Fear Street: Part One – 1994

Movie Trailer

Release Date
July 2, 2021

Genre
Horror, Mystery

Cast & Crew

• Kiana Madeira as Deena Johnson
• Olivia Scott Welch as Samantha “Sam” Fraser
• Benjamin Flores Jr. as Josh Johnson
• Julia Rehwald as Kate Schmidt
• Fred Hechinger as Simon Kalivoda
• Ashley Zukerman as Sheriff Nick Goode
• Darrell Britt-Gibson as Martin P. Franklin
• Maya Hawke as Heather Watkins

Director
Leigh Janiak

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Honeymoon (2014)
• Scream: The TV Series (2015-2016) (TV series)

Producer
Peter Chernin
Jenno Topping
David Ready
Kori Adelson

Writer
Leigh Janiak
Phil Graziadei
Based on the book series Fear Street by R.L. Stine

Budget
$18 million

Production Company
Chernin Entertainment
20th Century Studios
Netflix

Running Time
107 minutes

Languages
English (Original)

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence
• Gore
• Language
• Teen drug and alcohol use

Movie Story
Fear Street: Part One – 1994 is the first installment in a trilogy based on R.L. Stine’s popular Fear Street book series. Set in the fictional town of Shadyside, Ohio, the film follows a group of teenagers who uncover the dark history of their town, which has been plagued by a series of brutal murders over the years. The story opens with a shocking murder at the Shadyside Mall, setting the tone for the horror that is about to unfold.

The film’s protagonist, Deena Johnson (Kiana Madeira), is dealing with the aftermath of a breakup with her girlfriend, Sam Fraser (Olivia Scott Welch), who has recently moved to the neighboring town of Sunnyvale, known for its prosperity and low crime rate, in stark contrast to the cursed Shadyside. After a freak accident, Sam becomes possessed by an evil force, triggering a chain of events that links the teens to the town’s dark history.

As Deena, her brother Josh (Benjamin Flores Jr.), and their friends Kate (Julia Rehwald) and Simon (Fred Hechinger) delve deeper into the mystery, they discover that the murders are connected to an ancient curse dating back to the 1600s, involving a witch named Sarah Fier. The curse has caused numerous Shadyside residents to turn into killers over the centuries, including Sam, who is now hunted by the resurrected killers from Shadyside’s past.

The group of teens races against time to break the curse and save Sam from becoming the next victim of Shadyside’s deadly legacy. Along the way, they face off against terrifying killers from different eras, including a masked slasher reminiscent of classic horror villains. The film expertly blends elements of 1990s nostalgia, slasher horror, and supernatural mystery, all while setting up the storylines for the subsequent films in the trilogy.

Special Effects
Fear Street: Part One – 1994 utilizes practical effects and CGI to create its brutal and gory death scenes, paying homage to classic slasher films of the 1990s. The film’s special effects team also crafted the eerie, supernatural atmosphere that permeates Shadyside, with dark, foreboding visuals that enhance the horror elements. The makeup effects for the resurrected killers are particularly effective, giving them a menacing and otherworldly appearance that contributes to the film’s chilling tone.

Box Office Performance
As a Netflix original film, Fear Street: Part One – 1994 was released directly on the streaming platform, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. The film quickly gained popularity on Netflix, becoming one of the most-watched titles in July 2021 and receiving praise for its engaging story, nostalgic references, and effective horror elements. The success of this first installment helped build anticipation for the subsequent parts of the trilogy.

Filming Locations

• Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• East Point, Georgia, USA

Notable Quotes

• “There’s no angry dead witch. The only thing that made him go crazy is this town.” – Deena Johnson
• “This isn’t something that you can run away from. It doesn’t matter how far or how fast you go.” – Josh Johnson
• “We’re all cursed. The witch lives on, and so does her curse.” – Deena Johnson

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Leigh Janiak aimed to create a film that not only paid homage to the classic slasher films of the 1990s but also incorporated modern horror elements and storytelling techniques. The decision to release Fear Street as a trilogy allowed Janiak to explore the deep lore of Shadyside and its cursed history in greater detail. The cast, led by Kiana Madeira and Olivia Scott Welch, brought a mix of fresh talent and energy to the film, making the characters relatable and engaging for both new viewers and fans of the original Fear Street book series. The film’s soundtrack, featuring hits from the 1990s, added to the nostalgic feel and helped set the tone for the era.

Awards

• N/A

Final Verdict
Fear Street: Part One – 1994 is a successful start to the Fear Street trilogy, offering a thrilling mix of slasher horror, supernatural mystery, and 1990s nostalgia. The film’s engaging plot, strong performances, and effective use of horror elements make it a standout entry in the genre. Fans of R.L. Stine’s original series, as well as newcomers, will find much to enjoy in this modern homage to classic horror. The film’s ability to blend scares with a compelling story sets it apart from other recent horror films, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

IMDb Rating
6.2/10