I think what really turned people off from the last installment of the SCREAM franchise (which it already is) is the level of "wokeness". Is there a word more polarizing word in the world today? In the latest feature from filmmakers Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett SCREAM 6 we find the last four remaining teens from Woodsboro trying to adjust to a new life in the big apple. With any big time significant entry expect more blood and there was surely a ton of blood. SCREAM 6 may be the most exciting entry in the series since the first two films. Less "woke" and more "poke".
New York City will forever be a Mecca in the United States. One of the reasons this film speaks to old school horror fans is because we all know one thing about New York. Anytime a creature or killer is in NYC expect it to be grittier than ever before. Gotham oozes grime which is why Halloween Night in NYC may be the best night for some horror fans ever. So kudos to not only paying homage to all the famous monsters from NYC (MANIAC COP/C.H.U.D.) and those who visited (JASON). The SCREAM franchise hands down has the best looking cast in horror history. From film to film it gets better and most homicidal maniac killers series can't even keep up to what Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson created some time ago. Everything that has ever worked in the history of the film is on display here and taken up a notch. It's NYC so it's expected. What we really get to see in this story is how Samantha (Melissa Barrera) has some how been accused of being behind the recent murders. Her sister Tara (Jenna Ortega) and their best friends Mindy and Chad (Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding) also return. They are attending college in New York City and Samantha is there to watch over them even if Tara doesn't want it. The film speaks volumes to how the youth still in this day and age would rather harm themselves than deal with trauma. As most films in the last 3 years mental health is in the forefront and that is actually a god things.
So the film is sexier, bloodier, more creative and more violent with the kills. That's what we expected and they delivered. What will surely sour such a great film is the formula that has made the series what it is. They say it over and in the film. "Family" I would love to know why family is so important to the writers of this franchise. It is in every single film. Its theme no one speaks about that is more transparent than GHOSTFACE will ever be.
I have some pretty strong convictions on where this franchise is going and if a so called rumored and teased character will return. It would make sense that he would be watching all of this unfolding from his moment to the STAB FILMS and more. Is he waiting? Do you know who he is? I will discuss more about it the podcast.
I personally am very happy with the film and the direction of the series. There is another iconic character returning this year for their 10th film and I think if you watch them closely they follow similar patterns. If there was a recent film to see the direction of where SCREAM maybe going rewatch CULT OF CHUCKY and JIGSAW. SCREAM isn't over for a long shot and it's still so grand of a film they will never have an issue with bringing back talent. Go watch it have fun and get ready for a next few crazy installments to follow.
3.5 /5
SCREAM 6 is playing in theaters everywhere.
It is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin Tyler Gillett and stars Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Courtney Cox, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding , Hayden Panettiere and Dermot Mulroney.