Film Review: "Scream" (2022).

"It's Always Someone You Know". This is Scream. This slasher film directed by Radio Silence, written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, and based on the characters created by Kevin Williamson. Though billed as a relaunch of the franchise, the film is a direct sequel to 2011's Scream 4 and serves as the fifth installment of the Scream film series. Twenty-five years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, a new killer has donned the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the town's deadly past.

In 2011, before the release of Scream 4, Wes Craven confirmed he was contracted to work on a fifth and sixth installment, if the fourth film was successful. Williamson also confirmed he had contractual obligations for Scream 4, Scream 5 and Scream 6. In May 2011, after the release of the fourth film, Harvey Weinstein confirmed that a sequel was possible as he was happy with the fourth film's box office gross. However, in February 2012, Williamson stated at the time that he did not know if it would be made. In late June 2015, Weinstein firmly denied the possibility of a fifth installment or any further continuation of the film franchise. Following Craven's death on August 30, 2015, and the closure of The Weinstein Company in the wake of numerous sexual misconduct allegations against Harvey Weinstein, the fate of the Scream franchise was in limbo. Until... in November 2019, Spyglass Media Group acquired the rights to make a new Scream film. It was unknown at the time if it would be a sequel, reboot, or remake, and that if Williamson would return. In December, it was announced that the film would feature a new cast but could possibly feature appearances from previous main cast members. In March 2020, it was announced that Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett were hired to direct the fifth film. In May, Vanderbilt and Busick were hired to pen the installment. In June, it was reported that the film was set to be distributed by Paramount Pictures and was initially aiming for a 2021 release date. By late September, Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Marley Shelton and Roger L. Jackson were confirmed to reprise their roles. Dylan Minnette, Jack Quaid, Jenna Ortega, Mikey Madison, Kyle Gallner, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding and Melissa Barrera rounded out the film's cast as newcomers. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped in mid November. Filming took place in Wilmington, North Carolina. The production was originally scheduled to begin in May 2020, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and thus delayed the film's release date to 2022. In late November, Williamson revealed that the film's official title is Scream.

Unexpectedly entertaining performances were given by the cast, both new and old. However, everybody is still a suspect and everybody is still a victim, but narrowing down our Ghostface has become easier than ever.

Despite being not as prescient as the original, the film is a marvelous return to form for the franchise with some razor-sharp commentary and thrilling bloodshed. Welcome back, Scream.

Simon says Scream receives:

Also, see my review for Ready or Not.