Scream (2022), Dir Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Dir Tyler Gillett, Paramount Pictures: 5*****: Matthew Alicoon

Scream, 5*****

Paramount Pictures

Running Time: 114 Minutes

Review: Matthew Alicoon, Friday 14th January 2022

Scream takes place 25 years after the original series of murders in Woodsboro. In this film there is a new Ghostface on the loose targeting a group of teenagers and in the process, this resurrects secrets from the town's history.

Scream is a beautiful love letter to the legacy that Wes Craven had created with the previous instalments. It is a brilliant homage and commentary to the world of horror films. The film follows the same narrative structure the previous films had. However, from the opening scene it establishes a chilling and creepy atmosphere. There is a high amount of sustained tension in the film, as at times the film can be very unpredictable. The kills are gruesome but they work effectively due to developments in technology and special effects. Interestingly, the advancements in filmmaking prove a testament to the quality of the film, as it delivers a knockout for the genre and it does not lose the magic of the franchise. It serves the purpose of being a suspenseful horror film whilst also creating an excellent genre hybrid of a crime thriller. We are always playing a guessing game of who the killer is which is so exciting here, as you are glued to the screen wanting to know what happens. The story is accompanied by well-written characters making the drama more interesting.

The killer reveal was well executed and staged. James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick did an incredible job with the script, as the interconnectivity to previous films was justified and explained. Also, the plot twists sprinkled throughout were a nice touch.

There are several new cast members here who get to shine such as Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega and Jack Quaid but the film does not undercut the original cast. It was nostalgic to see Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox and David Arquette in this world again. They brought a lot of seriousness and grit to their characters. It is rare we get to see journeys of characters span over the course of 25 years but the film does them justice.

Scream is on par with the 1996 original. What it excels at proving is how a modernistic transition of the Scream mythology and history can still work in 2022. Admiration for the entire cast and crew. Wes Craven would be proud.

Cast

Melissa Barrera as Samantha "Sam" Carpenter

Jenna Ortega as Tara Carpenter

David Arquette as Dewey Riley

Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott

Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers