'Scream' (2022) Review: The Beloved Horror Franchise Still Has Some Tricks Up Its Sleeve
After a decade, the beloved horror franchise and its iconic villain have returned to the silver screen. Luckily, the wait has proven to be worthwhile, this fifth entry delivering the goods fans have come to know and expect from the series.
The passing of director Wes Craven, the steward of this franchise, was a palpable blow to the horror community, his talent, and knack for the genre sorely missed in the years since. However, the choice to bring in directors Tyler Gillet and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin was an inspired one, the duo previously directing the underrated gem ‘Ready or Not’, which exuded considerable ‘Scream’ vibes. Not only is their love for the franchise evident from the opening scene onward, but they’ve managed to make the film feel as if Craven himself directed it, the best compliment a fan of the franchise could offer. Not only have they brought back the franchise’s original stars once more, Neve Campbell, David Arquette, and Courteney Cox, but they have also introduced a wide array of new characters, all of whom bring something flavorful to the table.
With each new entry in the franchise comes a new group of possible suspects in Woodsboro. In ‘Scream’, our colorful set of possible murderers includes the likes of Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Dylan Minnette, Jack Quaid, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sonia Ammar, Mikey Madison, and Mason Gooding. Everyone in the cast is entertaining and refreshing in their own way, each of them seeming suspicious and capable of committing the horrid crimes in town. However, Ortega and Barrera steal the show, the two playing estranged sisters who are brought back together by the gruesome murders. The two not only have great chemistry with one another, but their performances and character arcs are able to provide the emotional core of the film. As for the returning legacy performers, fans can rest easy knowing they all haven’t missed a single step, Campbell and Arquette in particular stealing any scene they happen to be in. Best of all, the returning franchise favorites’ involvement in the story doesn’t feel shoehorned, the trio naturally bleeding into the story as the film progresses.
As for the film itself, there’s plenty to love, especially for die-hard fans of the series. James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick have crafted a script that is sharp, relevant, witty, and emotional. The meta, self-aware commentary that has been a staple of the franchise is still intact, the series now commenting on elevated horror, toxic fandom, reboots, and sequels to hilarious effect with pinpoint accuracy. The screenplay, paired with the confident, playful direction from Olpin and Gillet, is a winning combination, not only making this fifth entry feel like a natural continuation of the Ghostface saga, but also something entirely refreshing and new. The kills are visceral and intense, the whodunnit aspect of the story is especially strong and immersive, and the blending of the classic and new characters is handled beautifully.
The only areas where this film falls short are in the pacing and scares department. The pacing of the story is frustratingly inconsistent, vacillating between fast-paced and sluggish throughout. When the film is flying, it soars, but when it stops to refuel the tank, the pit stops are felt tremendously. Also, while the film plays with audiences’ expectations in regards to the scares, often side-stepping cliche jump scares used in most subpar horror movies, its actual scares aren’t much better. Aside from one or two well-executed scares, the majority of them are lackluster and predictable, resulting in wasted potential.
Five films later and this horror franchise continues to remain fresh and relevant as ever. Ghostface remains a thrilling villain, the mythology surrounding characters new and old continues to be fascinating, and the entertainment value is still in hefty supply. Scream fans and even those not yet initiated will have plenty to enjoy here, this new installment delivering the thrills, chills, and laughs in equal measure. If there’s anything this latest installment proves, it’s that when this franchise calls, there shouldn’t be any hesitation in picking up the phone.