SCREAM 7 MOVIE REVIEW: A True Return To Form!
- Mar 8
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 11
WRITTEN BY: JOHN DARIUS
Ever since my early childhood, I've always had a strong curiosity for cinema, and the unique ability filmmakers have to tell stories on the big screen. As I've grown older over the years, my fondness for the art has intensified greatly, and I have now become a genuine cinephile at heart. One film in particular that has had a major, profound impact on my life is Wes Craven's 1996 horror slasher, Scream. Written by the highly respected creative mastermind, Kevin Williamson.
Today, Williamson is best known for being one of Hollywood's most talented sought-after writers in the business. Giving audiences several of the most beloved titles in pop culture history, ranging from Dawson's Creek, The Vampire Diaries, I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997), and The Faculty, to name a few. Scream (1996) was Williamson's first primary gig as an upcoming writer that helped arguably put his name on the map. Working alongside the late legendary horror director Wes Craven, the two went on to create magic unlike anything seen before! Forming an unspeakable bond that would later propel them in gathering together a young, talented cast led by, at the time, rising star Neve Campbell. The film quickly became a worldwide phenomenon amongst audiences everywhere, and is hugely responsible in helping revive a genre that desperately needed it most decades ago.
My love for horror is debatably second to none. Primarily due to my early introduction to the original Scream trilogy, I fortunately had the pleasure to discover in the early 2000s. No other slasher in the genre has ever reached the same pinnacle, and praise to that of Williamson's work. These films have created not only, of course, a devoted fanbase that has spanned over 30 years, but also have heavily helped in producing for us one of the most cherished heroines in Sidney Prescott. Played by the iconic A-lister, Neve Campbell, who has now risen as an inspiring & well-respected mentor for young artists starting out today.
In 2022, Campbell made a shocking yet courageous decision to step away from the sixth installment, given a pay dispute that unfortunately had undervalued her legacy within the franchise. Taking that stance helped in eventually initiating a conversation with Spyglass Media Group. Creating a much-needed change behind the scenes. This next step opened the door in giving her the opportunity to return as both lead & a first-time producer for the next entry. Campbell also proudly revealed it was always her plan in bringing original writer, Kevin Williamson, back into the fold. This time, as director for the latest film, which he happily accepted. Allowing him an astounding chance to tell his vision in a way he had always intended. The news won over many fandom's hearts, and commenced in establishing a new beginning for the franchise.
BEHIND THE SCENES OF SCREAM (1996):
REVIEW:
Scream 7, directed by Kevin Williamson, is now the latest sequel to hit the cinema. Positioning itself as, without a doubt, a superb acknowledgment of what many followers have grown to love about this series. I can't even begin to explain how much of a good time this movie is to watch from beginning to end. Especially amongst a massive crowd. A true return to form in the most flattering way possible that is bound to please audiences in spades. As a loyal fan, I personally couldn't be happier regarding the outcome.
The new arc we follow for this seventh continuation centers once again on our beloved protagonist, Sidney Prescott. Now a loving wife to police chief Mark Evans (Joel McHale), & mother of three, who's at last learned to overcome her life-long trauma. Building a new life for herself away from her original hometown, Woodsboro. Her eldest daughter, Tatum Evans (Isabel May), is longing for a deeper connection with her mother, but struggles to do so given the subtle details concerning her past.
Now, finally jumping into my review, I'm proud to admit that I was lucky enough to have experienced viewing the film 3 TIMES already within opening weekend alone, and each moment has been legitimately better than the last.
NEVE CAMPBELL - SIDNEY PRESCOTT:
Returning star Neve Campbell stands once again at the forefront. Leading the charge in what essentially could very well be a rebirth for the franchise. Witnessing her on screen again honestly feels like the crucial comeback I, & others, have yearned for in the best way possible. Her performances throughout the series have always been exceptional. Granting us viewers a survivor that is both resilient in nature, but noble, & tenderhearted at her core.
In this latest installment, Campbell delivers once more a terrific evolution to that of our favorite protagonist. Bringing forth what may be her strongest outing yet! While undeniably reminding us of just why she is precisely one of the greatest & most idolized final girls within the world of horror. The journey she undergoes across this chapter helps revitalize her as more than just a victim. Along with redefining the warrior in spirit, we've come to cherish as fans. Giving our hero a most notably new subsequent desire centered on wanting her family to live a better life, divergent from past tragedies.
Campbell unequivocally stands as a crucial reason why so many fans have chosen to return in support of these films. It is the perseverance she brings to her portrayal that largely speaks on what audiences of this genre precisely crave for, & essentially relate to the most. All while carrying an utmost level of class both in front & behind the camera.
ISABEL MAY - TATUM EVANS:
Focusing on newcomer, & co-lead Isabel May, I can confidently state to all that she is beyond a doubt the supreme standout of this newest entry. Giving rise to a fresh, but much-welcomed perspective through the lens of today's generation.
Isabel May's performance throughout this entire film is outright magnificent! Possessing a distinct subtlety, she conveys an immense level of emotion that completely engulfs the meaning of what true acting can be when left in the hands of substantial talent. It's extremely impressive just how sincere & exceptionally compelling her depiction feels within the character of Tatum Evans. I, for one, am very pleased & taken aback with how outstanding a job she did overall. Becoming a faithful lead quintessentially, & honorary successor to what is possibly the most recognizable slasher franchise in cinema history. Truthfully, amongst the best interpretations ever seen on screen, let alone horror. Immediately positioning her as easily one of my favorite actors of the year. PERIOD!
MUSICAL COMPOSER - MARCO BELTRAMI:
Before diving back into the rest of the cast, I also want to give quick praise & thanks to musical composer Marco Beltrami. Who's long-awaited return stands as a massive highlight towards what makes the scream movies so unique & fun in essence! Music as a whole has always been important, & acts as predominantly the key for why the cinema going-experience is instantly potent at heart. Beltrami is a legend of his own right, & effortlessly incorporates the DNA of the franchise beautifully. Elevating the source material even better than one can ever imagine!
MESSAGE:
The interior overarching message director Kevin Williamson wonderfully cements within this latest sequel is fundamentally centered on legacy, & the damaging effects of transgenerational trauma. After years of torment at the hands of deranged psychopaths, Sidney has finally found inner peace by starting anew. Overcoming the emotional distress that had plagued most of her childhood. Though quietly struggling to create a stable relationship with her daughter due to her unpleasant upbringing.
In this fresh take on the series, Williamson boldly produces powerful, vital themes referencing: How we ultimately can choose to define ourselves despite our initial beginnings, the valuable meaning of unbounded strength only discovered within our love for family, & lastly what ways in which one may rebuild towards a future of true liberation.
THE KILLS:
Now, without giving too much away, I can safely reveal that all the kills orchestrated on screen are some of the most creative & entertaining twists ever displayed for the franchise. Even the opening deaths alone, which has become an unspoken tradition for these installments was viciously unapologetic, but necessary in setting the overall tone. The fatalities Williamson manages to manifest this time around are wildly unexpected, unique, & will keep audiences engaged to the very climax!
HIGHLIGHTS:
JOEL MCHALE - MARK EVANS
As for more of the newer faces we're pleasurably introduced to, Joel McHale arises as an immediate fan favorite right from the very first act of the film. His character Mark Evans is not only extremely likable, but also naturally courageous. Mainly in how he carries himself as police chief, husband, & most importantly, a father. Not at all feeling like a carbon copy of the late beloved hero, Dewey Riley, played by David Arquette. Instead, McHale brings an appreciated humane layer to Williamson's world that we haven't yet truly seen before. Representing essentially a proud family man unafraid of the evil that awaits his loved ones.
COURTNEY COX - GALE WEATHERS
Another original star whom also makes a graceful return to the fray is the elegant Courtney Cox as iconic heroine, & news reporter Gale Weathers. No matter which iteration it may be, Courtney Cox manages in completely stealing the show, & once again makes an unforgettable entrance that will for sure take audiences by surprise! The bond shared between Sidney & Gale hasn't always been in its best state at times, but evolves marvelously within this new take. While lastly satisfying longtime fans by giving them one of the most full-circle moments they've always longed for since the original film.
MASON GOODING / JASMIN SAVOY BROWN - CHAD & MINDY MEEKS
Mason Gooding & Jasmin Savoy Brown are handled surprisingly well this time around. Their characters, Chad & Mindy Reeks, both feel more fleshed out compared to their previous debuts in past installments. Adding as solid levity to a film that is already more grim in its atmosphere. The chemistry these two share is both quirky & thoroughly amusing. Allowing for a more pleasurable watch that will surely leave people grinning from ear to ear.
A GREAT WELL-ROUNDED CAST:
Altogether, this entire cast was a major delight from top to bottom. Especially Matthew Lillard, who makes a shockingly, but highly anticipated come back that I will out of respect not reveal for those who've yet to experience the completed film themselves. Roger Jackson, who is widely known for voicing the character Ghostface in all seven titles, does an amazing job once again capturing the sinister, bone-chilling aspect of the slasher icon.
Newest members varying from names in McKenna Grace, Asa Germann, Sam Rechner, Celeste O'Connor, Ethan Embry, & of course the charming Anna Camp, all have brought such fascinating energy that bounced off each other perfectly. I can't wait to see what they have next coming in their careers. A solid win in my book!
SCREAM 7 PREMIERE CAST INTERVIEWS:
FINAL THOUGHTS
DIRECTOR - KEVIN WILLIAMSON:
Ending off my overall thoughts, it is mandatory that I give mention once more to the bread & butter of it all, in director Kevin Williamson. Finally taking the reins as the leader of the ship. Crafting a phenomenal story & vision that will only age better in time. Williamson brought forth what I now firmly believe to be my favorite sequel of the entire saga to date! It is a film that at best feels made with love, utmost respect, & acts as a distinct 'Thank You Letter' to a deeply passionate fandom that has helped made this series into now a billion dollar franchise of its genre! Paramount & Spyglass would be wise to have him return for future stories to come!
Thank you to all involved whose played a part in making this film happen despite its setbacks, & I, speaking for myself, am beyond thrilled with the end results given to us thus far! To all my readers, I hope you enjoyed this article & found some peace in my review. I'm praying my words will continue to reach out & inspire others towards a brighter future of their own.
Thanks for reading!
FOR MORE, CHECK OUT:
SCREAM 7 TRAILER:
SCREAM 7 MUSIC VIDEO - TWISTING THE KNIFE BY ICE NINE KILLS FT MCKENNA GRACE:
SCREAM FEATURETTE - ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT SPECIAL:
DISCLAIMER:
NONE OF THE IMAGES OR VIDEOS USED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE OWNED BY WRITER OR WEBSITE!
Awesome comprehensive synopsis.
Great and insightful review