Scream VI review: A new Ghostface haunts the Big Apple with brutal murders but the film is too predictable

3/5

Story: The sixth instalment of the popular horror franchise is set a year after the Woodsboro killings. The four survivors of the last massacre try to leave the past and start a new life in New York City. However, their peace is short-lived when a new Ghostface arrives, just in time for Halloween.

Review: Slasher movies, one of the most popular subgenres of horror films has evolved over the decades. In the 90s, the Scream franchise reinvented the slasher film genre and took a parodied and deconstructed approach to the traditional slasher movie formula. The success of the requel Scream 5 was credited to its clever writing, self-aware humour, and nods to the original films.

With Scream 5 following a more traditional route, it was intriguing to see that the latest movie has indulged in experimentation that gives a fresh aesthetic. One of the most unexpected aspects of the movie is that it upgraded from a small town to the heart of New York City. Following the high school-to-college storyline of the original movies, Manhattan was an interesting choice with its hustle and bustle, and high crime rate. The script tries to retain a new and fresh feel while also paying homage to the original storyline and characters. Hayden Panettiere returning as the fan-favourite character Kirby Reed and Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers was a page out of the nostalgia book. From the Slasher movie Nerds to the easter egg references to famous horror movies, some set pieces almost feel like fan interactions. The characters even try to explain classic horror rules and the meta aspect feels a little too overdone than contemporary.

The first half of the movie was undoubtedly one of the best of all the movies. Meaningless brutal killings and the eerie yet apprehensive feel of the Ghostface terror do keep one on edge, and whenever it feels like there is a break from the barbarous stabbings, the Ghostface comes back. The “whodunnit” aura is ever present, no one is spared from suspicion. Charmingly, the dynamic of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega as the legacy sisters are getting better and the newfound success of Ortega as the new queen of Horror has worked in their favour. However, Melissa Barrera’s Sam Carpenter as the older and strong-minded sister overshadows Ortega’s snarky one-liners and juvenile demeanour. The disappointing ride starts just after the attack of the group in Sam and Tara's apartment where any experienced thriller watcher becomes aware of what is to come their way. The downfall is pretty fast although the subway scene redeems to a certain extent.

Verdict: The movie begins on a great abhorrent and terrorizing note while keeping the humour alive. But towards the second half, the storyline gets a little too predictable. Hence, the nostalgic references and fan-favourite characters are among the few aspects that will keep one invested in the film.