Scream 7 arrives with plenty of baggage and even more attention on what went wrong behind the scenes. From last-minute studio shifts to a late press screening that raised eyebrows, expectations were low. The good news is that this latest sequel isn’t a collapse of the long-running horror brand. It’s a serviceable slasher that keeps the audience engaged, even if it rarely reaches the sharp precision that made earlier entries pop.
Neve Campbell is back as Sidney Prescott after skipping the previous movie due to a contract dispute. She now lives in a small town with her husband Mark, played with charm by Joel McHale, and their teenage daughter Tatum, played by Isabel May. But when a new Ghostface killer begins terrorizing her family, Sidney’s quiet life unravels. The cast includes Anna Camp, Mckenna Grace, Asa Germann, Celeste O’Connor, and Tim Simons. Some get memorable moments, others fade into the usual red herrings and body count. It’s a familiar formula that still works but without much risk-taking.
The production’s complex history hangs over everything. This was once a different project starring Melissa Barrera and directed by Christopher Landon before both were removed. Kevin Williamson, the creator of the original Scream, stepped in to direct and co-write with Guy Busick. Williamson’s return brings nostalgia and credibility, but the creative turmoil shows. The final version feels cautious, designed to stabilize the brand rather than reinvent it.
At least the film still knows how to stage a good scare. The opening sequence is lively, and later kill scenes show occasional flashes of cleverness. Ghostface gets inventive again, blending brutality with a hint of dark humor. There are some fun callbacks to Halloween, and the relationship between Sidney, her daughter, and longtime ally Gale Weathers gives the movie its emotional pulse. Courteney Cox adds veteran presence, even with a smaller role, and her reintroduction scene earns applause.
Some choices are harder to justify. The return of Chad and Mindy (Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown) feels awkward without their “Core Four” companions from the last two films. The script also tries to weave in modern tech paranoia, touching on AI and deepfakes, but never follows through. Those ideas could have been relevant commentary on digital culture, yet they fade fast. Likewise, the recurring theme of nostalgia feels played out for a series that has been self-referential since 1996.
At its heart, Scream 7 suffers from a weak final act. The killer reveal lands with barely a thud, lacking both shock and coherence. For a series known for smart commentary on fame and fandom, this entry’s motivation feels thin. The sense of mystery fizzles when it should explode. That prevents what should have been a strong finish from lifting the rest of the film.
As a director, Williamson shows improvement from his past effort on Teaching Mrs. Tingle. He balances tension and humor better, staging sequences with confidence. Yet the movie never reaches the atmosphere or energy of the Wes Craven originals or the recent reboots by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. It’s competent horror, not inspired filmmaking.
Critics are split. As of this week, Scream 7 holds a 44 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, the lowest of the series.
I guess there’s still SOME enjoyment in watching Sidney and Gale navigate another killer’s game. The familiar voice of Roger L. Jackson as Ghostface remains chilling, and the script doesn’t forget to poke fun at itself. These touches make the movie pleasant enough viewing for longtime fans. But the spark that once made this franchise a conversation piece feels dimmer.
After three decades, Scream endures because even its least impressive entries deliver comfort horror and gives us the kind of slasher that feels safe. Scream 7 keeps that legacy alive but never truly expands it. If Scream 8 happens, it will need a lot more more than nostalgia to cut through the noise. I recommend waiting for on demand, or streaming.
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English (US) · 