Dir: Kevin Williamson, US, 2026, 114 mins.
Cast: Neve Campbell, Joel McHale, Isabel May, Courteney Cox
Review by: Matthew Morlai Kamara
Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) has built a new life, but her darkest fears are realized when a new Ghostface killer emerges, specifically targeting her teenage daughter, Tatum (Isabel May). To protect her family and end the bloodshed once and for all, Sidney is forced to confront the haunting echoes of her past. The stakes have never been more personal as the “mother of all horror” navigates a complex web of terror and survival.
Since the original film hit cinemas back in 1996, the Scream franchise has stood as a titan of the horror genre. While that first masterpiece redefined slashers by blending sharp wit with genuine scares, the subsequent sequels have tirelessly fought to recapture the perfection of the original. The electrifying 90s era of teen horror remains untouched, yet this seventh instalment of the Scream saga pays a beautiful, emotional tribute to that history by bringing back original fan favourites and returning to the franchise’s roots. The film creates a bridge between generations, offering a nostalgic gut-punch to those who lived through the original’s debut while introducing a high-octane thrill ride to a new audience.
Director Kevin Williamson does a fabulous job of keeping the comedy and horrifying scenes perfectly balanced. It’s clear that having the original writer back in the director’s chair made all the difference; he really manages to recapture that specific spark that made us all fall in love with this terrifying franchise in the first place.
The kills especially are honestly quite good, and there’s just nothing like the energy of a cinema crowd during a solid horror flick. This movie is an absolute gold medallist when it comes to those classic, predictable tropes that practically bait the audience into yelling at the screen. Getting to scream at the “stupidity” of a scene along with a room full of people is just such a blast.
With a pitch-perfect musical score and a relentless pace, there isn’t a dull moment to be found. It’s a thrilling experience that would be elevated even further in a 3D or 4DX format. Nevertheless, it’s an enjoyable movie whatever version you choose to watch.
On a professional level, I rate this slasher a satisfying 3.5/5, but as a die-hard fan of the saga, I’d easily give it a top-notch 5/5.
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