being said, as enjoyable as this new Fear Street installment may be, it was not without its issues that keep it from reaching the heights of the previous trilogy. Outside the leads, the characters, for the most part, aren’t remotely likeable or interesting. Though the cast certainly do their best, their characters lack much in the way of development, with the majority just there to be slaughtered. When it comes to the identity of the killer, the eventual reveal is predictable and disappointing. One can simply scan the cast list and probably guess who they are right away, not that the film made it that difficult to begin with. Assembling cast full of big name talent like Lili Taylor, Katherine Waterston, Ariana Greenblatt, and Chris Klein, they are all criminally wasted. Ending in an appropriate fashion, the film’s abrupt ending will undoubtedly leave many with a few questions.

In the end, Fear Street: Prom Queen marks yet another fun chapter in the franchise and one that should satisfy fans, and especially all those 80’s slasher lovers. For what it lacks in terms of a strong story, and well developed characters, it more than makes up for in kills, cast, soundtrack, and its cool 80’s setting. The Fear Street franchise has proven to be a successful one for Netflix, and with its growing fanbase, hopefully that will lead to further installments in the near future.

Score: 68/100

still courtesy of Netflix

If you liked this, please read our other reviews here and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Instagram or like us on Facebook.

Connor Carey

www.connorsmoviereviews.com/