Many moviegoers can remember a series that provided them with endless entertainment during their childhood. Be it a beloved book series, a sprawling franchise, or an engrossing television series, everyone had their favorites that captured their imaginations. One particularly popular brand that spun out multiple releases for its younger audience is Fear Street, crafted under the penmanship of the renowned horror writer R.L. Stine.
This spooky series has been making a thrilling comeback, but this time it’s carving its niche in the streaming landscape, more specifically on Netflix. The latest addition to Netflix’s extensive catalogue under the Fear Street umbrella is the spine-chilling “Fear Street: Prom Queen,” and given my nostalgic yearning, it was a must-watch.
Fear Street
Deadline points out that
“Netflix released one Fear Street movie a week for three consecutive weeks in 2021, creating a captivating trilogy inspired by R. L. Stine’s Fear Street: 1994, Fear Street: 1978, and Fear Street: 1666.”
These films were crafted with a nod to the chilling atmosphere of Stine’s work but were not directly based on any specific books he penned. However, the latest release, “Prom Queen,” is a thrilling exception. It serves as a nostalgic nod to a specific work of Stine’s. It was a throwback for all the readers of the Fear Street intellectual property that fans have cherished for years.
Fear Street: Prom Queen
“Fear Street: Prom Queen” is your quintessential slasher film, steeped in the thrilling drama of teenage life. It revolves around the tumultuous world of late adolescence, featuring “teenagers” caught up in the relentless pursuit of scaling the high school social hierarchy in the ominously named town of Shadyside. The narrative is woven around the familiar trope of the reigning “Queen B” locked in a bitter rivalry with the societal outcast.
In this sense, the storyline unfolds with a predictable rhythm, adhering closely to the classic script. The film largely follows the fundamental formula of a high school slasher, where tension and terror are artfully interlaced. As noted by Studio Binder,
Slasher films typically include three core elements: a chillingly effective killer, a considerable body count, and the use of non-firearm weapons. While these elements can sometimes spark interpretation or debate, they stand as the essential pillars of the slasher genre.
This film meets that criterion.
Horror on Shadyside
The year is 1988, and in Shadyside, a girl is determined to become prom queen. Her motivation isn’t about social status; it stems from a deeper need for family redemption. The challenge, however, is that the competition is not only fierce but also lethal. Lori Granger, considered a social outcast, seems to have no chance—until she does. According to Netflix,
“When a bold outsider is unexpectedly nominated to the prom court and the other girls start vanishing mysteriously, the class of ’88 is in for an unforgettable prom night.”
Someone is literally leveling the competition.
Retro Style and Horror Homage
This film features the classic “whodunit” storyline, earning top marks for its cinematography. The intermittent use of what appear to be authentic 1980s film reels lends it a genuine, rough documentary feel. While the first reveal might seem a bit clichéd, it still manages to surprise, reminiscent of the classic Scooby-Doo unmasking before the credits roll. The movie includes a small twist, proving that revelation isn’t the final note. As they say, “All is well that ends well,” and this film provides a satisfying sense of closure, typical of a standalone feature. For those craving nostalgia, a throwback to the 80s, or a classic slasher experience, be sure to add Fear Street: Prom Queen to your list.
Exactly What It Promises
Viewers should not go in expecting anything comprehensive or above average. It’s a fun flick with extra gore. It’s a slasher through and through. Some things work for what they are, and “Fear Street Prom Queen” does.
Uncut Diamonds 