The latest addition to Netflix’s “Fear Street” universe, Prom Queen (2025), arrives draped in ‘80s nostalgia and the promise of retro slasher thrills. Unfortunately, what could have been a riotous homage to a golden era of teen horror instead feels like an uninspired, mechanical imitation that struggles to find a distinctive pulse—or a reason to care who lives or dies.
Plot & Pacing: Paint-by-Numbers Slasher
The movie centers on Lori Granger (India Fowler), a socially ostracized teen whose infamous family history overshadows her run for prom queen at Shadyside High. As prom night approaches, candidates start getting picked off in classic slasher style. The film moves briskly through its lineup of archetypes: the edgy bestie, the preening mean girl (Fina Strazza), the jock, and a handful of forgettable competitors. Despite its 90-minute runtime and a focus on the prom itself, the narrative never builds meaningful suspense, relying instead on viewers’ familiarity with the formula.
Kill Sequences & Horror Elements
Slasher fans, take note: while Prom Queen boasts plenty of violence, even practical effects can’t rescue the limp execution of its kills. Weapons range from axes to schoolyard tools (including a memorable guillotine paper cutter), but moments that should be tense are mostly routine, with victims offering little fight or fright. For a franchise built on creative, brutal set pieces, the lack of tension or innovation feels particularly disappointing. The gore’s there, but the scares aren’t.
Characters and Performances
If nostalgia and archetypes can carry a film, Prom Queen was hoping you wouldn’t notice just how drab and stereotypical most of its characters are. Lori, our protagonist, rarely rises above her trauma-dumped backstory, and even the mean girl tropes feel oddly lifeless. Some relationships—like Lori’s with goth best friend Megan (Suzanna Son)—have potential but are left undercooked. The supporting cast, including cameos from notable adult actors, do their best but are largely wasted on exposition or filler lines.
A few performances offer fleeting sparks: Ariana Greenblatt’s “Christy” stands out in a minor early role, and Lili Taylor brings warmth as an ex-nun turned vice principal. Still, most performances are wooden, and any hints at emotional complexity or interesting queer subplots are quickly brushed aside.
Atmosphere, Visuals, and Style
Director Matt Palmer aims for an ‘80s atmosphere but mostly delivers generic Netflix gloss. The costuming and set design evoke little genuine retro flair, and the soundtrack does little to help the mood. The prom’s centrality is a fun idea, but the film feels more like an afterthought—rushed through highlights rather than building genuine momentum. Genre fans may spot nods to Prom Night and Alice, Sweet Alice, but these influences mostly underscore what the film lacks in originality or wit.
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Strengths:
- Practical effects and makeup serve up gory, convincing kill sequences.
- Pacing is brisk: if you want a quick, group-friendly horror watch, this works as harmless background fare.
- Weaknesses:
- Flat, predictable plotting and a “Scooby Doo” level unmasking that lands without tension.
- Wooden performances and lifeless dialogue.
- Minimal connection to the R.L. Stine source or previous trilogy, missing the layered lore and thematic resonance that made those films stand out.
- Costuming, character development, and horror payoff all undercooked or generic.
Final Verdict
Fear Street: Prom Queen is a routine, nostalgia-chasing slasher that never musters the spark—or terror—of its predecessors. The kills offer flashes of fun for gorehounds, but bland characters, uninspired direction, and a lack of suspense make this a dance most horror fans will quickly forget. Best enjoyed as mindless, campy background viewing for slasher completionists or a tongue-in-cheek horror night with friends.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. Even at its bloodiest, Prom Queen can’t make you care who wins—or who gets the axe.