Scream (2022) review

 

Back in 1996 Wes Craven made us all Scream. Sorry that was awful, but since then Scream and it's villainous killer Ghostface have gone onto super stardom among horror fanatics and movie lovers abound. So with the master Wes Craven not behind the camera this time around can this new, fresh installment live up to the original? or will it just be left in the corner a bloody carcass? Scream opens up much like the original as the killer targets a young woman at home alone, right off the bat the tension is here and it is very strong indeed. Jenna Ortega elevates the opening which has always been hit or miss with the Scream movies in my opinion to new heights with an incredible performance. You feel her terror, her sheer panic at the thought of a killer outside of her home. What follows is pretty brutal and sets up perfectly what overall is hands down the best sequel to the original Scream movie. 

It's not just Jenna Ortega who puts in a terrific performance here. Melissa Barrera who is the older sister of Ortgea's character Tara is a strong lead even if her emotions don't exactly match what is happening on screen. Old favorites Neve Campell, Courtney Cox and David Arquette also return with Campell especially being used in such a creative and impactful way. Cox is good here too returning to the hometown of Woodsboro when she hears of the latest form of killings going on. But for me it's Arquette who steals the show here, a beaten down tired old gunslinger he is on top form and really packs quite the emotional punch at points. With all of that being said when Scream enters it's third and final act and the killer is revealed it all comes full circle in a story that is connected to the original trilogy in a lot more ways than first thought.

 

Scream is a highly entertaining bloody, mayhem infused ride that will leave you hanging on the edge of your seat right from the beginning. It's a proper who done it that will also leave you guessing just who is wearing the iconic Ghostface mask and costume. If this is to be the beginning of a new era of Scream and slasher horror movies in general I for one can't wait to see what comes next. Brilliant, visceral fun.

★★★★