If you’re a 90s or 2000s kid and still get goosebumps looking at that ugly fcking mask, you are not alone. In fact, jashn ki taiyaari cuz Ghostface is back to haunt another generation of kids, and this time it is set in the streets of New York. Directed by the dynamic duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, this sequel is like a horror reunion, blending the OGs like Courteney Cox with fresh faces like Jenna Ortega. New York City is about to get a taste of Ghostface and trust me, it’s not serving up bagels and cream cheese ://
Plot
So, Tara and Samantha Carpenter, after the events of Scream 5 are like, “Pls maaf kardo Woodsboro, we’ll just settle in NYC.” But guess what? Ghostface is like a typical Indian parent– it doesn’t believe in personal space. The sisters find themselves in a murder-fueled rollercoaster, with the city serving as a creepy backdrop. The Core Four – sisters, and the twins Chad and Mindy – become Ghostface’s latest targets. Oh, and Sam’s got some family drama with visions of her Ghostface daddy (Ye kaunse Daddy issues hai?). Will they survive? What’s Ghostface’s deal this time? The movie pays homage to its roots while injecting new elements, exploring the lineage of the Ghostface killer, and bringing back the childhood trauma I had locked away in a closet.
Performances
I was really excited to watch Jenna Ortega back on screen after her *Chef’s Kiss* performance in ‘Wednesday’. The idea of her being on the other side of the nightmare really intrigued me, and boy did she deliver on my expectations. Both she and Melissa Barrera bring that ‘final-girl’ charm that makes you root for them even when Ghostface fckin things up all over the place. Courteney Cox and Hayden Panettiere, the OGs, make a killer comeback, adding a dash of nostalgia to the mix. But it is not all scary. The banter between characters, especially Gale and Kirby, brings some laughs to break the tension. Everyone’s on point, making you believe in Ghostface’s slashing spree and the twisted legacy behind it.
Direction and Writing
Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett are not here to mess around. They keep it intense as fck, and surpass the expectations set by the 2022 movie. And brooo, the opening sequence is like a punch to the gut, telling you this ain’t your average horror flick. Now that’s what I’m talking about!!!! That’s what we expect from the Scream series. Also, the writers perfectly balancing the act between honoring the past and giving us something fresh was a real W move. Now it won’t just be the newbies watching it, but the ’90s and 2000s kids too. The writing kinda drags at times but connects the dots between Ghostface and the Core Four without falling into the usual horror clichés (a BIGGG thank you for that from my side). Meta-commentary? Check. Homage to horror legends? Double-check.
Screenplay and Cinematography
The best part about the movie is there are suspense, thrill, and gruesome murders right from the beginning. Also, no spoilers here, but unlike its predecessors, Scream VI doesn’t hand out clues like candy. It’s a paranoia-driven rollercoaster that keeps you guessing who the fck Ghostface actually is, thus investing you in the movie more than ever. It’s like tumhari phatt rahi hai, phir bhi you can’t stop from being the detective. The NYC backdrop adds a layer of horror, especially in the subway scene – shoutout to Freddy, Jason, Pennywise, and the Grady sisters making a cameo. Fr my favourite part about the movie. But, what about the gore and action? There’s plenty of that. So, if you’re not friends with blood, zara hattke zara bachke rehna.
All in all, clocking in at 123 minutes, Scream VI drags at places and isn’t flawless, but who cares when you’re having this much fun? Ortega and Barrera shine, the direction keeps you on the edge of your seat, and Ghostface’s legacy gets a NYC version. If you’re a fan of blood, guts, and a good scream, Scream VI is a worthwhile addition that keeps the spirit of the series alive while carving its own, blood-stained path in the crowded horror landscape.
