After a wait of 11 years between Scream 3 and 4 and then another whopping 11 between 4 and last year’s self-proclaimed ‘requel’, the bloody franchise bursts back onto the big screen while the latest is still fresh in our collective minds with another entry – just 12 months since the last.

While remaining typically self-aware and full of reverence for each chapter before it, Scream VI on the whole feels more like a very direct, standalone sequel to 2022’s Scream. Introducing fewer new characters than usual as we rejoin the previous film’s so-called “Core Four”, and creating a narrative built entirely around the aftermath of the previous film, Scream VI relies on audiences being up-to-date with the saga. 

Returning legacy characters Gail (Courteney Cox) and SCRE4M’s Kirby (Hayden Panettiere) stop by for the usual (self-aware) nostalgic callbacks, while pay disputes meant series icon Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) makes her first no-show of the franchise. But her absence is hardly felt, as this entry truly belongs to its new cast. Melissa Barrera and rising star Jenna Ortega shine once again, but Jasmin Savoy Brown’s Mindy retains her crown as reigning queen of the latter Screams, bringing the film’s biggest laughs and most meta jabs.

Scream VI also boasts some of the goriest kills of the series to date and the most genuinely intense and harrowing, unforgettable chases. Throw in the franchise’s famed expectation subverting (the opening sequence in particular here is a belter) and you have yourself a real rollercoaster of shocking twists and turns – both narratively, and of Ghostface’s blade into his or indeed her prey. The action here is impeccably choreographed, and no matter what any purists say, the image of Ghostface with a shotgun is rad. I will die on this hill.

There are certainly some narrative missteps – not all of the intended twists come as huge surprises, while some frustrating character logic does continue to rear its ugly head as it always does with slashers (double tap!). But on the whole, the film is an absolute riot and will have you on the edge of your seat from the memorable opening sequence to the cheeky post-credits sting.

Scream may have started as a love letter to slasher movies, but it has ultimately become a love letter to itself. With layer upon layer of meta commentary on its place in horror cinema, its own identity, and its evolution through sequels and requels into a fully-fledged franchise, Scream’s tightrope balancing act of self-aware humour and genuine thrills continues to be masterfully executed in Scream VI. 

Scream continues to go from strength to strength in this latest crowd-pleasing slasher romp, and shows no signs of slowing down. Bloody, bold, and downright excellent.