Scream (2022)

Scream 2022, the 5th addition to the scream franchise, brings a new cast of characters along with the legacy characters back to Woodsboro while also attempting to fit the Scream franchise into the current genre of horror.

Scream follows newcomer Sam Carpenter as she comes to Woodsburro 25 years after the original series of murders in the wake of an attack from a new Ghostface killer. The emergence of the new killer also brings back the original survivor, Sidney Prescott to uncover the truth of this new attack.

Scream has always been a film commenting and poking fun at the state of the current horror films and this one is no exception. Scream 2022 can keep up with the current times of horror by making fun of the tropes of current horror films while also going after the culture of reboot/sequels or "requels" that the movie industry is currently in. Not only does it make fun of "requels", but it also is successful in being a "requel". The film can bring a fresh start to the franchise with new characters while also being a love letter to the original film. It can properly make the story about the new generation of characters while also paying tribute and giving adequate screen time to the legacy characters (Sidney, Dewey, and Gail). Each of the legacy characters is at a natural place after the last film and is still given a good character arc in this film without overshadowing and taking the focus away from the new characters. In terms of the new characters, they are very strong and likable characters, especially Sam and Tara. All of these characters add something unique to the story while being able to pay tribute and be reminiscent of original cast members. The story itself is also really great. It still has the killings you want from a slasher film but also has actual character growth and some strong emotional moments.

The only negative aspect I have is the motivation of the killer of the film. Without going into spoiler territory, I felt the killer's motivation was a bit too meta, meaning that it goes a bit too far in terms of being aware they are in a horror film. It was almost to the point that their reason for the killings felt more like a joke than an actual reason for doing what they did. If they came up with a better reason for the killer or maybe made it not so ridiculous, it would have made this movie the best in the franchise and maybe a top-tier horror film.

Overall, this film is a great addition to the Scream franchise, successful in introducing new main characters and a new direction to the franchise while also paying tribute to the legacy characters and original film.

Grade: A- Rating: 8/10 Recommendation: Must See for horror fans