Scream (2020) is the fifth film in the Scream horror franchise, titled the same as the Original 1996 classic Scream, and has the same Ghostface killer drawing blood from a group of horror-loving teenagers, asking the same question: ‘What’s your favourite scary movie?‘
The Scream franchise is unique in horror. All 4 original films were directed by the legendary horror director Wes Craven (1939 – 2015). While the first Scream came out 26 years ago, it was revolutionary for the horror genre at the time, introducing a refreshing meta angle, that is self-aware and deconstructs the rules of horror films, making fun of all the tropes that have been done to death at the time.
Ever since Scream (1996), each following Scream installment is similarly a smart meta-commentary of its own nature. Scream 2 commented on horror sequels, went for the standard ‘bigger and better’ sequel approach, and delivered some of the most thrilling chase scenes in horror history at the time. Scream 3 was intended as the closing chapter of the first 3 films and matchingly comments on film trilogies, which was somewhat ahead of its time. In 2011, Scream 4 was released intending to relaunch the series and start a new trilogy, and it of course comments on the trope of reboots. The result was mixed – while it has received positive reviews and has gained many fans, it was a box office disappointment. Following Wes Craven’s tragic passing in 2015, all plans were on hold, and Ghostface’s bloodlust was put on ice.
That was, until the new directors picked up the franchise to relaunch the series following Scream 4’s ill-fated attempt 10 years ago.
Scream (2020) surely has a lot to live up to. If the above brief franchise history lesson has not made it clear enough, the Scream franchise is one of, if not the only horror franchise with consistent quality, that includes its cast – with 3 main characters throughout its entire 5-film: Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox), and Dewey Riley (David Arquette). Yes, these 3 have survived 4 films so far, absolute legends, especially for horror films, and they will be in this one as well as the ‘legacy characters’ – a term to describe the original icons of an old film series being relaunched. But will they survive this fifth Scream? Most of all, can Scream conjure a scream as good as its predecessors?
The answer is YES.
Scream (2020) is both a well-crafted film and a smart commentary of itself, just like all of its predecessors. This time, Scream focuses on what has changed for this generation of films – the ‘requels’ – a ‘sequel’ that takes place in the same film series but a ‘remake’ of the most popular original film, such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Halloween (2018), Jurassic World, etc. – as spectacularly explained by one of the ‘expert’ characters in the film in another display of its meta-ness.
But is it scary? It is, and intense as hell! Pacing-wise, this film really doesn’t leave you with any room to breathe. While it allows you to absorb each character, this film is a roller coaster, this time Ghostface doesn’t let you take any breaks, he is always slashing. Indeed, we see Ghostface at arguably his most brutal and vicious yet. There are many unnerving kills shown in such gory details it would sure make your jaws drop, with some extremely disturbing deaths.
The murder mystery has always been a fun factor of the Scream films, it keeps you guessing who the killer really is until the reveal in Act 3, but Scream made this factor the front and centre of its marketing, putting the tagline ‘The Killer is on this Poster’ on the official poster. Just to help you let that sink in, this review will not spoil this surprise.
The cast, old and new, gave fantastic performances. Neve Campbell’s Sidney, Courtney Cox’s Gale and David Arquette’s Dewey still kick ass and believe me when I say ‘kick-ass’, they really do. But it must be highlighted, out of all 3 legacy characters, David Arquette gave probably his best and most emotional performance as Sheriff Dewey in this film, continuing to make this clumsy but good-natured character likable. In terms of new casts, Melisa Barerra stars as the new final girl, Sam Carpenter, and she is a very unique and layered character that is quite refreshing to see in this franchise, injecting fierce new energy. Seeing the ‘passing of the torch’ from the old cast to the new, was extremely satisfying, arguably one of the best moments in this series.
Unlike The Force Awakens, Scream does not simply recycle the same story, and unlike The Last Jedi, Scream doesn’t change the rules of the franchise. Instead, it takes the old story down a new, modern path that is a natural continuation of the story. The respects the film shows to its predecessors were truly incredible and heartwarming to see as a fan, we have many callbacks, references, and even minor characters returning, not just from the original classic, but all the films including Scream 2, 3, and 4, they are fun to spot as easter eggs, and leaves a great taste in your mouth.
It should be worth noting, though, Scream 4 and Scream (2020) are two very similar films. Both being reboots and attempts to relaunch the series, Scream 4 is arguably ahead of its time when Hollywood has not made enough ‘reboots’ and Scream came out at the right time when now Hollywood has made more requels than ever. In my opinion, unlike Scream 4, which has a very rich story but wasn’t fulfilled to its true potential, Scream (2020) has a simpler, more streamlined, overall better-executed story that follows the original more closely.
In conclusion, Scream is bonkers. It is a love letter to the previous 4 films, captured the same meta energy, and was extremely respectful to the lore, maintaining great continuity. Many great fan services and callbacks, and excellent performances from the killers and the victims. It is a fantastic modern commentary on the Hollywood requel trope, while itself being one of the finest in that regard. A true requel done right. It’s a scream.
Scream (2020) is available in cinemas now, and with York Student Cinema on Week 8, Thursday March 3rd.