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THE BIG APPLE — Nothing says early March like a new "Scream" movie. OK, sure, the timing seems interesting considering it's not Halloween or the middle of the summer, but "Scream VI" is now in theaters doing its best to scare you more than the snow that refuses to stop falling.
The sixth installment is the sequel to the requel with characters returning from the original franchise, as well as those from the 2022 installment of "Scream."
The "Scream" movies are either up your alley or not, but I'm not here to let you know if it's a worthy addition to the franchise or the slasher genre, but rather what you can expect to see from the movie.
Obviously, it's rated R and is another slasher movie, but the gore level, language and particularly, the sex can vary from film to film. So, this parents guide may seem like a no-brainer to many of you, but there are some nuances to each film and I'm here to let you know what to expect.
This guide isn't to make any decisions for you or tell you what to do, but rather it's to give some context on the film's content so you have more information to make a decision if your teens can see the movie or if you think it's right for you.
Here's what you need to know about "Scream VI."
Sex
Since their rise to horror movie hallmark in the 1970s, slasher movies have been known for a fair amount of nudity. One of the trademarks of the genre is that whenever teens get intimate is when the killer will call their number. The "Scream" franchise loves poking fun at horror tropes and this is one of them.
In earlier installments, there has been a fair amount of sex. Not much nudity, but a lot of teenagers experimenting, if you will. In the latest addition, it plays a very small role. One character is known for bringing boys back to her apartment. Nothing is ever seen, but faint, brief noises can be heard through a wall, once.
A couple of jokes are made about one character dying a virgin and there is some kissing in the background in a party scene. It is alluded to that a young man is trying to take advantage of a girl who has been drinking, but it is stopped before anything happens.
The joking, visuals and overall sexual content are something that could be found in a PG-13 movie.
Language
"Scream VI" certainly earned its R rating with language. There are plenty of curse words sprinkled throughout the movie. The F-word isn't used in every sentence, but when the action and terror ramp up, more are thrown out than usual.
Overall, I think there are somewhere between 50 and 60 F-words in the film with other curse words to fill in the gaps.
Violence/Gore
The "Scream" franchise is known for stabbings and bloody killings, but I think "Scream VI" may be one of the goriest of the lot. Just like the others, there are plenty of stabbings, shootings and the like, but this one seemed more graphic than the last movie.
Earlier films would show stabbing to the abdomen, for example, and show a lot of blood. This latest film shows the stab and then gets a little more graphic with blood and a peek at entrails. In addition, there are multiple stabbings to the face, gunshots and even a burning body.
If you're headed to a "Scream" movie, you know it will be a bit gory, but this seems to have upped the level just a bit. It's still not on par with films like "Hostel" or "Midsommar," but the gore is elevated.
Conclusion
"Scream VI" earned its R rating and it is the right call. It is similar to other films in the franchise, especially with the language. It's pretty spot on with earlier installments.
Notable differences from other franchise entries are less sex and sexual references and elevated gore and violence.
"Scream VI" is officially rated R for strong bloody violence and language throughout, and brief drug use.
