Fear Street: Prom Queen 2025 Movie Review
Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025), directed by Matt Palmer, marks the fourth installment in Netflix’s Fear Street series, adapting R.L. Stine’s 1992 novel. Set in 1988, the film centers on Lori Granger, a high school underdog vying for the prom queen title amidst a series of brutal murders targeting the candidates. While the film attempts to blend high school drama with slasher horror, it ultimately falls short, delivering a narrative that lacks the depth and suspense of its predecessors.
The film’s premise, promising a nostalgic return to the slasher genre, is compelling. The 1980s setting provides an opportunity to explore themes of teenage rivalry, social status, and the pressures of high school life. However, the execution of these themes is lackluster. The characters are one-dimensional, serving more as archetypes than fully realized individuals. Lori’s journey from underdog to prom queen contender is predictable, and her motivations lack depth, making it difficult for the audience to invest in her character.
The film’s antagonist, a masked killer targeting prom queen candidates, is a familiar trope in the slasher genre. While the murders are graphically depicted, they lack the creativity and tension that characterize memorable horror sequences. The kills feel gratuitous rather than suspenseful, and the reveal of the killer’s identity is underwhelming, lacking the twist or shock value that could have elevated the film.
One of the film’s most significant shortcomings is its failure to deliver on the horror front. The scares are few and far between, and the atmosphere lacks the dread and tension that make slasher films compelling. The pacing is uneven, with long stretches of inactivity that detract from the overall suspense. The film’s reliance on gore over atmosphere diminishes its impact, leaving it feeling more like a missed opportunity than a successful homage to the genre.
In terms of performances, the cast delivers competent portrayals, but none stand out as particularly memorable. The characters’ interactions lack the chemistry necessary to make their relationships believable, and the dialogue often falls flat, failing to capture the wit and tension that are hallmarks of successful horror films. The film’s attempts at humor are forced, and the emotional beats lack the resonance needed to engage the audience.
Visually, the film makes an attempt to capture the aesthetic of the 1980s, but the execution is inconsistent. The costumes and set design nod to the era, but the overall look feels more like a superficial attempt at nostalgia rather than an authentic recreation. The cinematography is functional but uninspired, lacking the flair that could have made the film visually striking.
The film’s soundtrack, while featuring some period-appropriate tracks, does not enhance the atmosphere or contribute to the tension. The music choices feel more like a checklist of ’80s hits rather than a thoughtfully curated selection that complements the film’s tone. The lack of a distinctive musical identity further detracts from the film’s overall impact.
In conclusion, Fear Street: Prom Queen is a disappointing addition to the Fear Street franchise. While it attempts to blend high school drama with slasher horror, it fails to deliver on either front. The film lacks the depth, suspense, and creativity that made the original trilogy compelling. Instead, it offers a predictable narrative with underdeveloped characters and uninspired horror sequences. For fans of the genre, Fear Street: Prom Queen is a missed opportunity that fails to live up to the legacy of its predecessors.
