Directors: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett (Devil’s Due, Southbound, Ready or Not)
USA.
Slasher/Horror/Mystery
What its about
A sequel to Scream 4 and basically a relaunch (re-quel) of the series. It’s eleven years after the last installment, and 25 years since the initial murders. The legacy characters have moved on with their lives when someone suddenly dons the Ghostface mask and targets a new class of teens in Woodsboro promising to unleash a dark secret of the past, reviving the Ghostface legend. A new team of characters must figure out who the killer is with the help of original characters, former Deputy Sheriff Dewey, Gale Weathers, and of course, Sidney Prescott.
What I Thought
NO SPOILERS – I Loved it! I’d watch this again. I think it’s possibly the best of the Scream sequels. Despite being the first one NOT directed by Wes Craven, it still had his flavor all over it. The film honored the original vision of Craven with the added bonus of a brand new storyline. I loved catching up with the original characters and seeing how their lives played out. I enjoyed watching a new mystery and chapter unfold. There was a perfect balance of humor and horror, which is part of the reason I enjoy this franchise so much. It’s just incredibly fun to watch. I was engaged and on the edge of my seat throughout. I let out a few audible “Oh No!”s, and “Holy Crap!”s. I applauded at a couple of scenes. I even found myself tearing up in a few parts. Who cries in a horror movie?
I enjoyed watching a new cast of characters piecing together this new mystery pulling elements from previous installments. I loved the character of Mindy, played by Jasmin Savoy Brown (Yellowjackets). She was essentially the new Jamie Kennedy of the bunch, explaining the subtleties of horror movie formulas, and how “re-quels” work. They were all highly believable and engaging. I loved how they tied the original story to the new cast. It all leads back to the beginning.
Final Thoughts
5/5
The very fact that the original cast members, Neve Campbell, David Arquette and Courtney Cox all agreed to be part of the film 25 years after the original script says a lot. Horror fans seem to be in agreement that Scream 5 delivers. It hits every nail a good horror movie needs to. It was exciting, enjoyable and just delightful to watch. If you’re a big fan of the franchise, you’ll get the update and closure you’re looking for. The directors paid homage to Craven beautifully. I think he would be proud.
Where to find it
Currently only in theaters. After that, you’ll be able to stream it on Paramount+ and rent it on Amazon Prime, Google Play, iTunes and YouTube.
Photo: IMDB
*I also write short fiction. My short story, The Buck, was recently published with Horror Addicts. You can read it here.
She Really Needs a Priest 