Scream 4

REVIEW:

It’s been 10 years since the concluding chapter of Scream 3 and in true horror fashion, Ghostface refuses to stay buried. Scream 4 revives the franchise with a modern edge, bringing the meta slasher series into a new decade where horror reboots reign supreme and social media fuels obsession. Ironically, this is the first Scream movie to be rated a 15 by the BBFC, yet it’s by far the bloodiest and most violent entry to date. It really makes you question how the ratings board works because compared to the relatively tame Scream 3, which somehow received an 18, this one drenches its victims and walls in blood.

Right from the opening sequence, Scream 4 proves it understands the changing horror landscape. The film within a film concept is brilliantly executed, poking fun at remakes and sequels while setting the tone for what’s to come. It feels self-aware in all the right ways, commenting on the genre’s obsession with reinvention while also acknowledging how social media has reshaped fame, fear and fandom. Wes Craven clearly had fun blending old school tension with a modern lens, it’s both a return to form and a commentary on how horror itself has evolved.

The new generation of characters adds a fresh energy to Woodsboro. Hayden Panettiere steals every scene as Kirby, the horror savvy, quick witted fan who feels like she could have existed in the original trilogy. Emma Roberts, Rory Culkin and the rest of the younger cast bring a mix of charm and suspicion, but for me it’s still the OG trio that commands attention. Sidney, Dewey and Gale feel right at home, and thankfully, Craven keeps them central to the chaos rather than relegating them to cameo status. They’re the emotional backbone holding this bloody circus together.

Wes Craven’s camera work in Scream 4 is fantastic. The way he frames Ghostface lurking in the background, moving through shadows or stalking a victim in silence adds an extra layer of menace. There’s a smoothness and confidence to his direction that reminds you why he’s a master of horror. Even after decades of crafting scares, Craven never lost his ability to make the simple act of a phone call terrifying. This Ghostface feels especially cruel, a true predator who enjoys the hunt as much as the kill.

This film works brilliantly as a whodunit. From the ex-boyfriend to the publicist to Deputy Judy, Scream 4 gives us a laundry list of suspects, each with just enough motive and mystery to keep us guessing. On first viewing, the twists are genuinely unpredictable, but on rewatch, one of the killers becomes fairly obvious, especially with the way the story frames them. Still, the first killer’s reveal hits with real shock value, and the double twist keeps the finale exciting even when you know what’s coming.

This Ghostface is easily one of the most sadistic yet. The scene where he taunts Sidney over the phone, threatening to slit her eyelids in half so she can see him stab her in the face, is pure nightmare fuel. It’s brutal, cruel and delivered with a level of venom that cements this iteration as one of the nastiest in the series. The kills are creative and bloody, and the violence feels rawer than ever, a deliberate choice that reminds viewers this franchise can still shock even after four films.

If there’s a weak spot, it’s the killers’ motivation. Out of all the Scream reveals, this one ranks as the least compelling. The idea of killing for fame and online recognition feels shallow compared to the revenge driven or legacy fuelled motives of earlier entries. It fits the social media commentary of the film but lacks emotional depth. Still, it’s hard to be too critical when the journey there is packed with sharp writing, tension and a darkly comedic tone that feels classic Scream.

Despite its flaws, Scream 4 is a massive step up from its predecessor. It’s bloodier, funnier and far more confident in its identity. The blend of old and new works surprisingly well, and the script gives the returning characters plenty of satisfying moments, none better than Sidney’s final line, “Don’t fuck with the original.” It’s the perfect mic drop moment from the ultimate scream queen, proving that even in a world obsessed with reboots and remakes, the original will always reign supreme.