Reviews:
“Razor-sharp humour and the ability to then genuinely unnerve with oft-sickening violence has always been a two-hander the Scream films executed with glee, and this Scream is no exception. Perhaps the most brutal of them all, the ferocity adhered to in which this 2022 Ghostface launches at his prey lends the film an air of violent unpredictability, and though we ultimately shouldn’t be surprised at this, the fact that a fifth film is able to startle us as much as this one does is a further testament to the filmmakers and their evident love of both the genre and the staple Craven touches.” The Au Review
“Without going into spoiler territory, this evolved Scream has quite the kick-off for its third act and is relentless in both vision and execution for the duration of the runtime. There’s so much to take in and several misdirects regarding possible outcomes, killer potential, or fates that it will easily demand multiple viewings just to fully appreciate how grand of a finale the film offers.” Bleeding Cool
” …a knockout horror movie that gives all the thrills, chills, triumphant cheers, feels, and a body count you could want in a slasher and then some. To deliver something that feels like a warm horror hug yet unpredictable and new is no small feat […] It sidesteps the recent trend of legacy sequels in ingenious ways and fearlessly forges forward with a keen eye for which rules to make or break. It makes for a breathless, razor-sharp slasher worthy of the legacy.” Bloody Disgusting
“Even though I had a sneaking suspicion about the identities of the Ghostface killer here before the third act reveal, that didn’t thwart my enjoyment of Scream (2022) in the least bit because of how much fun I was having with the story as a whole as a fan. It does feel like this sequel missing that sort of “emphatic” statement that we’ve come to expect from the Scream films […] but without a doubt, there’s still so much to love and appreciate about this new Scream…” Daily Dead
“It’s all skillfully interwoven with the new cast and old cast seamlessly intertwined, none of their fates to be revealed here. Directors Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillette also use the clichés of horror in witty ways, particularly in one scene involving imminent danger for Wes as he showers (yes, even Psycho gets the once-over) and then opening and closing a series of doors and cupboards that don’t pay off in the usual ways.” Deadline
“There is some suspense for a while about who’s doing the Ghostface thing this time out, but those viewers with sharp eyes and ears should be able to figure it out pretty early on. That’s really the big problem with Scream: there’s a sense of going through the motions this time out, and even the trying-to-be-smart cultural and genre observations feel more forced than usual.” Den of Geek
“While we obviously won’t go into it here, a critical aspect of any Scream movie is the big third act and the killer reveal. You might be left wishing for one character to have been given more depth throughout, but it’s still a satisfying and twisted climax that underlines the movie’s biggest targets. Scream was arguably never really going to live up to its namesake, yet the new movie recaptures the spirit of Wes Craven’s classic and its winning blend of horror and humour.” Digital Spy
“It’s smart, thrilling, and incredibly charming — everything a great slasher film should be […] It’s an intense, risky balancing act continuing the series after Craven’s death, but it’s one Radio Silence pulls off while still maintaining the series trademark fresh wit and insanely fun thrills. Scream is a total blast.” Elements of Madness
“The Ghostface killings remain scalpel-sharp (a slow-mo neck-knifing is particularly gruesome), Nick Cave’s ‘Red Right Hand’ once again adorns the soundtrack, and familiar faces and locations bring a welcome frisson […] For the most part, this is a ‘re-quel’ as fast, funny and ferocious as a Scream movie should be. In an era of elevated horror, it’s a gloriously gory basement party.” Empire
“The film is packed with plenty of surprises (seriously, I squealed at one reveal) and it’s a satisfying love letter to horror fans who loved the original and have stuck with the series since. In the hands of Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett, ‘Scream’ is in very good hands and I can say hand on heart that I believe Wes Craven would be very happy with this new instalment.” Entertainment Focus
“Each set piece is brutal in its set up and execution, whilst combining the playfulness demonstrated in Ready Or Not. Never forgetting to scare and entertain in equal measure. Guaranteed to have audiences shrieking and jumping out of their seats, Scream is the most brutal, bloodiest and best film since the original.” Flick Feast
“The film is sure to be satisfying to longtime fans of the series, especially those who felt burned by the fourth movie. But on its own, there is still enough of a new narrative to follow that is clever and satisfying. Dialogue might be a little too on the nose/cheesy, and in some cases that feels by design. Ultimately, any slasher film can be memorable if it sticks the landing, and Scream mostly hits the mark.” Game Rant
“Maybe the writers were trying to go for something different this time, but if it’s not broke, why fix it? The formula was working all along up till that point […] That said, Scream isn’t so bad and is likely a movie fan’s and casual moviegoers can enjoy. It’s not mind-blowingly amazing, but if you’re itching for some slashing, this is something that you’ll want to catch right out the gate. ” Geek Culture
“The legacy characters are treated so well and with the utmost respect […] As well as all the blood and gore, there’s a lot of heart to the film which is why it’s the most consistent horror franchise of all time. Scream very cleverly mixes old and new, doing so in a way that’s incredibly fun yet also fitting for the original characters. It’s a wildly entertaining film full of laughs and ferocious deaths making for a killer time at the cinema!” Get Your Comic On
“Ghostface is now involving them in a “requel” – a reboot-slash-sequel – whose purpose is to appease the toxic fandom by introducing a younger cast but respectfully leaving “legacy characters” like Riley, Sidney and Gale intact. And Ghostface is the most toxic fan of all. Perhaps there is less zap in Scream nowadays and archly invoking the newer generation of indie horror […] But it’s still capable of delivering some piercing high-pitched decibels.” The Guardian
“The latest addition to the Scream franchise expertly blends reverence for the source material while creating something that feels almost completely new. All of the performances are pitch-perfect as the new generation of Woodsboro teens step into their futures, the kills are gnarly, and no version of toxic fandom is left unlocked.” IGN
” …2022’s Scream is living proof that sequels can still deliver. Potent social commentary and horrifying kills never forgo the necessity of etching out a strong new suspect list. Staying faithful in honoring Wes Craven’s vision, a catchy Wallows song over the end credits, and potentially exposing an all-new base of rabid moviegoers to the genius of Scream, is just the bloody cherry on top.” Josh at the Movies
“It is as clever-clever as the rest, and where Craven seemed increasingly – like his masked killers – to be phoning it in, this is certainly the most stylishly directed of all the sequels. But still, its ironic self-consciousness about how tired its material has become does not ultimately make it any less tired. Scream may stab the original repeatedly in the back, and may eviscerate its own tropes from the inside out (not for the first, or even fourth, time), but do we really need to keep (re)re-reading these over-spilt entrails?” Little White Lies
“The filmmakers, along with writers James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, fill scenes with nostalgia too cheeky to be simple fan service. Their clear affection for the franchise (a surprisingly strong set of films, as horror series go) is evident and infectious. You do not have to know the 1996 original or any of its sequels to enjoy Scream. It’s a standalone blast. But if you grew up on these movies, this film is like a bloody message of love for you.” Maddwolf
” …the screenplay from James Vanderbilt (White House Down) and Guy Busick attempts to make connections to the past at the outset but abandons its own efforts by the messy end. Worse, the film suffers from a strong case of the unlikeables, characters and cast members that either don’t appear long enough to create much of an impression before they’re sliced or grate on the nerves…” The MN Movie Man
“Scream tries to make peace with today’s audience by using old elements in a new format, even though the third act feels anticlimactic. The horror trick is also the same; the filmmaker only seems to delay or speed up the jump scare moment without making anything new. Old players also don’t pick up on their stories because they are too old for this. Instead of making a “requel” (reboot-sequel) like this with a nonsensical motive, it’s better to make a real reboot with a completely new cast.” Montase Film
“The reveal isn’t built to in the story so much as it is expected due to the conventions of the genre. The fifth Scream doesn’t break any new ground; it certainly isn’t as good as the original. However, Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett get what this franchise is and have fun with it, toying with audience expectations in funny ways. It may not have been needed, but it is enjoyable while it lasts.” The Movie Sleuth
“Not all of Scream works and there’s creative liberties and questionable choices taken that’ll be divisive […] The social commentary on revived franchises and sequels seemed a little too on the nose […] Aside from those occasional blemishes, the Radio Silence duo and writers can rest easy knowing they’ve created a worthwhile continuation of a horror staple with enough thrills, chills and kills that would’ve made Wes Craven proud.” The Only Critic
“Where the series has taken on slasher film homogeneity, sequel-itis, social media obsession, and internet virality in the past; it’s made clear here that the well of topics to satirize (elevated horror, toxic fandom, etc.) is far from dry, and as long as there are teenagers who think they know everything, there will always be fodder for a new Scream. This film nails it, Scream is a worthy follow-up and the best film in the series since the ‘90s.” Screen Anarchy
“Sequels are difficult to do well in a way that expands upon the established story while keeping things fresh, but Scream manages to do that for the most part and in a smart way. It brings in new characters who stand apart and maintains the connection to the other films, all while critiquing these very aspects in the same breath. The horror commentary remains top tier, with the fifth installment proving the Scream franchise has still got it.” Screen Rant
“Craven’s mark on the franchise is still present for both better and worse. The new Scream includes perhaps the most obvious killer in the series thus far. Aside from some pacing lulls, this horror movie slashes straight for the jugular and isn’t afraid to get its hands dirty. It’s just a shame that it doesn’t cut quite as deep as it should.” Showbiz CheatSheet
“The in-jokes are almost too many to count, from the rise of “fancy-pants” elevated horror like The Babadook to the latest of Scream’s own franchise-within-a-franchise, “Stab 8”, made by “the Knives Out director” […] Best of all, Bettiinelli-Olpin and Gillet clearly understand the need to deliver tension, gore and straight-up scares alongside the clever references. On this aspect, Scream delivers – big time.” South China Morning Post
“Scream isn’t a wildly scary movie. It does have shocks, jolts, and one ingenious sequence in which a character is poking around a kitchen, and we expect the killer to jump into the frame […] The film does its best to mix Cox, Arquette, and Campbell into the heart of the action, but they feel, inevitably, like tribal elders who we’re supposed to revere because of their Scream pedigree…” Variety
“Vividly photographed by Brett Jutkiewicz (The Black Phone) and cunningly edited by Michel Aller (There’s Someone Inside Your House), this new Scream is a killer. Smartly scary and scary smart, consistent with the history of this series but unafraid to piss off fans if it’s for the good of the story. This satire of requels may very well be the first requel done right. It’s a scream, baby.” The Wrap
Background:
Kevin Williamson, screenwriter of the original 1996 Scream and executive producer on the new film has stated:
“What I love about the new Scream is that it does take a fresh approach. It’s this beautiful sort of fresh new movie, but it also has this nostalgic factor that runs through it. That to me was a perfect blend of how to do the next Scream…I’m blown away by the directors, and I was really nervous because nobody is Wes Craven. I was really hesitant to even jump on board and be a part of it, and boy am I glad I did because I think it’s going to make Wes proud.”
Previously. when it was confirmed that Neve Campbell had joined the cast of Scream 5, she said:
“After spending time speaking with Radio Silence, they have shown such love, respect and admiration for Wes Craven and all that he’s created in the Scream franchise. I am beyond excited to step back into the role of Sidney Prescott and return to Woodsboro.”
The filmmakers added: “We’re pinching ourselves! It’s hard to express how much the character Sidney Prescott shaped our love of movies and to have the chance to work with Neve is truly a dream come true. It just wouldn’t be a ‘Scream’ movie without Neve and we’re so excited and honoured to join her in Woodsboro.”
In an interview on The Drew Barrymore Show, actress Courtney Cox suggested that the latest film is not really Scream 5. Here is what she had to say:
“Scream, this is the fifth one. It’s not Scream 5 though, this is Scream…. These directors are incredible, they’re making it absolutely, it’s a new franchise. It’s hip, it’s scary, it’s just a new Scream. It’s not a reboot, it’s not a remake, it’s just a brand new launch. I think it’s going to be fantastic.”
Hmmm, it’s not a sequel. It’s not a remake. So, it sounds like a reboot to us… nope, it’s apparently a “requel”!
Cast and confirmed characters:
Neve Campbell … Sidney Prescott
Courteney Cox … Gale Riley
David Arquette … Dewey Riley
Marley Shelton … Deputy Judy Hicks
Melissa Barrera … Sam Carpenter
Jenna Ortega … Tara Carpenter
Dylan Minnette … Wes Hicks
Jack Quaid … Richie Kirsch
Jasmin Savoy Brown … Mindy Meeks-Martin
Sonia Ammar … Liv McKenzie
Mikey Madison … Amber Freeman
Mason Gooding … Chad Meeks-Martin
Kyle Gallner … Vince Schneider
Reggie Conquest … Deputy Farney
Filming locations:
Wilmington, North Carolina
Filming dates:
23rd September 2020 – 17th November 2020
Technical specs:
1 hour 54 minutes
Audio: Dolby Digital | IMAX | 6-Track Dolby Atmos
Aspect ratio: 2.39: 1
Working title:
Scream 5
Trailers:
