Name: Scream VI
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Crime
Released: 2023-03-08T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Jack Champion

The opening scene of Scream VI sets the tone with a brutal catfishing murder in New York City, a stark departure from the small-town setting of its predecessor. Directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin opt to shake up the franchise by transplanting the Ghostface killings to the bustling streets of NYC, and for a while, it works.

The film’s strongest asset is its commitment to expanding the lore without losing sight of what makes Scream unique: meta-commentary on horror tropes. The shift in setting allows for fresh kill scenes, including a standout sequence in a bodega that plays with urban chaos and claustrophobic terror. The increased violence—praised by critics—feels earned, ratcheting up the stakes while staying true to the series’ self-aware spirit.

Melissa Barrera’s performance as Sam Carpenter is a highlight, grounding the film with emotional depth. Her portrayal of trauma and paranoia is compelling, especially in therapy scenes that explore her public villainization. Jenna Ortega, as Tara, holds her own, though her character sometimes feels overshadowed by the more established dynamics between Chad (Mason Gooding) and Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown). The core four—Sam, Tara, Chad, and Mindy—get enough development to feel invested in, but their chemistry is occasionally strained by the film’s breakneck pacing.

The soundtrack, composed by Brian Tyler, leans heavily on recycled themes from previous installments, which feels lazy given the franchise’s reputation for innovation. The score lacks the freshness of the setting, relying too much on nostalgia rather than creating new sonic moments.

The film’s third act falters with a killer reveal that, while shocking, doesn’t quite land due to underdeveloped motivations. One of the killers feels like an afterthought, and their involvement strains credibility. The themes of found family and shared trauma are compelling, but they’re sometimes drowned out by the franchise’s insistence on cramming in as many callbacks as possible.

Scream VI is a solid entry in the series, benefiting from its bold setting change and strong performances. However, it stumbles when trying to balance nostalgia with forward momentum.