Commentary: ‘Fear Street: Prom Queen’ Honors A Horror Effects Tradition
by Frank Martin
There’s been an unwritten rule regarding horror special effects since they began being showcased on the big screen: to make the kills and gore as realistic as possible. Filmmakers have constantly been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to bring audiences gruesome mutilations, decapitations, and everything in between. Even if the plot and characters are lacking, horror fans can still find engagement in brutal special effects. For all of its shortcomings, Fear Street: Prom Queen still tries to remain true to this mantra.
The story focuses on two antisocial friends named Lori (India Fowler) and Megan Rogers (Suzanna Son), who constantly rebuke the so-called popular kids in school. Megan is always playing horror themed pranks. However, Lori chooses to run for prom queen to expand her horizons. During the night of the event, prom queen contenders are killed one by one. Megan is considered a suspect, but the true culprits are a girl named Tiffany (Fina Strazza) and her family, who hope to secure the title of prom queen for themselves.
The film never rises to the quality of the original Fear Street trilogy. The 1980s time period is enjoyable, but the characters and plot never excel. However, that may be the point. The ’80s were filled with so many slasher films, all trying to ride the gory horror wave of the era. In that regard, there is something to like about the movie as it tries to emulate that feeling. Through the use of practical and computer-generated effects, the film tries to honor the spirit of making the kills appear as realistic as possible. They are ridiculous, cheesy, and campy, but they are also fun to watch when viewing them the through a lens of horror nostalgia. Aficionados of today may roll their eyes at a film like this, but it can still manage to satisfy a horror fan’s bloodlust in other ways.
Fear Street: Prom Queen is now streaming on Netflix.
