SCREAM VI

The children have returned, and along with them emerges the masked murderer who relentlessly hunts them down. The latest installment in the iconic "Scream" franchise, brought to life by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (also known as Radio Silence), introduces a new chapter in the lives of the Woodsboro survivors. They have relocated to the bustling city of New York, seeking solace far away from the haunting presence of Ghostface in the suburbs. Regrettably, their newfound peace is short-lived, for this is "Scream VI" after all.

The movie begins with the gruesome murder of a film professor, and as the body count rapidly rises, Samantha Carpenter (played by Melissa Barrera), her sister Tara (Jenna Ortega), and twins Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Chad (Mason Gooding) make preparations to escape. However, they find themselves outpaced by the cunning new Ghostface. Joining forces with returning characters Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) and Kirby Reed (Hayden Panettiere), as well as a diverse ensemble of newcomers including Anika (Devyn Nekoda), Josh (Danny Brackett), Ethan (Jack Champion), Quinn (Liana Liberato), and Detective Bailey (Dermot Mulroney), the newly-formed "core four" must once again confront their relentless assailant(s), this time in the heart of the Big Apple.

In the realm of "Scream" sequels, there have been worse, but the wear and tear on Ghostface's iconic mask is becoming apparent. The script adequately serves its purpose, albeit on a superficial level, introducing intriguing concepts that are never fully explored. While the movie briefly touches upon themes of trauma and characters' coping mechanisms, these concerns swiftly vanish when the nightly news broadcasts the first murders. Aside from clever references for horror enthusiasts, such as hidden costumes from other scary movies and nods to horror directors and podcasts, "Scream VI" lacks substantial commentary on the horror fandom itself. Ironically, in this particular film, the horror fandom takes an extremely toxic and deadly turn. Wes Craven's original "Scream" dared to mock the genre's tropes, but the subsequent installments have leaned heavily into meta-explanations of horror movie rules, now bordering on comedic effect. Rather than cutting-edge meta-commentary, they have become inside jokes for the audience to recognise and chuckle at. Dare I say, this approach has been exhausted.

The script penned by Guy Busick and James Vanderbilt loses momentum, yet amidst the lull, there are several suspenseful set pieces that showcase the directing prowess of Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett. One notable moment occurs when Ghostface tracks down Sam, Tara, and Quinn in their residence. Although a few are mercilessly picked off, the trio manages to barricade themselves in a room. With the aid of a lovestruck neighbor and a ladder, they seize the opportunity to escape by traversing across perilous heights. This sequence impeccably captures the tension, inducing viewers to hold their breath in hopes that these hapless souls will emerge unscathed. Another chilling scene transpires when one of the main characters finds themselves locked in a stare-down with Ghostface amidst a crowded train, unable to defend themselves. The palpable sensation of being targeted in plain sight elicits a haunting and unsettling experience.

However, one notable absence from the cast is none other than franchise staple Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell). Campbell revealed that she was not offered a satisfactory financial deal to reprise her role, and in a movie that venerates its own lore, the omission of this significant character feels like a misstep. In Campbell's absence, Courteney Cox assumes a more prominent role, finally receiving

a call from Ghostface and engaging in another intense confrontation with the killer. Yet, the true breakout star of the new "Scream" incarnation remains Jenna Ortega, whose smudged mascara and razor-sharp one-liners inject each scene with a vibrant energy. This time around, she is given ample opportunities to land solid punches and kicks, a refreshing change from the previous film where she spent most of the runtime in a wounded state.

In a surprising twist, the most disappointing aspect of the movie is the portrayal of New York City itself, which fails to convince as an authentic representation of the metropolis. With Montreal masquerading as New York, it becomes difficult to overlook the absence of real alleyways or the fabricated subway stops that substitute for well-known locations like Brooklyn College at the end of the 2 and 5 train lines. While certain elements of the city are utilized effectively, such as a gripping confrontation with Ghostface in a bodega and suspenseful scenes where apartments face each other reminiscent of "Rear Window," other parts feel detached from the vibrant essence of the city, lacking a sense of its iconic skyline and distinctive character. Even non-locals may notice the absence of major landmarks typically present in other movies set in New York.

When it comes to sequels, "Scream VI" is an enigmatic and self-referential beast, akin to a snake consuming its own tail until there is nothing left. The question arises: what will it take to inject fresh blood into the franchise and move it forward? For now, we are presented with a horror film that tickles the nostalgic funny bone, offering chilling moments and cheesy lines that elicit more laughter than screams, accompanied by a snippet of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' haunting track "Red Right Hand." I hold no grudges against those who seek the simple pleasures of a traditional slasher flick; however, I had hoped for a bit more substance to accompany the movie's abundance of blood.