Scream (2022) is certainly entertaining with brutal kills and a ton of jump scares — but the identity of Ghostface is clear from the start — so how does this film measure up?
As a massive fan of the Scream franchise, I have been looking forward to the return of Ghostface for quite some time. It has been ten years since we last saw this killer terrorizing Woodsboro, and yes, that makes me feel very old, so this come back is long overdue. Longtime fans of the Scream films are sure to appreciate what was done here, despite the fact that the majority of the audience will be able to pinpoint the identity behind the mask early on.
Scream has always been a bit meta in its films — I mean, Scream 3 too place on the set of a slasher movie. But it truly takes it up a notch in Scream (2022). The internet has brought with it many toxic people who become obsessed with fandoms, and seem to never be happy with what they give them. You cannot please everyone with these reboots, requels, sequels — whatever you want to call them — no matter how hard you try. That is something that is poked at throughout the film, and it is part of what makes it so meta and fun.
It is discussed many times that the Stab movies fell apart the longer they want on, and it is very clear this is just a way to show the audience how annoying they can be when they don’t just enjoy something for what it is. This is where the script shines. There are jokes sprinkled throughout the movie that help ease the tension of a killer being on the loose, making Scream (2022) a complete blast.
How Are The “New Kids”?
This movie takes place nearly a decade after Scream 4, so it was important to bring in a lot of new characters. Each one was given their moment to shine, however there are some clear standouts here. Amber (Mikey Madison), Chad (Mason Gooding), Liv (Sonia Ammar), Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown), Wes (Dylan Minnette), and Tara (Jenna Ortega) are a close knit group of friends, which as fans of slasher films like this know, is always important to the story.
While it is always refreshing to bring in new people when continuing a franchise, some of these characters felt a bit too underused. Surely this is to set up for a Scream 6 where they will have their moments, so when thinking about it that way, it is forgivable.
When Tara gets attacked at the very start of this film — which is an incredible and intense callback to the original Scream film for the record, that causes her sister Sam (Melissa Barrera) and Sam’s boyfriend Richie (Jack Quaid) to come to town. I love that they did this early on in the movie, it really helped move the pacing along.
Jack Quaid and Jenna Ortega are the true standouts here though. Both are very seasoned actors and clearly dove headfirst into this franchise, having an absolute blast while filming. They are hands down my favorites of Scream (2022). They embraced this crazy, bloody, slasher movie world, and ran with it. I can’t help but applaud them for that.
Unfortunately, Barrera just did not work for me. I enjoy her as an actress but her performance here felt flat. She wasn’t very expressive and had “dead eyes” throughout the majority of the film. She has her moments, don’t get me wrong, but if the focus was more on her sister, Tara, it could have worked so much better. I think I understand what she was trying to do, when you look at some of the plot points, but for me, she didn’t pull it off.
Bringing Back Legacy Characters
Whenever you have a sequel, it is imperative to bring in some legacy characters in order to keep the fans happy. Scream (2022) sees the return of Never Campbell as Sidney Prescott, Courtney Cox as Gale Weathers-Riley, and David Arquette as Dewey Riley and it feels like they never left. They step right back into these roles with all of their might. They absolutely crush it.
The three of them deliver some of the best lines, and it is just so amazing to see them back — and dealing with yet another Ghostface. That said, they aren’t on screen too much. There is going to be another Scream, we can almost guarantee that, so it is important that the audience get to know the new characters. This is something that Scream (2022) does so well. It gives us just enough of the legacy characters to keep us happy, but doesn’t allow them to overshadow the newcomers.
Related: Jenna Ortega Talks Joining The Iconic Scream Franchise
It’s A Blood Bath
Scream (2022) wastes absolutely no time in getting to the slasher part of the movie. This is important with a movie like this — the studio has to know why we are here, and that is to see people get cut up. The blood flows right from the start, and as the story continues, the kills get more and more brutal. They are twisted, surprising, and so much fun to watch.
I wish I could dive into my favorites but that would be too much of a spoiler. If you know me, and you have seen the movie, I am willing to bet you could guess quite easily. Either way, let’s just say there are moments that will make you gag, jump out of your seat, and hid behind your eyes. Epic is a word that comes to mind when thinking about one in particular.
Overall Thoughts
While the story is not surprising at all as it is unraveled, the edge of your seat moments help to keep it entertaining. Even though it is pretty obvious who is behind the mask early on, Scream (2022) makes up for it in story. The motive reveal is the real fun here — something that is less obvious, although still predictable. However, the way it is revealed is what works. In the middle of a slasher movie, there is a lot to laugh about, as well as shake your head about, because it feels absolutely believable in this day and age.
Scream is an incredibly entertaining blood bath from start to finish. Packed with brutal kills and jump scares, get ready to live on the edge of your seat. Still, nothing will top the original.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
About Scream (2022)
Twenty-five years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, Cali A new killer dons the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the town’s deadly past.
Scream (2022) hits theaters on January 14, 2022.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.