The new Netflix horror movie Fear Street: Prom Queen brings back the bloody world of Shadyside. Fans are wondering if it connects to the original Fear Street trilogy from 2021. The answer is both yes and no.
Fear Street: Prom Queen is a standalone story set in the same cursed town. It follows a group of high school girls competing for prom queen in 1988. When a masked killer starts targeting them, the night turns into a fight for survival. The movie is based on R.L. Stine’s 1992 book The Prom Queen but takes creative liberties.
The original trilogy—Fear Street Part One: 1994, Part Two: 1978, and Part Three: 1666—focused on the curse of Sarah Fier. The three films were deeply connected, revealing the dark history of Shadyside. Prom Queen, however, tells a new story with fresh characters.
Director Matt Palmer confirmed the film is mostly independent.
“We’re sort of striking out for new territory. It’s definitely a standalone film, but there might be something very late in the movie, maybe even after the credits, that could link up to the original trilogy.”
Despite being separate, Prom Queen has small nods to the past films. Flashbacks show events from Fear Street: Part Two – 1978, and a first responder mentions, “It’s worse than ’78.” The mid-credits scene also hints at a deeper connection to the original trilogy’s lore.
The movie’s killer, Nancy Falconer, has blood that forms the Witch’s Mark—a symbol tied to the Goode family’s curse in the first three films. This suggests she might be linked to the same evil force. However, the film doesn’t confirm if the Goode family directly caused her killings.
Fear Street: Prom Queen introduces a new slasher villain while keeping the franchise’s gory style. The story focuses on high school drama, family secrets, and brutal murders. Unlike the trilogy, it doesn’t continue Sarah Fier’s curse but expands the world of Shadyside.
The cast includes India Fowler as Lori Granger, an outsider running for prom queen. Suzanna Son plays her best friend Megan, while Katherine Waterston stars as the sinister Nancy Falconer. The film blends 1980s nostalgia with horror, featuring big hair, neon lights, and a killer soundtrack.
Critics have mixed opinions. Some praise the kills and 80s vibe, while others find the story predictable.
“Void of genre send-ups, visual finesse, ’80s styling, or horror’s requisite bloodshed, Fear Street: Prom Queen doesn’t even possess the distinction of attempting to emulate horror films from the decade it’s set in.”
Despite the divide, the movie delivers what fans expect—blood, suspense, and a fresh take on Fear Street. It doesn’t require watching the trilogy but offers small rewards for those who did.
Fear Street: Prom Queen is now streaming on Netflix.
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