Director – Leigh Janiak
Starring – Kiana Maderia, Olivia Scott Welch, Benjamin Flores Jr., Julia Rehwald and Fred Hechinger
Runtime – 107 minutes
Release date – 2nd July 2021
Plot – After a series of brutal slayings, a teen and her friends take on an evil force that’s plagued their notorious town for centuries.
REVIEW:
Spoiler Warning: This review contains spoilers for Fear Street 1994.
Fear Street: Part One – 1994 takes viewers on a thrilling ride, blending the nostalgic vibes of Stranger Things and Scream into an adrenaline-pumping slasher film. The opening scene, set in a neon-lit mall, throws us straight into the action with a brutal murder, setting the tone for the rest of the movie. It immediately evokes memories of Stranger Things with its familiar settings and youthful cast, while the masked killer stalking victims in dark corners feels straight out of Scream. These influences combine to give the film a sense of both familiarity and fresh intensity.
The contrast between the neighbouring towns of Shadyside and Sunnyvale is a central theme that is captured exceptionally well. Shadyside feels rundown, almost suffocating, with its empty streets, boarded-up businesses, and air of despair. On the other hand, Sunnyvale is pristine, with clean streets and well-maintained houses, giving it a more affluent and safe appearance. This difference adds depth to the story, emphasising the social and economic divide between the towns, which plays into the larger mystery of Shadyside’s dark, murderous history.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to build and maintain suspense. From Josh’s eerie discussions of Shadyside’s dark past as the murder capital of the U.S. to the unfolding chaos, each moment keeps you on edge. His fascination with the town’s bloody history, along with the numerous killings over the years, foreshadows the carnage that is yet to come, weaving a chilling undercurrent of dread throughout the movie.
The main characters—Deena, Josh, Kate, and Simon—are all surprisingly likeable, making it easy to become invested in their survival. The filmmakers do a brilliant job of making us care about the group within the film’s limited runtime. When Kate meets her grisly fate, it’s not just another slasher death, but a genuinely gut-wrenching moment. The movie doesn’t shy away from showing just how graphic and brutal its world can be, making it clear that no one is safe, not even the leads.
Despite the blood and intensity, the film manages to inject moments of humour that offer a brief respite from the tension. From Simon’s quirky personality to the banter between the group, these lighter moments help balance out the darker themes and give the characters more depth. Yet, the film keeps its audience guessing, especially during the heart-pounding moments when Sam’s life is hanging in the balance, tricking viewers into believing a happy ending is in sight.
Finally, Sheriff Goode’s subtle yet suspicious behaviour leaves a lingering sense that there’s more going on beneath the surface, making it clear he knows more than he lets on. The film’s cliffhanger ending almost demands that you dive straight into the sequel. The combination of shocking deaths, well-paced suspense, and compelling characters makes Fear Street: 1994 a bold and gripping start to the trilogy.