Scream VI takes the slasher franchise up a notch with more brutal kills, a Ghostface like never before, and a whole lot of meta movie references.
Scream VI keeps the Scream franchise moving with a whole lot of fun, brutal kills, and a Ghostface killer like we have not seen before. This film is an absolute blast from start to finish as it pushes the envelope in ways you might never expect. Sure, it is a bit predictable at times, but that won’t stop viewers from sitting on the edge of their seat while they keep their fingers crossed that their favorite character survives.
Per usual, Scream 6 includes a lot of meta movie references. We are always blessed with the description of the rules of a slasher movies, which change the longer the series is around, and Scream VI is no different. These details are important to the story, as always, and raise the stakes. Of course, it is horror movie buff Mindy who lays them out for the audience in a way that is entertaining and familiar. Get excited because you haven’t seen anything yet.
Scream V brought together Sam, Tara, Mindy, and Chad. As the survivors of the previous film, there is something that feels safe about seeing them all back together again. The core 4 add the little bit of heart and humor that we get in the movie, although honestly the majority of this movie is intense and suspenseful.
Of course, this movie isn’t all perfect, but it is a ton of fun. Something that has always been a part of the Scream films is that the killer(s), and even victims, tend to have almost superhuman abilities. There are some things no one could bounce back from, but logic is pushed out the window in terms of injury with Scream VI, just like many films before it.
This can cause some laughs and eye-rolling, as you know there is no way that person would be getting back up. That said, it certainly makes the movie more entertaining when they do.
Hayden Panettiere Is BACK!
Kirby Reed survived after Scream IV and is worked into the story of Scream VI perfectly. This character is brought back in a way that makes sense and doesn’t feel cheap. This isn’t a cameo, don’t worry, she is a full blown (almost) main character in this go-round. It is great to see her back as she kicks some serious butt, delivers some killer one liners, and makes the story that much better.
Hayden is a talented actress and has been missed from the acting world, so to see her back on the big screen, and in a franchise like Scream, is enough to make anyone smile. She is one of the best parts of the movie and delivers a performance fans won’t soon forget.
A More Brutal Ghostface
Fans of slasher movies will be very happy to hear that they really upped the ante with this one. Scream VI delivers some of the most brutal kills to ever grace the screen. Just when you think things are as far as they will get, Ghostface pushes the envelope just a bit further. See this in a theater and there are sure to be many people covering their eyes and gasping as the brutality is taken just a bit further.
For those who like blood and gore in their movies, Scream VI has you covered. This is probably the bloodiest Scream film yet — and it starts that way right off the bat. The opening sequence is one of the most intense, heart-pounding, and suspenseful moments of the entire franchise. It is a great way to kick things off and sets the perfect tone for what is to come. Get ready to laugh nervously as you try to piece it together, because it isn’t going to play out at all how you expect it to.
Scream VI Ghostface Reveal
Don’t worry, we promised no spoilers and that is exactly what we meant. That said, is the Ghostface killer reveal obvious or does the film keep you guessing throughout? To be honest, it is a little on the predictable side. At least 75% of it or so is likely to be figured out before the reveal by most viewers.
That doesn’t make it any less fun though and there are some shocking parts of the reveal that will have audiences gasping.
Do You Miss Sidney Prescott?
We aren’t going to lie, Sidney Prescott is missed a little bit. Yes, they explain her absence in a way that works with the plot, but we can’t help but wish she popped up to take on Ghostface at least once in Scream VI.
At least it was addressed, although done so with one quick line and then they move along. There is enough going on throughout the rest of the movie that if you are able to push the thought of her out of your head, you honestly likely won’t think of her again until they mention her.
How’s Gale Weathers?
Speaking of Legacy characters, Courtney Cox delivers her best performance as Gale in Scream VI. In reality, she has some of the best moments of the entire film. She is sick of Ghostface’s crap and she is not going down without a fight.
She takes a backseat to the story at times, but have no fear Gale fans, she has her time to shine as well.
Overall Thoughts
Scream VI is an ode to the films that came before it. It is by far the most brutal and intense Scream of the franchise and is sure to have fans beaming from ear-to-ear as they cover their eyes and gasp as each kill is taken up a notch.
The entire cast delivers killer performances (see what we did there), but the stand outs are definitely Jenna Ortega, Melissa Barrera, Courtney Cox, and Hayden Panettierre. There is something about seeing them all together, knowing the trauma that connects them, that makes this film special. These are some truly badass women who know how to kick serious butt.
From the same writers as Scream 5, Scream 6 continues the story while also setting up for Scream 7. Considering how far they pushed the envelope with this one, we cannot wait to see what is going to come next.
Oh, and be sure to stay through the credits. You won’t regret it.
Rating: 4 out of 5
NEXT: Most Frightening Scream VI Quotes
About Scream VI
Four survivors of the Ghostface murders leave Woodsboro behind for a fresh start in New York City. However, they soon find themselves in a fight for their lives when a new killer embarks on a bloody rampage.
Scream VI comes to theaters on March 10th.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.