Fear Street: Prom Queen review – Nostalgic 80s thrills that entertain, but rarely scare

Fear Street: Prom Queen is the most recent feature in the Fear Street series that resurrects R.L. Stine's universe with prom shenanigans bathed in blood and an 80s slasher vibe. It is enjoyable for fans of the genre, but fails to rise above the same old clichés.

If you have ever cheered for the last girl standing or figured out who the murderer is long before the third act, then you will more than likely enjoy Fear Street: Prom Queen, as it seems to deliver on the promises made. It is set in an 80s high school with vibrant neon lights, and the film captures the piercing slasher vibe of the decade, distinctively ridiculous acting, exaggerated stereotypes, and archetypical deaths associated with slasher films.

Fear Street: Prom Queen is a Netflix original film directed by Matt Palmer, who drew inspiration from R.L. Stine's young adult horror novel. It is splashy, silly, and cliché in an amusing way. However, it doesn’t seem to offer anything new to the genre as it lacks identity alongside its stronger predecessors like Fear Street: 1994 or 1978. This installment will be a delight for long-standing fans of the franchise and lovers of 80s horror, but it is safe to say that the film does not change the slasher genre in any way.

A bloody prom night soaked in nostalgia

The story revolves around a group of teenage girls vying for the crown during the prom season at Shadyside High. However, the stakes get higher when a masked killer starts offing contestants. Every girl is contending for the top, which brings a climax build up to the Sharper Values, which ache for recall - the locker room-simmering drama, strut-clash in the halls, turn- walking struts in slow motion, overdriven synthesizers - each stringed deeply in the nostalgia of slasher movies.

The outline’s storytelling is rather linear, and the death sequences are gory enough, but not overly creative. Regardless, the kills are well executed, enhanced by the film’s competent production design. The film's heart is the adoration for the foundational elements of slasher films, and this intersection shows where it shines. The film doesn’t attempt to trick or challenge the premise; it accepts and glorifies it instead.

Archetypes over character depth

India Fowler assumes the role of Lori Granger, who serves as more of a “final girl” archetype than a fully realized character. The film’s most prominent young star, Ariana Greenblatt, subverts Drew Barrymore’s red herring trope — a setup that fans of Scream will identify from a mile away. Fina Strazza’s portrayal of mean girl Tiffany Falconer is utterly forgettable, albeit delightfully over-the-top.

Supporting actors Chris Klein and Katherine Waterston lean into the melodrama as the overly animated parents, masterfully capturing the essence of their characters. The relationship between Lori and Tiffany holds some promise of conflict, yet fails to capitalize on the emotional payoff that is built up throughout.

A fun, familiar ride with little surprise

Despite the franchise's innovations that came before, Fear Street: Prom Queen relies solely on fond nods to the past. It's clear the filmmakers wanted to have fun, not scare us, which is evident from the melodramatic high school rivalries to the campy one-liners. How much you enjoy (or loathe) those genre clichés will determine whether this film is enjoyable or off-putting.

As with every new release, there are always “what if” scenarios, and the mid-credits scene does dangle some loose threads from the original trilogy that could prove entertaining for some. Yet, even when trying to envision Fear Street: Prom Queen standing alone, it becomes evident that this installment lacks the engaging narrative of the previous films. It’s a decent slasher, good for a nostalgic night in — but not much more.

Verdict on Fear Street: Prom Queen

I'll have to give this a 7/10⭐

Fear Street: Prom Queen taps into the nostalgia of slasher films with an overly done dose of blood and violence. The film, as expected from the franchise's Netflix template, comprises low-effort “kills” that fit the toddler-friendly horror aesthetic and are timed to the rhythm of hunger-inducing prom carnage.

A clear attempt was made to construct the film with care, enabling the attention to detail to shine through during the nostalgic, horror-themed prom flicks from yesteryears, evidenced through the striking imagery and synth-soaked score. Contrary to the streamlined creativity of the film, the murders were executed viciously, if a bit overly conventionally. For lifetime fans of the series, it was a treat when mid-credits hints of links to the rest of the triad were presented.

Ultimately, Fear Street: Prom Queen doesn't hit the emotional depth or sharpness of thinking of Fear Street: 1994 or 1978, but it’s still pleasant to watch, particularly for those who enjoy contemporary refinements to retro horror. It doesn't reinvent slasher films, but it sticks to familiar material and manages to be fun. Those seeking gory high school corridors, bloody prom antics, masked psychopathic murderers, and all the classic staples will certainly not be let down — that is, as long as they're not looking for something significant.