Fans of the initial three Fear Street films have eagerly anticipated a new installment for the past four years. Now, we have Fear Street: Prom Queen, directed by Matt Palmer and newly released on Netflix. Unlike the previous trilogy, this new entry operates independently and is based on R.L. Stine’s 1992 novel The Prom Queen. While it aims to pay tribute to the horror films of the 1980s, it largely falls short, presenting a gory spectacle that emphasizes bloodshed over suspense and intrigue.
Set in 1988 in Shadyside, Ohio—a town infamous for its history of grisly murders, which have been highlighted in the previous Fear Street films—the story revolves around prom season. The lead character, Lori Granger (played by India Fowler of The Agency: Central Intelligence), is somewhat excited about the event. She’s in the running for prom queen but isn’t entirely sure why. What is clear is that she’s in desperate need of a change, as her mother has become an outcast following accusations of a horrific crime. The Granger family is the talk of the town.
While Lori may be able to endure the snide comments from the popular girls at school, she faces a far greater danger: a relentless and mysterious killer who begins a murder spree, targeting prom queen candidates one by one. Though it has potential, the film suffers from lackluster performances and clichéd horror elements, making it feel lifeless from the outset.
Another critical shortcoming is the lack of a compelling protagonist. While India Fowler is a capable actress, Lori comes across as uninteresting and one-dimensional. It’s one thing to present a brooding character, but viewers need someone they can genuinely support. Lori embodies tired horror stereotypes of an emotionally fragile teenage girl in danger. By 2025, audiences expect more depth, and this film feels like a relic from the 1980s.
Lori’s main rival is Tiffany (Fina Strazza), the sharp-tongued leader of the school’s “Wolfpack” of popular girls, who is determined to be prom queen. Confident in her chances due to her clique’s influence, Tiffany doesn’t see Lori—an outsider— as a serious contender. Along the way, there’s some teen flirting, as Lori has a crush on Tiffany’s boyfriend, Tyler (David Iacono). Lori’s best friend, Megan (Suzanna Son), plays a supportive role, but as the story progresses, every character becomes a potential suspect.
The killer dons a creepy theater mask and a red raincoat, wielding an assortment of weapons including an ax, large knives, a school paper cutter (the highlight!), and various other objects. While these elements are fun, the motive for targeting the prom queen contestants remains unclear. As the second half unfolds, nearly all the action takes place at the high school during prom, raising questions like whether it’s necessary for all the lights in the hallways to be turned off. Perhaps it doesn’t matter; this film isn’t meant to make sense.
It’s nice to see Lili Taylor (Mystic Pizza, Outer Range) appear as Shadyside High’s vice principal, the only reasonable adult in the chaotic mix. The others come off as excessively angry, given the time period—this is 1988, not 2025. What could these adults possibly be reacting to? They haven’t had to endure events like 9/11, political divides, social media pressures, or the decline of conventional media.
Horror thrillers don’t necessarily need to adhere to logic. When executed well, audiences appreciate the outrageous kills and jump scares on their own merits. However, this film neglects the development of characters and fails to deliver a tightly woven plot. Matt Palmer, who co-wrote the script with Donald Mcleary, endeavored to create a nostalgic homage to his beloved 1980s films, drawing inspiration from classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street. Unfortunately, the genuine sense of fear that characterized those original films is noticeably absent here.
Ultimately, the film prioritizes the gruesome kills over a coherent narrative, employing overused horror tropes. While few characters manage to leave a lasting impression, Suzanna Son’s performance stands out. The original source material may have been “light,” but the magic of a great horror film lies in how the screenwriter and director collaborate to offer something fresh and exhilarating. Fear Street: Prom Queen does not achieve that, but it may still satisfy its dedicated fanbase—and perhaps that alone is bloody good enough.
