Netflix's Fear Street trilogy has inspired a lot of discussion, as several things about it stand out, from the decision to release three movies over three weeks to the 1994, 1978, and 1666 settings. While some fans of the R.L. Stine book series have been excited to check these adaptations out, the movies have also found new fans who aren't as familiar with the books.
It's always fun to hear what horror fans have to say about a new movie or TV show, and those who love the genre have found a lot to appreciate in the Fear Street movies. Viewers have taken to Reddit to share their thoughts, from their burning questions to how they feel about the structure.
Why Did Deena's Nose Bleed?
After watching all three movies, Reddit user Epixca asked why Deena's nose bleeds when she didn't actually touch Sarah Fier's grave or hand. They found this part confusing and wondered if other fans could explain it. M0RD3CA1_vii replied, saying that it could be because of "light magic" and explained, "She made a vow while allowing herself to be sacrificed and saving the woman she loved - that's strong light magic in a lot of magic-based shows."
The fan asked a great question and the potential explanation makes a lot of sense, too. For many who watched the Fear Street trilogy, the backstory of Sarah Fier is one of the strongest parts, and it's fun to think the whole thing through.
It Was Smart To Create A Trilogy, Not Direct Adaptations
Reddit user batspy shared that they like the three film structure: they wrote, "Liked it quite a bit. Well directed and did a good job of setting up the lore with a great soundtrack. Some of the kills were pretty gnarly too. Loved that they didn't take the easy route of a by the numbers Fear Street adaptation."
When the trilogy was first announced, it was easy to imagine that the movies would be based on specific books, and it was much better to set up the story this way. Each movie stands alone for telling a tale about murder in Shadyside, a scary summer at camp, and the history of Sarah Fier, but since each film is connected, that keeps people interested and constantly asking questions.
The Characters Make Part One: 1994 Worth Watching
Reddit user Bill_gates_2020 shared that they love the characters in these movies. They wrote, "... I really liked the characters. Usually, in these types of films, I don't really care about the main characters, but in the grocery store killing scene, I actually was shocked that they killed off two of the main characters. I was actually bummed they died."
There are many characters in Fear Street who stand out, and many fans agree that the character development is one of the best things about the trilogy. The class difference between Sam and Deena is thought-provoking and their friends have unique personalities.
One Fan Loved The Nick Goode Reveal
In Fear Street: Part Three: 1666, viewers learned that Solomon Goode began the curse placed on Shadyside, and that means that Nick Goode, the sheriff, is continuing that legacy in 1994. Reddit user AD1515 posted that they like this twist. They wrote, "I absolutely LOVED the realization of how this reveal tied the two towns together, and the reason why there was so much emphasis on one thriving while the other suffered." The fan also noted that Nick seemed "more complex" once his backstory was explained.
No matter how other viewers feel about this reveal, the trilogy does get wrapped up in a satisfying way, which is important since not every horror movie has a conclusion that makes sense or ties up loose ends.
Some Of The Books Could Have Been Adapted
Reddit user Puzzleheaded-Ad4407 wondered why the movies weren't directly adapted from the book series. They explained, "I have waited decades for a Fear Street adaptation, and huge [sic] fan of the books. I honestly wish they adapted/updated some of the original plots. I’m hoping the trilogy is successful enough to greenlight proper fear street anthologies."
This is a different take, as many are happy with the way that the adaptation worked out, but it makes sense that those who grew up reading the books would love to see some of those stories reflected in the movies.
Part 3 Has A Genuinely Horrifying Scene
Reddit user Albert Hummus mentioned a scary scene from the third movie: they wrote, "The scene at the church with the children is one of the most terrifying images in recent horror."
Fear Street references some slasher movies, and while the third is focused on witchcraft, it's good to see that many people still found it just as unnerving. There are some fear-inducing moments in each film and that's something horror fans can be grateful for, as the tone may be campy at times, but the movies are still nerve-wracking to watch.
What If There Were Four Movies?
Reddit user WatchesTooManyShows wondered if four movies would have worked better. They explained, "If they had separated it into four 1-hour segments they could have kept the story a little tighter. Each movie was just a little too long and the fact that that third was split into two different stories would have just made more sense to make it two separate episodes."
It's interesting to imagine what the story would look like if it was told in four parts, as maybe another aspect of Shadyside's history could be examined.
The Tone And Structure Of Part Two: 1978 Is Superior
When comparing Part One: 1994 and Part Two: 1978, Reddit user hellsfoxes shared that they like the second movie more. They wrote, "It’s amazing how much more suspense and atmosphere you can create with one killer rather than three" and added, "1978 is more confident throughout, seriously committing to the genre."
Many consider the first movie to be a perfect slasher movie, and it's interesting to hear one fan's opinion that the second is better. No matter how people feel, it's definitely true that Part Two: 1978 jumps around less and allows audiences to really feel the pain of the two sisters whose lives at are risk.
It's Cool That The Opening Scene Is A Nod To Goosebumps
Reddit user lookatthatcass pointed out that the opening scene reminded them of Goosebumps. They wrote, "Nice homage to Goosebumps with all of the masks on the walls in the beginning of the movie" and mentioned that "The Haunted Mask" really scared them when they were younger.
The opening sequence when Heather runs from a killer in the mall is a homage to Scream as well, and it's fun to look back on Goosebumps and remember how, when viewers were growing up, the books and TV show were legitimately terrifying. Today, they feel more fun than scary and it's very nostalgic to look back on them.
Netflix Could Continue This Three Movie Format
Reddit user Richiethestick started a thread praising the format of a trilogy that gets released over three weeks. They wrote, "I think if we had to wait a year for movie two then movie 3 it wouldn’t be nearly as fun bc by the time number 2 came out we would forget about number 1. Waiting a week instead of releasing it all the same day is nice bc it gives us time to discuss it." They wondered if Netflix would use this format for other series.
Other horror movies can be inspired by Fear Street, and releasing a trilogy over three Fridays is definitely something to keep in mind. It creates buzz, excitement, and allows audiences to really delve deep into the characters and story.