Scream VI (2023) Review

It’s rare to find a franchise as consistent and as long-lasting as Scream, one that can seemingly adapt and mold itself to just about any timeframe it exists in – because; well, it’s entire schtick is its meta commentary on the horror genre of its now. Sequel and sequel finding a new angle to hack and dissect its trope-laced genre as part of its own playful ritual, just about scalping many horror films of its time for narrative conventions it’s unaware its even committed. Scream has always worked best when it’s poking fun at the genre, pointing the finger whilst always having three pointing back; the subtle genius of ultimately falling victim to the very cliché’s it mocks. All done with a sense of deliberate hilarity, and of course, brilliant brutality.

2022’s cleverly titled Scream (not the 5cream like we had all yearned for) perfectly encapsulated the genres contemporary shift towards requels and elevated horror. Whilst it’s film itself is a far stretch from perfect, it’s undeniable that Radio Silence were able to rejuvenate the franchise for a new generation whilst honouring its OG fandom. Through its commercial and audience success, it was a no brainer we would be treated to a new serving of Ghostface antics, one could only hope the 5th wasn’t just a fluke, and Radio Silence were in fact more than capable to holding that torch Craven had passed. Luckily for us, Scream VI is all the evidence we need as proof that the Ghostface legacy is absolutely in the right pair of hands.

Picking up nearly a year after the events of 2022’s Scream, Tara, Mindy and Chad have moved to New York to start university, leaving the past of Woodsboro behind them in pursuit of a ensuring the last Ghostface killings were not to define who they are. An anxious Sam follows, protective over her younger sister Tara, one who’s fearful over what the events of the last killings has done to them both. Battling her own demons, Sam attempts to come to terms with her bloodline, and after the events of the previous film and becoming famous for being outed as Billy Loomis’ daughter. In obviously fashion, it is too long until Ghostface makes his presence known, wreaking havoc across the brand new playground of New York City; and in even more obvious fashion, is something Gale Weathers simply cannot detach from. The rest that ensues is nothing short of carnage

In the spirit of its franchise, we are invited to dive deep into a delectable banquette and macabre and wit, opening our sixth entry in a manner that feels both surprising and undeniably fresh. It’s drilled into its audience’s skulls from its first 10 minutes that Scream has gotten a well-needed facelift; spiking us immediately with a new interpretation Radio Silence so desperately needed to do following the fifth installment. Whilst 2022’s Scream felt like a heartfelt tribute to Wes Craven, the franchise and his body of work; VI needed to re-establish itself as something new entirely. A Scream movie made in its most authentic form – a lens for Radio Silence to a film reliant on their own merit and creativity. Scream VI is exactly that; an exercise of hilarity, tension and violence; and let me tell you, it’s never felt so fun.

This is truly Scream like we’ve never seen it before, with a cast who are more than capable of carrying a two-hour film nearly entirely on their own talent, and a Ghostface who is at their most ruthless, reckless, and violent. Ghostface is as blood thirsty as ever, tearing their way through anyone and everyone dumb enough to come between him and Sam. This is easily the most vicious Ghostface to date, utilising their big apple sandbox as a means for pure ruthless aggression. The kills here are plentiful; not just bloodier but incredibly nasty to match, pumping out some of the goriest Ghostface content the franchise has ever seen.

Where Scream VI shines the most however, is in its fantastically tension-laced chase sequences we were oh-so deprived of in 2022. The NYC setting seemingly opens up endless opportunities for entertainment, allowing for a plethora of seriously fun and inventive chase scenes that utilise New York’s setting; and not since Jason taking Manhattan have we ever seen a slasher icon slicing their way through the streets of New York. It’s all undeniably thrilling, and genuinely some of the best tension the franchise has ever depicted. With particular highlights being a Gale orientated apartment chase scene and a chair-gripping Ghostface-filled subway moment; Scream VI works its best when it’s puffing those very attractive feathers; zero fuss, maximum carnage.

Surprisingly enough, the core four carry this entry with a near-perfect blend of heart and soul, putting their acting chops on screen and leaning heavier into their characters allowing for more growth, definition and most importantly; likability. Sam and Tara absolutely shine here, with both Barerra and Ortega captivating every scene they were in. Both characters seem stronger, tougher and way more enjoyable than before, adding deeper layers that 2022’s simply didn’t have the time to highlight.

The core four and the surrounding cast bring an emotion to the franchise that has rarely been seen, resulting in us genuinely caring for their lives, even when Ghostface is eager to carve them out like a set of pumpkins. Courtney Cox’s Gale is at her absolute best here, reminiscent of her Scream 2 days as she quips and slithers her way to any opportunity, or any news story. Kirby’s return is also a welcomed one for Scream 4 fans, evolving her to new and interesting places giving Radio Silence something to play with and skew – because at the end of the day, this is a whodunnit and everyone is a suspect. Scream VI absolutely has a massive Sidney shaped hole in its big apple heart, but the biggest surprise above all is how this entry feels no less without her iconic presence. A quick line or two explains Sidney’s whereabouts, and a believable explanation at that, proving that whilst she is down and out for this one, does not mean there isn’t room for her to come back on the next.

Whilst it’s easy to shower VI in the praise it most certainly deserves (because let’s face it, this will truly be one of the best sixth entries into any franchise ever), it isn’t without its gripes. You sense the feeling of VI needing to do more with its plot, and whilst it plays best when it leans into its new approach to be more meta on Stab and less on the genre as a whole, it also can’t help but get tangled and lost in its own mythos. Its evident Radio Silence are confident in setting up a future film for the franchise, but there are more than a handful of convoluted moments and reasonings that play heavily on the silly side. Particularly in its final act, Scream VI leans heavily towards the camp and less on the serious, something that will undeniably be divisive with audience. You had admired the massive swings its attempting to make here, even if a few of them are misses.

The third act is where Scream VI begins to fall apart, teetering too for on the eccentric side – proving to be one of the most unconvincing narrative stretches since Roman in Scream 3. When you embrace its exuberantly camp demeanor you’ll appreciate its ludicrous persona, but you might just feel like you’ve accidentally attended a matinee show of a pantomime by the time the third act hits. It’s all over the top fun, and a chaotic final 20 minutes to say the least, but if you’re like me and are a fan of outrageous films as Malignant, M3gan and Cocaine Bear; then Scream VI will no doubt itch that scratch.

Nonetheless, Scream VI is an absolute blast; an almost perfect blend of horror, comedy and mystery, so camp it’s two quips away from having its own West End musical. It’s seriously entertaining – an exuberant display of carnage, chaos and call-backs, enough to tantalise its loyal fans whilst still establishing itself as something fresh and innovative. Proof that this franchise is more than capable of evolving and feels all the better for doing so.

Movie Rating:

Trailer: