‘Fear Street: Prom Queen’ Netflix Movie Review - A Bloody Corsage of Camp and Chaos

Let’s get one thing straight: Fear Street: Prom Queen is not here to redefine horror. It’s here to throw on a ruffled dress, crank up the synth-pop, and cha-cha-slide its way through a blood-soaked high school dance. Set in 1988, Shadyside, this standalone slasher from Netflix’s Fear Street universe is a neon-lit homage to '80s horror, complete with big hair, bigger egos, and a body count that rivals the guest list.

Our main character, Lori Granger (India Fowler), embodies the classic underdog, burdened by a scandalous family background—her mother was previously accused of killing her father. Regardless, Lori opts to campaign for prom queen against the current group called the "Wolfpack," headed by the charmingly loathsome Tiffany Falconer (Fina Strazza). As the rivalry intensifies, prom queen hopefuls begin to fall one by one, with each demise becoming increasingly horrifying. Who is the murderer? A mysterious character known for theatrical timing and inventive armaments. 

Director Matt Palmer fully embraces the '80s style, from the clothing to the music. The performances are really distinctive. Fina Strazza impresses as Tiffany, channeling Regina George and Freddy Krueger.  Her portrayal of the high school queen bee is both funny and menacing, setting her apart from the rest. India Fowler's Lori is genuine and real, grounding the narrative throughout the chaos. However, some supporting characters seem underdeveloped, functioning more as victims for the murderer than as vital parts of the story.

The murders are creative and exaggerated, as one would anticipate from a Fear Street entry. From electrocutions to impalements, the movie isn't reluctant to show bloodshed. However, in spite of the inventive fatalities, the tension frequently disappoints.

One of the film's significant strengths is its understanding of high school dynamics and the difficulties of adolescence. The heated rivalry for prom queen represents the severe social structures that exist throughout adolescent life. Nonetheless, these subjects are handled in a delicate manner, ensuring that the picture does not become too serious. On the downside, the film lacks the emotional depth and character development that helped the original Fear Street trilogy resonate with audiences. The lack of strong LGBTQ+ representation, which was a distinguishing characteristic of the previous films, is obvious and aggravating. Furthermore, the comedy occasionally transcends into uncomfortable terrain, with incidents that appear more artificial than hilarious.

Lori's voice-over at the end of the film asserts her identity and celebrates her successful survival. A mid-credits sequence suggests a supernatural influence linked to Sarah Fier's cursed book, implying a potential continuation or extension of the Fear Street world. Fear Street: Prom Queen is a charming addition to the genre for those who like their horror with a twist of sarcasm. However, fans of the previous trilogy's depth and ingenuity may find this edition wanting. It's a film that understands its demographic and delivers on its promise: a prom night to die for.

Final Score- [6.5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times