SCREAM 7 Is NOT My Favorite Scary Movie, Sadly (Review)

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As a lifelong fan of the Scream movies, it was hard to write that last sentence. I often rewatch the original three films when I need a pick-me-up or something familiar to have on in the background while I work. I have a huge collection of Ghostface shirts and have written a lot about the series because it means so much to me as a horror fan. I genuinely believe it’s one of the best horror franchises ever made. So, like many other fans, I had very mixed feelings going into Scream 7. While I was upset about the way Melissa Barrera was fired, I was still excited to celebrate the anniversary with a new movie.

The return of Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott and the involvement of original Scream creator Kevin Williamson as writer and director initially seemed like a good sign for the film’s success. However, my excitement faded as trailers and details emerged, revealing the fates of past Ghostface killers and the resurrection of familiar characters. It felt like the movie was relying too heavily on cheap nostalgia and catering to a small, specific group of fans. Despite my hopes for the franchise, the final film, Scream 7, had some major flaws that prevented it from being a truly great sequel, though I did enjoy certain parts.

The story revisits Sidney, now Sidney Evans after marriage, living in the small town of Piney Grove with her husband Mark, a police officer, and their daughters. Two of the daughters are with their grandmother, while the oldest, Tatum, is struggling with her mother’s distant yet controlling behavior. Like the original, Tatum has a moody boyfriend and a close group of friends, some of whom seem untrustworthy. The action quickly picks up when a new killer targets Tatum and her friends, forcing Sidney to tap back into her resourceful and resilient side. Joining them is Gale Weathers, returning to crime reporting, and the Meeks twins, who are surprisingly working as her production assistants.

Neve Campbell delivers another fantastic performance as Sidney Prescott, adding compelling new layers to the character. The film explores Sidney’s struggles as a mother, including her regret over not better preparing her friend Tatum for the dangers of Ghostface. We also see a softer side of Sidney, enjoying a peaceful life with her partner and working at a local coffee shop. When action is required, however, Sidney remains clever, empathetic, and surprisingly formidable.

As a huge horror fan, I have to say Ghostface is really letting loose in this one! The opening scene at the Macher house is visually striking, though it doesn’t quite connect to the rest of the story. What keeps me coming back is Ghostface themselves – it feels like a character separate from whoever is wearing the mask, and that’s a big part of why they’re so iconic. Honestly, the kills aren’t groundbreaking, but most of us aren’t expecting that. My biggest issue? Some of the CGI used for the violence just feels off. When it comes to slashers, practical effects will always look better and be more effective.

While Scream 7 features some well-executed action sequences, thrilling chases, and effective scares, the plot feels overly complicated and wanders too much as it explores the idea that past villains might still be involved and tries to uncover the new killer’s identity. The film attempts to replicate the successful formula of the original Scream movies directed by Wes Craven, but it misses the subtle details and clever ideas that made those films truly special.

The movie offers some intriguing mystery elements similar to Scream 3. However, it handles major plot points – like the fate of past Ghostface killers and beloved characters like Dewey – in a disappointing and uninspired way. It feels like a superficial exploration of the issues with modern technology and society, failing to offer any real depth or insight.

When the big finale and reveal of the killer finally happen, it feels like a complete disaster, easily the weakest in the series. It’s hard to explain exactly why without spoiling things, but the identities of the killers are a really strange and disappointing decision. Thankfully, the movie does answer one question that fans have had for a long time, which was a positive.

The latest Scream installment, Scream 7, is a bit of a disappointment despite some strong points. While Neve Campbell and Kevin Williamson already have ideas for Scream 8, this film struggles with underdeveloped characters and a plot that feels uneven. The new characters, aside from Isabel May’s portrayal of Tatum (who improves as the film progresses), don’t quite measure up to past favorites. The dialogue often feels forced, relying too heavily on references and explanations. The returning characters, like Chad and Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding), provide welcome comic relief, and their chemistry is a highlight – a potential spin-off focusing on their reporting adventures would be fun. The evolving relationship between Gale and Sidney is a heartwarming aspect of the film. Despite some genuinely good kills and the continued dynamic between Sidney and Ghostface, Scream 7 doesn’t fully deliver on its potential. It’s enjoyable enough to keep fans engaged and eager for the next installment, but it won’t become a rewatch favorite. Overall, it receives a 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Scream 7 is now in theaters.

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2026-02-27 19:33