Netflix has released a full trailer for Fear Street: Prom Queen, the first film in the franchise to be directly adapted from one of R.L. Stine’s numerous books. Have a look:
Much like the story it’s based on (that’s Fear Street No. 15: The Prom Queen, true believers) the story concerns the “It Girls” of Shadyside High viciously competing for the coveted title of Prom Queen. However, when a “gutsy outsider” (per the official log line) throws her hat into the ring, “the other girls start mysteriously disappearing.”
Yes, its R.L Stine’s take on Heathers (or Massacre at Central High) by way of Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II! Revealingly, this new film is even set in 1988, the very year Heathers was released, despite the book being originally published in 1992. Though period-set Fear Street wasn’t unheard of in Stine’s original series (the Fear Street Saga range comes to mind…) the Netflix movies have been laser-focused on setting each installment in a different year- which, if you’re a fan of middle-grade book series’ from the 90’s, was really more of an American Girl thing, but, whatever…I suppose they didn’t want to step on Fear Street, Part One: 1994‘s toes for this one.
Anyway, The Prom Queen is notable amongst the early Fear Street titles for enjoying a higher-than-average body count than the series’ had seen up to that point, finally embracing the slasher film formula and mystique promised by the book’s ever so enchanting covers. For the first direct adaptation of one of R.L. Stine’s series’ entries, it’s a safe but tried and true choice, and I’m personally very excited for it. It’s also rated “R” which is what the kids really wanted with these more “adult” children’s horror novels, anyway, so kudos!
If this does well, maybe we can expect adaptations of some of those truly singular, totally bugnuts Fear Street installments beloved amongst Stine diehards, like Silent Night (Reva, we hate to love her!) or Sunburn (if you know, you know). Until that sunny day, we can at least expect some of best needle drops 1988 has to offer ironically juxtaposed against brutal stalking sequences. Maybe heaven is a place on earth, after all.
Directed by Matt Palmer (taking over from Leigh Janiak, who helmed Fear Street 1994, 1978 and 1666) Prom Queen stars India Fowler, Suzanna Son, Fina Strazza, Chris Klein, David Iacono, Ella Rubin, Ariana Greenblatt, Lili Taylor and Katherine Waterston with supporting roles from Darrin Baker, Rebecca Ablack, Ilan O’Driscoll, Damian Romeo, Dakota Taylor, Eden Summer Gilmore, Brennan Clost, Cecilia Lee and Ryan Rosery. It’s set for release this May 23 on Netflix.
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