“I’m something… different.”
After everyone has their first watch of Scream VI this opening weekend, one thing will become very clear: Scream is the horror franchise to beat.
With six films, one might think these slasher flicks have run their course, but that could not be further from the truth. Ghostface is scarier and more brutal than ever before, and the plot feels more refreshing and invigorating than any other film since the original. The Scream franchise, in many ways, still feels like it’s just beginning, and fans will be anticipating the next installment from the moment they leave the theater.
To put it lightly, Scream VI is a bloody good time and delivers what might be the franchise’s strongest entry. Thanks to Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett’s creative use of the film’s New York City setting and looming atmosphere, things are darker, gorier, and more violent than ever.
From the opening scene alone, one can instantly tell that the franchise is in good hands. While sticking to its roots, Scream VI manages to create another iconic opener. Fans are immediately given an unexpected surprise that will leave mouths agape, and that level of shock and awe lingers around the movie until the very end.
Like any Scream installment, there’s never a lack of twists and turns. Scream VI is meant to send fans’ theories spinning from start to finish, as the film intentionally throws one for a loop over and over again. From the deaths, to the Ghostface reveal, to the motive of Ghostface’s actions, one will constantly be restructuring their perception of every character within the film.
Scream VI does not have a single weak link within its cast, but the standouts are definitely the “core four” of the new generation: Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Mason Gooding. The chemistry between these co-stars is electric, and their relationship dynamics feel entirely believable for a group of college besties that just underwent a lot of shared trauma.
The sisterly bond that our two main characters have is phenomenal to watch play out on screen, and I simply couldn’t get enough of the Carpenter sisters kicking ass together. Ortega’s character, Tara, is also given a very interesting side story with Gooding’s character, Chad. While I was unsure of where they were going with it at first, that subplot ends up working incredibly well for the story and builds even more of an emotional connection between fans and the core four.
Hayden Panettiere’s return as Kirby Reed is also such a delight, and the film thankfully acknowledges that her presence is highly desired. She has just the right amount of screen time, and her character never feels forced into the storyline or like she doesn’t belong. Kirby is a great asset to the new cast of characters, and it is a joy getting to see her interact with the rest of the Woodsboro survivors.
As for other returnees, Courteney Cox’s Gale Weathers does not get as much screen time as some might hope, but the screen time that she does get is absolutely exceptional. Cox showcases all of the reasons why people love her character in just one triumphant scene, and it will definitely leave the Gale stans with goosebumps.
The new supporting cast of characters are just as strong as the group from Scream (2022), with Devyn Nekoda’s Anika getting one of the coolest scenes of the entire Scream franchise. Josh Segarra’s Danny Brackett is also a great addition to the long list of newcomers, with some sensational chemistry and sexual tension between him and Sam Carpenter.
Speaking of Sam, there seems to be a big question on everyone’s mind: Who is the true star of Scream VI? Well, some might be shocked to hear this, but it’s 100% Melissa Barrera. While many fans were critical of her acting in Scream (2022), words cannot describe how much better Barrera’s role is within this film. Her dialogue is better, her acting is better, and one is able to build a much better connection with her as our lead character. Sam Carpenter finally cements herself as a worthy final girl. Her vicious and violent cravings, along with her immense trauma, pairs wonderfully with her caring and loving nature to create a complex, intricate, and well-crafted lead character.
If there’s one thing to be critiqued, it would definitely be the overutilization of popular music. There’s one song by a famous Gen Z artist that plays toward the beginning of the film, and it felt very misplaced and unnecessary – in fact, it almost took away from the emotional moments of that scene. While the song is beloved by many, the way it was utilized felt awkward and strange upon first watch.
Any other complaints? Honestly, no. Scream VI is a tour-de-force for the horror genre while still maintaining its campy, meta, and whodunnit qualities that make it such a unique entity within the film industry. It’s an impressive feat to have a franchise’s sixth entry not only be one of its best, but for it to also be one of the most fresh and innovative in its storytelling.
Personally, I am still in awe of how much I enjoyed Scream VI. The recency bias might have to wear off, but I genuinely feel that many fans might point to this new installment as being their favorite yet. The plot is well-structured, the screenwriting is spot on, the characters are fun, and Ghostface’s kill scenes are both visceral and thrilling. For any Scream fan out there, it would come as a massive surprise if you were at all disappointed after walking out of Scream VI.
★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2
Scream VI will be in theaters everywhere March 10.
