Scream 6 review: A return of the gory slasher we need

We have the return of Ghostface in the much anticipated sixth installment of the Scream franchise—Scream 6—hitting theaters this weekend. Can the franchise continue to thrive? I will share my thoughts on the film and let you know.

Scream 6 follows the survivors of the Ghostface killings leaving Woodsboro and trying to start fresh in New York City. The series sees the return of stars Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Mason Gooding.

I will not reveal any spoilers in this review, but I can promise you that the opening sequence of this movie is hands down the BEST opening of this franchise since the original. This is coming from a guy who loved the opening of Scream 2, but this supersedes it. The movie set the tone very early, in a way I thought was missing in Scream 5, and never let up.

Speaking of Scream 5, I didn’t love it and kind of disliked it more and more with each viewing. I felt like top to bottom, the film lacked much of what I loved about this franchise. I was cautiously optimistic heading into this movie because of how I felt about the movie. However, the writers did a brilliant job of getting this franchise back on track.

Melissa Barrera is the new age scream queen in Scream 6

How, you might ask? Well, Scream 6 is a gory, bloody, and ruthless time that brought back the fantastic kills that this franchise is known for. From the opening sequence and each kill that followed, if you are squimish at gory kills, you might look away cause they are BRUTAL. It almost felt like each kill before it was set to outdo the last, leading up to some of the best fight sequences we’ve seen in this franchise.

Let’s talk about the cast, Melissa Barrera is beginning to find her own in this role. Furthermore, I believe she is solidifying herself as the new age scream queen that Neve Campbell once was. There is a scene towards the end of the movie that won me over with Barrera and excites me to see what the writers have in store for her character.

Also, the twins, Mindy and Chad, I love them and are a perfect balance that is needed adding the extra comedic layer this franchise has. Jasmin Savoy Brown has a brilliant dialogue breaking down who might be the killer, and Mason Gooding just has my whole heart.

Overall, Scream 6 is a return to what I love about this franchise and a movie I can’t wait to revisit over and over again. The script was pitch-perfect and it’s hands down the best movie since the original and might have some of my favorite moments of the franchise to date. I walked away from this movie excited about what the creators have in store for Scream 7.

Scream 6 hits theaters on March 10, 2023.