Scream (2022)

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I like all the Scream movies, and I’m happy to say that trend continues with this fifth entry in the franchise. Not that the fuel tank isn’t getting low. While the original movie marries an inspired script with tight direction and terrific casting, the sequels have largely skated by on the merits of charismatic stars Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, and David Arquette. They were the sole reason to see the fourth movie, and they’re in this new one just enough to make it worthwhile.

The problem with Scream‘s future, because surely there will be one, is letting go of those legacy characters and creating new ones as fierce, funny, and charming. Scream 2022 does not succeed in doing this, unfortunately. The movie sets up a pair of estranged sisters, played by Melissa Barrera and Jenny Ortega, to take the reigns. After the younger sister is attacked in the opening sequence, they seek the guidance of Arquette’s Dewey Riley, who convinces them the killer is among their circle of friends. Screenwriters James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick do original scribe Kevin Williamson proud in keeping the identity of the iconic Ghost Face a mystery until the end, and continuing the franchise’s tradition of ‘meta awareness’. But they fail to create compelling new characters for the new Gen Z cast members.

This is the most violent Scream movie yet. A lot more stabs. A lot more blood. Yet only one ‘kill scene’ holds a candle to any in the previous movies. When Marley Shelton and Dylan Minnette, as mother and son, get ready for dinner, audiences should get ready for Scream 2022‘s best sequence. Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (Ready or Not) rely on shock more than suspense. They don’t have the carefully measured rhythms Wes Craven gave Drew Barrymore’s unforgettable opening sequence in Scream, or Jamie Kennedy’s shocking broad-daylight murder in Scream 2.

The film also takes a decidedly more serious tone than ever before. The problem with this is that levity and humor make the melodrama more acceptable. While Scream has always had a streak of soap opera running through it, Scream 2022 takes it to a new level, with every single new character having some blood relation to characters from past films. It wouldn’t seem as silly if the characters were having a little more fun with the scenario.

Gripes aside, Ghost Face hasn’t completely run out of steam yet. Scream 2022 should satisfy most fans of the series. While they should have stopped making Scream movies a few films back, the franchise is holding up better than many others. But as far as Ghosty’s future goes? Proceed with caution.

With Jack Quaid (The Boys), Mikey Madison, Mason Gooding (Love Victor), Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Sonia Ammar.