Christopher Milazzo | Staff Writer
Of all the big franchises in Hollywood, like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jurassic Park, or The Fast and the Furious, none of them are as consistent as the Scream franchise. After revitalizing the horror franchise last year with the release of Scream (2022), the film became a box-office hit. This set up the perfect time for a sixth movie to begin production. Just over a year later, we were presented with Scream VI.
The film stars returning actors like Jenna Ortega, Melissa Barrera, Courtney Cox, and Hayden Panettiere. The film takes place in New York City, with the returning characters trying to get away from Woodsboro after the events in the last film. Of course, Ghostface follows them there. With the film being advertised as a different kind of Ghostface that is more dangerous and deadly, the stakes are a lot higher in this film. With the setting in NYC, it makes it spookier, and no one can hear you scream in a city full of millions.
Now one of the biggest differences that set this movie apart from the other films in the franchise is the disappearance of the legacy character Sidney Prescott, played by actress Neve Campbell. While her disappearance is missed throughout the story, the film was able to create a new story focusing on other characters. The film achieved success by strictly focusing on the younger cast. One of the best performances in the film was from the lead character Sam, played by actress Melissa Barrera. In the last film, Sam was a mysterious character, and it seemed like she was never her full self and was always hiding something. (Spoiler alert: she was hiding that she was the daughter of the original Ghostface from Scream, Billy Loomis). She just seemed constantly anxious and was very dramatic about everything that happened to her.
In the new film, she was finally able to own up to her big secret. It felt like the character finally broke out of her shell, and was fully able to own her character. Some other knockout performances come from Jasmin Savoy Brown, Samara Weaving, and Mason Gooding. Other worthy parts to talk about in the film are the suspense and tension. The film exceeds the most suspense when it comes to the high-intensity chase scenes. They leave you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
Bringing the story to New York City instead of keeping it in Woodsboro like in past films, creates a higher chance of Ghostface striking without anyone noticing. As a fight scene begins in a bodega store, you can feel the tightness of the area they’re in. The classic reveal that happens at the end of every movie was satisfying to watch, and you feel the emotions of every character in those last moments. Scream VI was an absolute thrill to watch. It was tense, scary, and had the right amount of comedy to balance everything out. I would rate Scream VI 9.5/10.
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