Scream (2022) Spoiler-Free Review

Writers James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick understand “the rules”. Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett co-directed not only a solid entry into the Scream franchise but what really feels like a true homage to Wes Craven and not just fan service. All the elements are there for the film to have gone either way but this film reminds us what made Wes Craven’s original masterpiece so ahead of its time. It is like a magician who explains to you not only what the trick is but HOW it will be executed… and none of the magic is lost, you still LOVE it.

Because of the nature of the Screamiverse, none of the connections to the previous films, including the return of “legacy characters” feels forced. The new targets must figure out who Ghostface is (it’s always someone you know) and the familiar formula unfolds with some fun new updates. There will be a couple of things you can nitpick that will require suspension of disbelief but the kills are pretty brutal, straightforward and not gimmick-y.

The new characters hold their own and are well-cast. Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barerra as Tara and Sam Carpenter respectively are fresh takes on classic archetypes. Jasmin Savoy Brown’s “Mindy” has some of my favorite lines in the film and her character literally explains why Scream succeeds in pretty much every way I felt “Halloween” (2018) and it’s near-unwatchable sequel “Halloween Kills” failed. Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott is arguably the most badass final girl there is. Apparently, according to Halloween 2019, Laurie Strode only had to deal with Michael one night in ‘78. Sidney has survived WAY more. Michael is no longer Laurie’s brother so you can argue that Sidney’s emotional trauma over her attackers is worse due to their relationship. Most importantly, Scream simply presents badass women kicking ass without that pretentious, condescending vibe that it “more than just” a horror film. Scream doesn’t try to lecture you. Instead, Scream CELEBRATES that it is a horror film. A SLASHER film. What Halloween rebootquels failed to do (despite trying so hard), Scream succeeds at seemingly effortlessly while focusing on the most important thing… delivering fans an entertaining horror film that celebrates not only its roots but the genre itself.