Scream (2022): Is it the best horror movie of 2022?
This is how you get the Scream franchise back on its wheels
Scream (2022)
Directed by: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
Starring: Melissa Barrera, Mason Gooding, Jenna Ortega, Jack Quaid, Marley Shelton, Courteney Cox, David Arquette and Neve Campbell
Scream 2022 or Scream 5 is the fifth addition to the franchise and is a direct follow up to Scream 4 that released in cinemas in 2011. It is the first movie in the series not to be directed by Wes Craven due to his death in 2015.
A group of teenagers are targeted by a murderer who dons the Ghostface mask after a string of brutal murders shocked Woodsboro 25 years ago.
The directors have successfully re-invigorated the Scream franchise with a fresh story that puts slasher movies back on the map. The movie has strong performances throughout and is an edge of the seat thrill ride that will keep you guessing who the new killer could be.
Melissa Barrera as the lead actress is in strong form throughout the movie and excels especially in the emotional and action scenes. The main killer in the movie (Ghostface) is equally funny and terrifying. The movie plays on the rules of traditional slasher movies and is never afraid to go beyond it. Neve Cambell as Sidney Prescott makes a lasting impact in the movie. After all, it was the Scream franchise that transformed her into a household name.
Never say ‘who’s there?’ Don’t you watch scary movies? It’s a death wish. You might as well come out to investigate a strange noise or something — Ghostface
The movie is fast paced and keep you invested throughout its run-time of 114 minutes. The slasher kills in the movie are inventive and do not rely on the usual tropes seen in other horror movies. In a way “Scream 2022” establishes an identity of its own. The hospital scene in the movie is a real highlight and will please the hardcore fans of the movie.
The only problem that I found with the movie is that hardcore “Scream” fans might already guess the identity of the killer way before the final act of the movie kicks into place. In my opinion they should have made it a bit harder to guess the real identity of “Ghostface”. The makers don't shy away from giving hints in the movie about the possible identity of the killer. So, Scream fans keep your eyes glued and watch out for these moments!
In the end, the movie does pack enough juice to guarantee a damn good time. The climax is strong and definitive and will please the hardcore fans of the franchise as well. “Scream 2022” might just be the second-best horror movie to have released this year after “Smile”.
My final rating is 7.5/10
Click here for my review of “Smile”:
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