Directed by

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin
Made by
Paramount Pictures
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Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Scream VI (2023). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
One year following the brutal killings in Woodsboro, the story takes a dark turn as Blackmore University professor Laura Crane is cruelly murdered by her student Jason Carvey, who blames her for his failing grade. Dressed in a Ghostface costume, Jason enlists his roommate Greg in a plot to eliminate sisters Sam and Tara Carpenter, aiming to complete the “movie” that former killers Richie and Amber left unfinished. However, things take a fatal twist when Jason receives a call from a different Ghostface, leading to his own demise after Greg is killed.
In New York City, Sam and Tara are trying to rebuild their lives. Tara is enrolled at Blackmore University with fellow survivors Chad and Mindy Meeks-Martin, and they share their living space with Quinn Bailey, Mindy’s girlfriend Anika Kayoko, and Chad’s roommate Ethan Landry. Meanwhile, Sam is attending therapy with Dr. Christopher Stone, struggling against the backlash of an online conspiracy theory that frames her as the true orchestrator of the recent murders. The tension escalates when Detective Wayne Bailey, Quinn’s father, summons Sam for questioning, having found her ID at the scene of Jason’s murder alongside a Ghostface mask associated with past crimes.
While on the way to the police station, Sam receives a chilling call from Ghostface using Richie’s phone, leading to an attack on Tara during which several innocent bystanders fall victim in a nearby bodega, with another mask from the 2011 Woodsboro killings left behind. At the NYPD station, the sisters are greeted by FBI agent Kirby Reed, a survivor of the previous Woodsboro events, and reporter Gale Weathers, who has printed a new book on the horrific past despite her prior promises to the sisters. Gale informs them about Sidney Prescott, who has gone into hiding for her family’s protection. Tragedy strikes when Dr. Stone is murdered by Ghostface, who pilfers Sam’s file and leaves behind a mask performed during the Hollywood killings.
Mindy speculates that the killer is adhering to the patterns of horror film franchises, suggesting anyone can be a target in an ongoing series. Sam’s boyfriend Danny spots Ghostface attacking Quinn in their apartment, escalating the chaos as Anika becomes a victim next, with a mask from the Windsor College killings left as a calling card. Determined to confront the killer, Gale leads the group to an abandoned theater, converted into a shrine showcasing artifacts from previous massacres, presented as if they were mere film props.
Ghostface taunts Gale at her own home, ultimately killing her boyfriend and attacking her. Just in time, Sam and Tara intervene to save Gale, who has to be hospitalized. The group plans to trap Ghostface at the theater, but tragedy soon strikes again as Mindy is attacked on the subway. In a startling revelation, Sam sees a vision of her father, the original Ghostface killer Billy Loomis, and realizes the group is effectively a trap. Two Ghostfaces emerge and ambush Chad.
Detective Wayne and Kirby arrive, armed and ready, only for Wayne to shoot Kirby, exposing himself as the mastermind behind the killings. His accomplices are revealed as his children, Ethan and a surviving Quinn, who faked her death to avoid suspicion. Their goal? Revenge on Sam for taking the life of their brother Richie. After being publicly vilified, they’ve set their sights on her life as payback. In a climactic battle, Sam and Tara fight fiercely, leading to Tara inflicting a critical wound on Ethan while Sam confronts Quinn and mortally wounds her. Wayne is also taken down after Sam dons his Ghostface mask and taunts him before finally delivering the fatal blow.
In the aftermath, as Ethan reappears, Kirby makes a decisive action by smashing a television over his head, killing him. Sam ultimately makes a promise to Tara to allow her more independence as Tara agrees to seek therapy. With Mindy, Chad, and Kirby on their way to the hospital, Sam finds a moment of reflection staring at her father’s Ghostface mask before discarding it, stepping forward to join Tara and Danny as they venture back into the vibrant chaos of the city they call home.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Scream VI (2023) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Laura Crane's Murder
Professor Laura Crane is brutally murdered by her student, Jason Carvey, who blames her for his failing grade. The shocking incident sets off a chain of events that will forever alter the lives of those connected to the Woodsboro killings.
Jason's Dark Plot
Dressed as Ghostface, Jason recruits his roommate, Greg, to help him eliminate sisters Sam and Tara Carpenter. Jason is determined to finish the 'movie' that the former killers Richie and Amber left unfinished, intensifying the horror that looms over them.
Ghostface's Call
After planning the killings, Jason receives a call from an unknown Ghostface. This twist leads to chaos as he is confronted by someone even more sinister than himself, unraveling his own intentions to kill.
New Beginnings in NYC
Sam and Tara Carpenter are attempting to rebuild their lives in New York City while Tara is enrolled at Blackmore University. They live with fellow survivors Chad and Mindy, alongside Quinn, Anika, and Ethan, each carrying their own trauma from the past.
Sam's Therapy
Sam attends therapy with Dr. Christopher Stone to cope with the online conspiracy theories accusing her of orchestrating recent murders. The mental strain deepens as she navigates the shadows of her family's past.
Detective's Summons
Detective Wayne Bailey, Quinn's father, questions Sam after finding her ID at Jason's murder scene along with a Ghostface mask. This inquiry brings the sisters back into the nightmare world they thought they had escaped.
Bodega Attack
During a chilling phone call from Ghostface, an attack occurs in a nearby bodega, resulting in innocent bystanders being killed. Ghostface leaves a mask from the 2011 Woodsboro killings behind, signaling that the horror is far from over.
Murders Intensify
Dr. Christopher Stone is murdered by Ghostface, further heightening the fear among the survivors. The killer takes Sam's file and leaves behind a mask connected to the Hollywood killings, indicating a pattern of vengeance.
Setting the Trap
Gale discovers an abandoned theater that holds artifacts from previous killings, planning to trap Ghostface. With the past looming large, the survivors prepare for a confrontation with their tormentor.
The Subway Attack
Mindy is attacked on the subway by Ghostface, adding another layer of terror to the group's efforts to combat the killings. The twist escalates as they realize the danger is closer than they imagined.
The Family Betrayal
Detective Wayne reveals himself as the mastermind behind the killings, with his children Ethan and Quinn as accomplices. The revelation comes as a shock, as their motive is revenge against Sam for taking Richie’s life.
Climactic Battle
In an intense final battle, Sam and Tara confront the killers amidst the chaos. Sam dons the Ghostface mask to mock Wayne before delivering the final blow, symbolizing her reclaiming control over her narrative.
Aftermath of Chaos
In the aftermath, as Ethan revives, Kirby makes a bold move by killing him with a television. Sam later finds peace as she reflects on her father's Ghostface mask before discarding it, marking her commitment to a new beginning.
Looking Forward
Sam promises Tara to allow her more independence, while Tara agrees to seek therapy. Together with Mindy, Chad, and Kirby on their way to the hospital, they aim to step into a life beyond their trauma.
Explore all characters from Scream VI (2023). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera)
Sam Carpenter emerges as a strong protagonist, navigating the complexities of her past and her family's legacy. Struggling with the weight of being the daughter of a notorious killer, she embodies resilience and determination as she confronts threats to her and her sister. Her journey is one of empowerment and reclaiming agency in a violent world.
Tara Carpenter (Jenna Ortega)
Tara Carpenter is characterized by her vulnerability and bravery as she faces the horrors that surround her. Balancing her status as a survivor with the challenges of college life, she demonstrates growth throughout the film. Her relationship with her sister Sam is central to her character development, highlighting themes of family loyalty and support.
Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox)
Gale Weathers adds a seasoned perspective to the chaos, embodying the role of a determined journalist. Known for her tenacity, she not only documents the events but also steps into the fray to help the new generation of survivors. Gale's character showcases growth, balancing her desire for sensational stories with genuine concern for the impact of violence.
Kirby Reed (Hayden Panettiere)
Kirby Reed returns as a savvy FBI agent, bringing invaluable insights from her prior experiences with Ghostface. Resilient and perceptive, she navigates the chaos with a blend of intelligence and bravery, ensuring she contributes to the group's survival strategy. Kirby represents hope and strength within a new generation of fighters.
Mindy Meeks-Martin (Jasmin Savoy Brown)
Mindy Meeks-Martin serves as the franchise’s horror enthusiast, analyzing the killer's motives and patterns through the lens of horror tropes. Her academic approach to survival tactics adds a unique dynamic to the group, revealing both humor and insight into their dire situation. Mindy's character symbolizes the importance of awareness in facing danger.
Chad Meeks-Martin (Mason Gooding)
Chad Meeks-Martin embodies loyalty and support, standing by his friends amidst the chaos. His determination to protect those he loves showcases his bravery and camaraderie. As a survivor of the previous horrors, Chad grapples with his own fears while contributing to the group's efforts to outsmart Ghostface.
Learn where and when Scream VI (2023) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The events of 'Scream VI' unfold in contemporary times, reflecting the current social dynamics and technological advancements. The storyline incorporates modern elements such as online conspiracy theories and contemporary social interactions, adding a new layer of complexity to the horror.
Location
New York City
New York City, known for its iconic skyline and vibrant culture, serves as the backdrop for 'Scream VI.' It is a bustling metropolis that embodies the clash of modern life and haunting fears. The cityscape, with its busy streets and diverse inhabitants, highlights the chaotic and intense nature of the story.
Discover the main themes in Scream VI (2023). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Revenge
Revenge plays a pivotal role in 'Scream VI' as the antagonists seek payback for past grievances against Sam. This theme explores the lengths individuals will go to settle scores, highlighting how intertwined vengeance can lead to tragic outcomes. The film raises questions about the cyclical nature of violence and its pervasive impact.
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Horror Tropes
The movie cleverly integrates horror film tropes, with characters discussing the rules of surviving a horror franchise. This meta-commentary on horror conventions adds a layer of intelligence to the plot, pushing characters to navigate their own lives as if they were in a movie, ultimately blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
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Survival
Survival is a dominant theme as the characters grapple with the legacy of trauma and the constant threat of Ghostface. Each character faces personal crises where their survival instincts are tested, showcasing resilience in the face of overwhelming fear. The journey becomes not only about surviving the killer but also about overcoming personal demons.

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Unravel the ending of Scream VI (2023) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.
Scream 6 concludes with a tense and bloody showdown in New York City, where the main characters—Sam, Tara, Chad, and Kirby—face off against the three Ghostface killers, whose true identities are finally revealed. The killers turn out to be Detective Bailey and his children, Quinn and Ethan, all driven by the desire for revenge against Sam for killing Richie, Bailey’s son, in the previous film. Their motivation was rooted in their obsession with the original murders and the Ghostface mythos, wanting to finish what Richie started. The family’s motive was further fueled by their admiration for Billy Loomis, Sam’s own father, aiming to tarnish her reputation by framing her with Billy’s mask. During the brutal confrontation, Sam dons Billy Loomis’ Ghostface mask and skillfully fights back, managing to kill Quinn and Bailey. Tara and Kirby team up to take down Ethan, who is revealed to have been involved all along. The final scene shows Sam walking away with Tara, leaving behind Billy Loomis’ mask, signifying her attempt to move beyond her dark legacy. The killers’ fate is sealed with their deaths—Bailey and Quinn are killed by Sam, Ethan is stabbed by Tara and hit over the head with a TV by Kirby. This conclusion not only resolves the immediate threat but also explores the concept of online conspiracy theories and the dangerous influence of revenge-driven violence. It hints at the ongoing threat of Ghostface, especially since Sam’s past and her connection to Billy Loomis continue to cast a shadow, leaving open the possibility of future conflicts. The ending also features a meta moment with a post-credits scene jokingly questioning the necessity of post-credits scenes in movies, fitting with Scream’s self-aware tone. Ultimately, Scream 6’s finale emphasizes that violence can be a choice while highlighting how online hate can distort reality, with the protagonists surviving to fight another day but carrying the weight of their trauma and the ongoing presence of Ghostface.
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Scream VI (2023). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the fallout of the Woodsboro tragedy, four survivors trade the quiet terror of a small town for the relentless pulse of New York City. The sprawling streets, neon‑lit rooftops and cramped apartments provide a fresh canvas—yet the city’s anonymity feels more like a mask than a refuge. Shadows lengthen along subway tunnels and crowded bodega aisles, hinting that the horror that chased them may have simply taken a new address.
Sam and Tara Carpenter, now twins in both blood and purpose, are determined to rebuild. Sam wrestles with a public narrative that paints her as the mastermind behind the past carnage, seeking solace in therapy and the support of a boyfriend who believes in her innocence. Tara throws herself into university life, balancing classes with a tight‑knit circle of friends who share her desire to move forward. Their bond, forged in fire, becomes the emotional anchor that steadies them amid the city’s chaotic rhythm.
Around them gather a colorful, if uneasy, entourage. Chad, a fellow student with a dry sense of humor, and Mindy Meeks‑Martin, a pragmatic survivor, become roommates, while Quinn Bailey and her girlfriend Anika Kayoko add both warmth and tension to the shared living space. Ethan Landry, Chad’s easy‑going roommate, offers a laid‑back counterpoint, and Dr. Christopher Stone attempts to untangle the trauma through counseling. Meanwhile, Detective Wayne Bailey and FBI agent Kirby Reed arrive with official scrutiny, and veteran reporter Gale Weathers circles the story, eager to turn fresh blood into a headline.
All of this ordinary life is undercut by the unsettling promise that a new incarnation of Ghostface has resurfaced, turning the city’s bustling energy into a hunting ground. The tone is a blend of classic slasher suspense and modern meta‑commentary, where every alley could hide a clue and every phone call might echo the past. As the survivors settle into their new world, the looming question remains: can they outrun a legend that refuses to stay buried?
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