The origins of Sarah Fier’s curse are finally revealed as history comes full circle on a night that changes the lives of Shadysiders forever.

Netflix’s trilogy of movies based on R L Stine’s young adult series of books concludes with a trip back in time to the colony of Union in 1666 where paranoia runs rife and witchcraft is blamed. Co-written and directed by Leigh Janiak, it picks up from the end of the 1978 movie, with Deena (Kiana Madeira) taken back to the origins of the rival towns of Shadyside and Sunnyvale, and it’s a satisfying conclusion that draws together much of the world building and mythology established in the first two films.

While in previous flashbacks the witch Sarah Fier was played by another actress, here she’s essayed by Kiana Madeira, who as Deena has been our anchor across the trilogy. As in 1994, her relationship with another girl is disapproved of, but this time it’s the catalyst for the young ladies to be accused of being witches. Initially it’s all very Monty Python and the Holy Grail meets The Crucible, but unlike those examples, there’s real witchcraft afoot here.

The last 45 minutes is set back in 1994 and the curse of Sarah Fier is finally undone, with the evil vanquished. The final set piece is back in the shopping mall, with the resourceful teenagers setting up a trap to lure the various killers to their doom. It’s all very knowing, stealing liberally from so many horror sources, but ultimately it succeeds as a glossy, singular, interlinked ‘best of’ horror series, squarely aimed at the younger horror fan.

Verdict: There’s a lot going on in the conclusion to Leigh Janiak’s horror grab bag, which like its predecessors would benefit from some more judicious editing. But as a ready-made horror trilogy, it serves its purpose and delivers the gory goods. 7/10

Nick Joy