Scream Review

Written by: Nicholas Gofas

Last year’s Scream was a revisit to the almost 30 year old franchise, offering new faces and a 21st century twist on the classic slasher flick. Scream VI continues this trend, placing these characters in a new location with a whole new set of rules. Following the events of the previous Ghostface killing spree, our surviving members flee to New York in search of a new life. I was very skeptical of the Scream franchise changing its setting and leaving Woodsboro behind, as most aging horror franchises decide to switch up its setting to inject new blood into its films (looking at you Jason Takes Manhattan). Yet Scream makes the most of its new location and plays it to the fullest, having scenes in corner stores and an excellent sequence done in a packed subway car. The Scream franchise has always been about parodying other slasher films and this sequel is no different, poking fun at other franchises and the “rules” they have to play by. Speaking of returning members, there is one prominent character that is missing from this installment, Sidney Prescott. This is the first Scream film which does not star Neve Campbell or David Arqette, who was killed off in the previous film. Melissa Barrera returns as Sam Carpenter, still suffering from the fallout of Scream and the revelation that she is the child of Billy Loomis, the original Ghostface. She is very protective of her little sister Tara played again by Jenna Ortega, who is the complete opposite of Sam, choosing to ignore her trauma and make the best of her new life in New York. The kills are bloody, especially in the cold open of the film and the meta horror commentary which made Scream a hit in the first place is still there. I would go as far as saying this is definitely one of the best installments of the Scream franchise, only behind the first film, but definitely a must watch if you enjoy horror films. 8/10