Scream VI (2023) Dir: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett
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In February 2022, I went to the cinema to watch Scream 5, and while it wasn't the best film, I enjoyed it. Just over a year later, I was back to watch number 6. I came into it with low expectations, after all Screams' 3-5 were relatively mediocre. However, I came out of the cinema trying to decide if this sixth iteration topped even the 90s original that started the franchise.
Matt Bettinelli-Olpin returns to co-direct alongside Tyler Gillett, and together they produce what is a fantastic modern slasher that is both faithful to the thrills and tropes of the franchise, but also manages to forge a new path using its new generation of characters.
The narrative is the best since the first film, and the change in location is much needed and helps to freshen up the feel of the franchise immediately. The big twist works well and actually makes some sense.
I did partially predict it, but I'm not mad about it, sometimes the right decision is better than a wild swerve for the sake of a swerve. I also like that they wrote Neve Campbell's iconic final girl out of the film in a really respectable way that makes sense in the context of the film.
Jenna Ortega has really grown into her role, as part of the next generation of protagonists. This franchise is lucky to have her, as her natural acting ability, as well as recent stratospheric rise to mainstream fame, brings attention and acclaim to a once weary franchise.
The Scream revival can also be attributed to Ortega's co-star Melissa Barerra, whose character has developed nicely and whose arc has become an intriguing slow burn subplot to look out for. Barerra herself is very solid in her leading role, and often brings scenes back to the more serious sides when needed.
Mason Gooding returns to the franchise, and while he is the weakest of the 'core 4' characters, he still provides plenty of strong moments, particularly in the second act.
Jasmine Savoy Brown is another returning face from the last film, and I found her far more likeable in this one, I have to say. Her second act is also her strongest, with some great moments of character development coming from that portion of the film in particular.
The last of the original key characters in Courtney Cox returns, although it isn't her best performance. That said, she has some good moments towards the end of the second act especially.
Another 'legacy' character, as they've been coined, who returns is Hayden Panettiere. She wasn't as good as she was in Scream 4, but in all honesty, she isn't the focus of attention here, so it doesn't bother me.
Dermot Mulroney provides one of the most intriguing characters in the film, and while his performance isn't spectacular, his better scenes are very enjoyable.
Some other key characters are played by Josh Segarra, Jack Champion, Liana Liberato and Devin Nekoda, whom all have relatively strong showings in supporting roles.
Finally, I'll give quick mentions to the likes of Roger L. Jackson - the voice of Ghostface, Skeet Ulrich, Tony Revolori and Samara Weaving, each one provided their own quality moments, worthy of note.
Overall, my expectations were blown out of the water in the best way. I wasn't expecting to say this, but this has to be the best Scream since Scream.
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