Screenplay by Leigh Janiak and Phil Graziadei; Directed by Leigh Janiak; Based on the R.L. Stine Fear Street series; Starring Kiana Madeira, Olivia Scott Welch, Benjamin Flores Jr., Julia Rehwald, Maya Hawke
Genre/Format: Netflix Movie
Released in 2021
Rating R
Plot Summary: Fear Street Part 1: 1994is the first in a trilogy of slasher films based on R.L. Stine's Young Adult horror series. Set in the fictional town of Shadyside, CA a teen, Heather, is attacked while closing the bookstore she works at in the mall. We learn immediately that Heather's murderer is her friend, Ryan, who is shot dead by the police, setting off a chain of events that lead to an important revelation about the town's history. The next night, at a vigil for the slain victims, high schooler Deena confronts her ex-girlfriend, Sam, who broke up with her when her family moved to the neighboring bucolic town of Sunnyvale. While driving home that night, a bus from Shadyside containing Deena and her friends is assaulted by a car of teens, including Sam, from Sunnyvale. Deena retaliates and the car gets run off the road. Injured Sam crawls from the wreckage and believes she sees a vision. Things take a turn for the worse at the hospital, which makes Deena, Sam and three others flee for their lives. The five figure out where the killers are coming from and concoct a plan to end the violence. What they don't realize, however, is how deeply-rooted this violence is in their town's history. Ending it is seemingly impossible.
Creator Background: Leigh Janiak is a director primarily known for her 2014 movie, Honeymoon. She is the director of all three Fear Street movies released this summer. Interesting fact: she is married to Ross Duffer, one of the brothers who created Stranger Things (Dopenamehere_092916).
R.L. Stine is the author of over 300 books, including the famous Goosebumps series, as well as the Young Adult Fear Street books (Stine).
Critical Evaluation: If you are a fan of slasher movies and/or the Fear Street books, then you will love this film. The story is interesting, the blood and gore front and center, and plenty of tension to keep you on the edge of your seat. That said, there are some gaping holes that you must overlook to enjoy the narrative. For example, why would the town of Shadyside not band together to do something about all of these murders that occur year after year? (It's entirely possible this is addressed in the subsequent films, this post is just for the first movie.) On a positive note, the main teen romance in this film happens between two girls, and there is a diversity of ethnicities and races represented. Additionally, none of the typical tropes of slasher movies, like the black person or lesbian being killed off early in the film, is present.
Creative Use for a Library Program: This movie would be fun for a horror festival. A week of promoting YA horror novels and culminating in a weekend film fest, with popcorn and candy, would be fun for the teens. Another idea is to do a R.L. Stine appreciation week.
Speed-Round Talk: Welcome to Shadyside, where you're bound to be murdered, or at least be related to the victim. Or, maybe you're the killer?
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: There may be challenges to Fear Street Part 1: 1994 due to its R rating. Interestingly, Stine's Goosebumps series have been banned in some areas but I couldn't find any information about Fear Street books being banned, most likely because it's geared to the young adult audience. Regardless, some adults might object to an R rated movie being shown in a teen setting. To avoid a dispute, the library should make clear its policy on who can check out R rated movies. If the film is shown at the library, it may be necessary to get parental consent for teens 17 and under who want to attend.
Reason for Inclusion: This movie will be eagerly watched by those who adore the Fear Street books. Additionally, teens who like slasher movies might watch this and become interested in reading the series.
References
Dopenamehere_092916. Leigh Janiak. IMDB.com.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4074404/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm
Netflix. (2021). FEAR STREET | A Film Trilogy Event | Official Teaser | Netflix. Youtube.com.
Stine, R. L. About R.L. Stine. rlstine.com. http://rlstine.com/about-rl-stine
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