Four years after Netflix released the hit Fear Street trilogy, inspired by the young adult books by R.L. Stine, audiences are transported back to Shadyside with Fear Street: Prom Queen. This time it’s 1988, and six teenage girls are competing for prom queen of Shadyside High. As the crowning moment draws near, the nominees are picked off one by one. The film was written by Donald McLeary (Chewin’ the Fat) and Matt Palmer (Calibre), Palmer also taking on the role of director.

With how beloved the 2021 Fear Street trilogy became, McLeary and Palmer had their work cut out for them while creating Fear Street: Prom Queen. It would need to have the same feel and tone of the trilogy, while also standing out with its own unique story. For the most part, the duo achieved that. Taking place in 1988, Fear Street: Prom Queen has a lot of the classic features of an 80s slasher. This includes jocks, popular girls, goth kids, the nerds and outsiders, spiked punch, and of course, plenty of bullying. At the center of it all is Lori, the underdog prom queen nominee with a dark family history. It’s impossible not to root for this girl, especially with how cruel the “wolf pack” of popular girls are to her. While the plot definitely follows the basic formula of classic slashers, the filmmakers keep it interesting by adding a few great red herrings and twists. If anything, some audiences might wish the story had more deeply explored the themes and the characters. The plot might not be as complex and emotionally charged as the previous films, but Fear Street: Prom Queen is most definitely a thrilling ride, and it leaves room for the story to continue.

Aside from the Fear Street name, another notable element of Fear Street: Prom Queen is the casting. There are a number of established fan-favorites, as well as notable young stars on the rise. India Fowler (The Strangers: Chapter 1, The Nevers) stars as Lori. Thanks to something that happened before Lori was even born, she’s been branded as a freak and is mostly a loner, with the exception of her best friend. Fowler embodies the typical bright young teenage outsider doing what she can to find herself and gain acceptance, but she shines the most when Lori does finally discovers her confidence. Katherine Waterston (Alien: Covenant, Inherent Vice) and Fina Strazza (Paper Girls, Above the Shadows) play mother-daughter duo Nancy and Tiffany Falconer. Strazza is great as Tiffany, easily portraying the classic 80’s popular bully, but with a bit of an added vindictive edge. Waterston is quite a surprise portraying this popularity-obsessed mom, but there is one scene in which she growls like an enraged beast that makes this performance, and the character, iconic. Other memorable performances come from Suzanna Son (The Idol), Lili Taylor (The Conjuring), and Chris Klein (American Pie).

It wouldn’t be a proper Fear Street film without the delightful sights and sounds horror fans have come to expect. Luckily, Fear Street: Prom Queen delivers on both fronts. As soon as the film begins a fantastic 80s, synth-style score composed by the Newton Brothers (Doctor Sleep) hits the ear. It perfectly sets the tone before the film throws in a number of great needle-drops of popular 80s songs. Another element to keep the audience firmly in the 80s is the somewhat grainy texture. It looks reminiscent of films from that era. When it comes to the kills, there is a blend of practical and CGI effects to bring the violent carnage to the screen. Some kills look better than others, but they all add to the fun. Then there is the actual killer. The filmmakers went for a fairly simple look – a red rubber raincoat and a plain, dark mask. It feels appropriate for the time period while still looking striking enough to potentially become the next iconic slasher villain.

Fear Street: Prom Queen is an entertaining 80s slasher throwback that captures the style of the 2021 Fear Street trilogy, but might be a bit too light on the lore. The filmmakers excelled at delivering a fun thriller jam-packed with intrigue, great music, and more. Audiences are sure to fall in love with Fowler as Lori, as well as the rest of the phenomenal cast. Even though the plot could have gone more in-depth with the various characters and the mythos it establishes, the filmmakers certainly paved the way for potential sequels. I, for one, definitely hope to see more of this side of Shadyside and the characters involved. Be sure to stream Fear Street: Prom Queen exclusively on Netflix beginning Friday, May 23rd.

OVERALL RATINGL 6/10