Scream (2022)

REVIEW:

When Scream (2022) hit cinemas, it had been over twenty years since the original terrified audiences and almost ten years since Scream 4 slashed its way onto screens. Now, with Wes Craven sadly no longer with us, the franchise passes into new hands, those of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the directing duo behind Ready or Not. Taking on a series so closely tied to Craven’s identity is no small task, but they handle it with a rare mix of reverence and creativity. This isn’t a reboot or a remake, it’s a sharp, self-aware continuation that pays respect to the master of horror while confidently carving out a new direction.

This time around, a brand new cast of characters steps into Woodsboro, and they’re the best ensemble since the original 1996 film. Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega lead the charge as sisters Sam and Tara, both delivering performances that ground the film emotionally while still embracing the chaos of Ghostface’s return. Barrera’s conflicted energy and Ortega’s vulnerability make them instantly engaging. The legacy characters, Sidney, Gale, and Dewey, return but in supporting roles that feel earned rather than forced. This is the new generation’s story, and it’s refreshing to see the torch passed so naturally.

The film remains as meta as ever, but this time it turns its focus toward modern horror and the concept of “elevated” storytelling. There’s plenty of talk about how movies like It Follows and Hereditary have redefined the genre, while Stab, the in-universe Scream adaptation, continues to represent the old-school slasher style fans still adore. It’s a clever commentary on how horror has evolved while making the case that there’s still something uniquely satisfying about masked killers, sharp knives, and simple, terrifying motives.

The opening scene immediately establishes the film’s tone and quality. Jenna Ortega absolutely shines in a sequence that rivals Drew Barrymore’s iconic opener from the original. Her performance is gripping and the attack itself is brutal, leaving audiences instantly hooked. It’s the kind of introduction that screams, no pun intended, that Ghostface is back and deadlier than ever. The violence this time feels more intense and unflinching, pushing the limits of what this franchise has done before without losing its dark sense of fun.

One of the standout touches is the way the film ties back to the original Scream through Sam’s connection to Billy Loomis. The decision to have Billy appear as a hallucination adds psychological depth and tension to Sam’s character, making her arc one of the most interesting the series has ever offered. And of course, seeing Dewey back is a genuine highlight. Older, battered, and a little broken, he still carries that unmistakable charm. There’s a brilliantly funny moment when Dylan Minnette’s character, Wes, jokes, “you got stabbed a billion times, got dumped by your hot wife and crawled into a bottle. I think it’s safe to say you’re on the suspect list,” to which Dewey fires back with perfect comedic timing, “maybe you’re the killer, cause that cut deep.” His deadpan delivery had me laughing out loud, a perfect example of how this film balances humour and horror effortlessly.

This Ghostface isn’t playing around. Killing the Sheriff in broad daylight is one of the boldest choices in the entire franchise, instantly letting viewers know that nowhere is safe. The hospital sequence later on is pure intensity, shocking, emotional, and genuinely difficult to watch, especially for long-time fans. Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett prove they understand how to mix brutality with storytelling, using the kills not just for gore but for impact. Every confrontation feels personal and unpredictable, capturing the uneasy tension that defined Craven’s best work.

The killer reveal lands in familiar territory, deranged, fandom-fuelled madness that fits perfectly within Scream’s DNA. The killers’ motivations aren’t revolutionary, but that’s part of the fun; the film leans into the idea that Ghostface is always born from obsession. That said, there’s a fascinating what-if scenario: had Sam turned out to be a secret third killer, it could’ve been one of the boldest twists in the franchise. With her lineage, her hallucinations, and her fragile grasp on reality, it seemed like a possibility right up until the end. That move might have pushed this film to a perfect score.

Even without that extra twist, Scream (2022) is a triumphant return to form. It balances nostalgia with reinvention, paying homage to the past while setting the stage for a new era. The scares hit hard, the humour lands, and the meta-commentary feels sharper than ever. This film doesn’t just continue the Scream legacy, it revitalises it. Craven would be proud, and fans old and new have every reason to celebrate. This is, without a doubt, the best sequel in the series.