Fear Street Part 1: 1994 - Movie Review
I grew up reading Christopher Pike, LJ Smith, and R.L. Stine. Goosebumps was the gateway drug that got me into the darker young adult writers of the time. Fear Street was the evolution of Goosebumps. It was the R rated version for the big kids. I love that Netflix cashed in on 90’s nostalgia instead of the 80’s. In the 90’s there was little difference between horror for adults and horror for kids. In the young adult books of the time there was extreme violence, sex, and unhappy endings. It was a time where everything wasn’t a cookie cutter predictable cash grab. Anyone could die at any time. I’m happy to say that the first part of the Fear Street trilogy stays true to these roots.
The movie opens on a perfect recreation of a 90’s mall. It looks just like the old Paradise Valley Mall that I grew up with. The B. Dalton store pictured is even the same layout! It’s a loving tribute to the decade that shaped my generation. It’s the only loving thing about the intro. This movie starts out with a miniature slasher picture that Dario Argento would be proud of. Extreme violence is teamed with black lights and Orange Julius. Nostalgia is weaponized as you relate to the kids stuck working the closing shift just before misfortune strikes. This is the triggering event of the film. Another serial killer has struck in the town of Shadyside, Murdertown USA.
Enter Deena and Josh, latchkey siblings who play the protagonists of the film. Deena is the sullen older sibling and Josh is the dreamer. Unfortunately, his dreams are centered on solving the mystery of the Shadyside murders. Over a dozen serial killers have struck in the town in the past 200 years following the execution of a legendary witch. Josh is convinced all of the murders were caused by the witches curse.
What I really LOVE about this movie is that the diversity doesn’t feel forced. There is representation aplenty, but everything feels organic. The movie fakes you out at the beginning, making you think Deena’s friend Simon is the stereotypical gay best friend. However, it’s a bait and switch as it turns out the EX Deena is pining for is her ex-girlfriend Sam. Sam has moved to her mom’s house and is playing straight to fulfill her parent’s idea of normalcy. Its a beautiful touch that makes this story feel so fresh. It also helps that all of the actors work their asses off. Kiana Madeira is so charismatic that you fall in love with her. She’s brash, but not annoying. That’s an extremely thin line to walk and most actors fall off of the edge. The chemistry between the leads is palpable.
I cared about every one of those poor kids.
I really don’t want to spoil anything in the movie as there are many twists and turns. The film actually fooled me which is a rarity considering how many movies I watch. I screamed at the top of my lungs during one kill in the bakery. It was the noise of my heart breaking as my favorite character met their end.
The villain of the film is just as nuanced as the heroes. The witch is seen in schizophrenic bursts through psuedopsychic visions. She is seen in two guises, the woman who was executed and the pointy hooded monster she’s become since death. She utilizes the serial killers from the town’s history to do her dirty work. They do not disappoint. The practical makeups done by Christopher Allen Nelson’s team is top notch. Much like the 13 Ghosts remake, each killer has their unique hook and gimmick. Whenever one of them shows up, it changes the game. They feel distinct and terrifying as there’s a variety of different scares.
This is a love letter to my childhood. I’m so glad Netflix went big on budget as the film is gorgeously assembled. This looks as good or better than a season of Stranger Things. The soundtrack is incredible. I feel like the filmmakers ripped it directly from my Spotify playlist (link on my instagram). It made me feel like I was back in my teen years without any of the negatives.
I can’t wait for the viewing party next Friday where my crew will be watching the final 2 sections of the film.
