Director – Leigh Janiak
Starring – Sadie Sink, Emily Rudd, Ryan Simpkins, McCabe Slye and Ted Sutherland
Runtime – 109 minutes
Release date – 8th July 2021
Plot – A summer of fun turns into a gruesome fight for survival as a killer terrorises Camp Nightwing in the cursed town of Shadyside.
REVIEW:
Spoiler Warning: This review contains spoilers for Fear Street 1978.
The second chapter in Netflix’s Fear Street trilogy kicks off with an immediate sense of dread, thanks to the eerie music during the production logos. From the start, you’re drawn into the creepy atmosphere that only intensifies as the story unfolds. This time, the film takes us back to Camp Nightwing, a summer camp that feels like a direct homage to Friday the 13th’s Camp Crystal Lake. The nods to classic slasher films add a layer of nostalgia for horror fans while keeping the tension high throughout.
Sadie Sink is an absolute powerhouse in her portrayal of Ziggy Berman, bringing an emotional depth and raw intensity to the role. Watching her character deal with the traumas of bullying, sibling tension, and the horrors of the witch’s curse makes her performance truly standout. Sink has a magnetic presence that carries the film, drawing you into her struggles and determination to survive.
One scene that particularly unsettled me was when Tommy broke the glass, releasing a swarm of snakes—given my phobia, it was a nightmare to watch and left me cringing in my seat. It’s just one of many terrifying moments throughout the movie that ramps up the tension and keeps you on edge. From brutal slasher scenes to the eerie supernatural elements tied to the witch’s curse, Fear Street 1978 doesn’t hold back on the horror, delivering scare after scare.
One of the strongest aspects of the movie is the relationship between Cindy Berman, Ziggy’s sister, and their friend Alice. Cindy’s journey from a rule-abiding, distant sibling to someone determined to protect her loved ones is captivating. I found myself deeply invested in her story as she rebuilds her fractured relationship with Ziggy and faces her own internal struggles. Alice’s character arc also adds complexity, as their shared history and bonds are tested under the strain of the curse. Their dynamic is emotionally compelling, adding layers beyond the slasher elements.
That said, I did find myself questioning the ease with which they discovered the entrance to the witch’s cave. The fact that it was so accessible raised some doubts—how had no one else stumbled upon it before? Especially considering the camp’s history with the witch’s curse, it felt a bit too convenient that only now, after so many years, did someone finally uncover it. That aside, the cave scenes ramp up the horror and tension, keeping the momentum strong.
One of the most shocking elements, much like in Fear Street 1994, is the film’s willingness to kill off key characters. It completely subverts the typical horror trope of saving the leads, and I found myself genuinely surprised when Cindy, who I thought would make it, met her tragic end. This bold storytelling choice keeps you on edge, never allowing the audience to feel too comfortable about anyone’s survival.
The big twist at the end was brilliantly done. All along, we were led to believe that Cindy Berman was the one who survived the massacre and became C. Berman. The reveal that it was actually Ziggy who survived was a fantastic surprise, adding a satisfying layer of complexity to the narrative. And just when you think it’s over, the movie hits you with another cliffhanger, leaving you desperate to jump straight into the third and final instalment.