Scream Review: Savage Kills, Self-Aware Thrills

Introduction

After a decade-long hiatus, Ghostface returns to Woodsboro in Scream (2022), a film that cleverly reboots the franchise while acknowledging its own legacy. Dubbed "Scream 5" by many, this installment embraces the meta-commentary that defined its predecessors, even poking fun at the trend of legacy sequels sharing original titles. With the passing of horror maestro Wes Craven, the directing duo behind "Ready or Not," Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, step into the director's chair, bringing a fresh yet familiar sensibility to the beloved slasher series. The question on every fan's mind: can this new blood deliver the goods?

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

From the opening frame, Scream wastes no time in re-establishing Ghostface as one of horror's most iconic and brutal killers. The murders are savage, delivering "top-tier" suspense and gore with "great build up, great payoff." Ghostface's playful banter and terrifying phone calls remain a highlight, even if one has to suspend disbelief for a landline in 2022. The film introduces a completely new group of friends and a fresh main protagonist, Melissa Barrera as Sam Carpenter, around whom the new narrative largely revolves. While the marketing might suggest a heavy focus on returning veterans, the film primarily centers on this new generation, allowing for a "strong family dynamic" to anchor the story. The action sequences are visceral, ensuring that the brutal Ghostface killings are the undeniable draw, making it easy to overlook minor narrative quibbles.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

Scream navigates the delicate balance of nostalgia and new blood with varying success. While legacy characters like David Arquette's Dewey Riley have a sizeable presence, the iconic Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers and Melissa Barrera as Sam Carpenter are utilized more sparingly, particularly Melissa Barrera who feels like a "rook" on the chessboard, held back until the endgame. This approach, while understandable for passing the torch, leaves a noticeable void for those who consider her the quintessential "Scream Queen." Among the new crew, including Jenna Ortega as Tara Carpenter and Mason Gooding as Chad Meeks-Martin, there are standouts, but some characters feel less developed, serving primarily as potential victims or caricatures. The film's self-aware "finger-pointing" among the friends, a staple of the franchise, occasionally feels "heavy-handed" here, lacking the organic feel of the original where it served to clue the audience into the whodunit game.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

The directing duo of Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, known for "Ready or Not," prove to be a fitting choice for the franchise. They understand the unique blend of horror and comedy that defines Scream, ensuring the horror takes precedence while still infusing plenty of laughs. The film leans into its meta-commentary, acknowledging the tropes of modern horror and legacy sequels. To stand out in a saturated market of self-aware horror, the film aims to be "crazy over the top," and largely succeeds in delivering a fun, gory experience. There's even a clever "scene within a scene within a scene" that showcases the film's creative ambition. Despite some nitpicks regarding its on-the-nose self-awareness and certain underdeveloped supporting characters, the film's commitment to brutal Ghostface killings ultimately carries it through.

The Final Verdict

Scream (2022) is a fun, bloody ride that largely succeeds in bringing Ghostface back to the big screen. While it may not surpass the original or even "Scream 4" in terms of narrative purpose, its savage kills, suspenseful sequences, and playful engagement with horror tropes make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Fans looking for a return to form for the franchise, prioritizing brutal gore and classic slasher thrills, will find plenty to love here. It's a movie that delivers on its promise of a good time, no alcohol required.