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Netflix’s final installment of the Fear Street trilogy has finally been released, putting an end to this series. Before reading this review, be sure to check out the reviews for the previous two films written by Jordan Simmons and John Tangalin.
The Fear Street Witch Project
Fear Street Part Three picks up where 1978 left off. Deena (Kiana Madeira) is brought into a flashback set in Shadyside. It is formally known as Union, in 1666 through the eyes of Sarah Fier, the witch herself. In this flashback, many of the actors who make up the original cast of 1994 are recycled to populate Union. All are happy and prosperous. Although, the fortune Union began with takes a turn after a night of fun that the teenagers of the village have in the woods. As the flashback transpires, Deena discovers the truth behind the curse of Shadyside. Once the truth is revealed, she is brought back to 1994 Shadyside to end the curse once and for all.
The third installment’s greatness lies in the cohesion and clarity of the curse’s Salem Witch Trial-esque origins. Leigh Janiak, Phil Graziadei, and Kate Trefy do an excellent job translating the origin of the curse from R.L. Stine’s Fear Street series to this trilogy. The screenplay trio not only emphasizes the importance of this part by tying any loose ends the previous movies have left. They also mirror some essential storylines from the previous installments. Truly, without this part, the others are extremely lackluster.
The Coven of Fear Street
Performances of the Dead
The young stars do a fantastic job making clear choices and distinctions between their Shadyside characters in 1994 and their Union characters in 1666. All of their mannerisms are that of a 1666 Pilgrim settlement. Their accents, however, prove to be distracting in their execution. Yes, the characters are meant to have soft British accents, which is accurate for the time. Although, some of them slip in and out of their accents. If an accent cannot be properly done, it’s sometimes best to just forego it.
The performance that steals the show is Olivia Scott Welch. The physical movement and guttural screams she emits while portraying possessed Sam are terrifying, admirable, and worrisome. I hope Welch had some hot tea with lemon and a stack of cough drops waiting for her in between takes.
The Exorcism of Shadyside
Overall, Fear Street Part Three: 1666 brings a satisfying ending to this trilogy requires. It unifies the three movies in a seamless manner that its importance cannot be argued. Unfortunately, in order to get to this satisfying ending, you need to go through the pain of the first 2 films.
Watch the entire Fear Street series on Netflix starting this weekend!
Cannot wait to watch it!!!! Great, great review!!