Director – Leigh Janiak
Starring – Kiana Madeira, Ashley Zukerman, Olivia Scott Welch and Benejamin Flores Jr.
Runtime – 114 minutes
Release date – 16th July 2021
Plot – In 1666, a colonial town is gripped by a witch hunt that has deadly consequences for centuries to come, while teenagers in 1994 try to put an end to their town’s curse before it is too late.
REVIEW:
Fear Street: Part 3 – 1666 brings the trilogy to a thrilling conclusion, blending folk horror with modern slasher elements in a satisfying way. The third film in the Fear Street trilogy takes us back to the 17th century, where we finally uncover the origin of the curse that has plagued the town of Shadyside for centuries. Based on the popular R.L. Stine books, this Netflix series offers a more mature take on the nostalgic Goosebumps vibes but doesn’t hold back on the gore and shocking moments. One standout scene, for instance, is when Sarah gets her hand chopped off, a moment that’s as horrifying as it is impactful.
While each movie in the trilogy brings a unique flavour to the table, Fear Street 1978 remains my personal favourite, largely due to its setting in the late 70s, which adds a distinct charm. However, Fear Street 1666 excels in bringing together various subgenres of horror. From the witch-hunting hysteria of the 1600s to the slasher tropes that return in the 1994 timeline, it’s a great example of how different horror styles can work in tandem to create a spooky and cohesive experience.
One thing Fear Street 1666 does well is balance between the two timelines. The movie spends roughly the first hour in 1666, giving us just enough time in the pilgrim era to set up the backstory of Sarah Fier and the curse, before cutting back to 1994 with just under an hour left to tie everything up. While it would have been interesting to spend more time in the 1666 setting, the filmmakers wisely keep the pace brisk to ensure the story’s final act hits with the right momentum.
The reveal of why Shadyside is cursed is both compelling and tragic, adding depth to what could have been a straightforward supernatural horror. As the story unfolds, it all comes full circle in a way that feels earned and emotionally satisfying. The attention to detail in weaving together the past and present helps create an engaging narrative that keeps you hooked, especially as you learn more about the town’s dark history.
The gore and brutality of Fear Street 1666 are consistent with the rest of the trilogy, maintaining the shocking moments that fans have come to expect. It’s basically Goosebumps for adults, with moments of terror that are both grotesque and surprising. The mix of supernatural and slasher elements ensures there’s something for every horror fan, and the climactic battle in the 1994 segment is both tense and exciting.
I highly recommend watching all three movies in quick succession, as they were originally intended to be viewed when they were released weekly in 2021. Watching them back-to-back lets you stay immersed in the story, keeping the suspense fresh and making the overarching plot more impactful. Overall, Fear Street is one of the best horror trilogies in a long time, and Netflix should definitely consider making more adaptations like this.