Scream 7: Thirty years later, it still knows how to stab

Horror cinema is a genre that demands surgical precision. Like the edge of a knife, it must be exact to be effective; if it goes too far, it becomes chaotic, and if it holds back too much, it loses its impact. In 1996, when Wes Craven’s first Scream arrived, the slasher genre redefined itself, revitalizing a subgenre that seemed exhausted and setting a new meta-narrative standard. Thirty years later, Scream 7 raises several inevitable questions: What does it mean to return to these characters after three decades? Does self-awareness about the rules of horror still work? And, perhaps more relevant, how can today’s technological context be organically integrated into a franchise whose identity has always revolved around cultural commentary?

30 years later

Scream 7 picks up the story of Sidney Prescott, now living far from Woodsboro, California, enjoying a seemingly peaceful life in Pine Grove, Indiana, with her husband and family. After decades of trauma and media exposure, Sidney has tried to build a normal life that was always beyond her reach. The peace is shattered when a new Ghostface emerges. Through a video call, the face of someone who supposedly died 30 years ago is revealed: Stu Macher. This element reactivates not only the conflict, but also the foundational trauma of the saga, putting Sidney back on high alert, now with an additional dimension: protecting her teenage daughter, Tatum.

The film continues to make strong references to the world of horror cinema, particularly books and films inspired by Sydney’s adventures, which makes everything a meta-reference. This works well in the opening scene, where a couple visits the Woodsboro murder museum, and how all those deaths have become part of popular culture within the film’s universe. One of the film’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Although there are significant connections to Sidney’s past, the plot does not require exhaustive knowledge of the recent installments. The script provides the necessary context for new viewers to follow the story without losing any of its dramatic weight. However, the reference to Sidney’s absence in the previous film quickly evolves from an ironic nod to a less subtle commentary.

The pace of Scream 7 flows quite well. Like any good film of its genre, it has moments that allow us to get to know the story and develop the characters. On the other hand, the horror sequences and Ghostface’s attacks fulfill their purpose of keeping the viewer interested and searching every corner of the screen for the killer. Director Kevin Williamson allows everything to flow quite well throughout its 1 hour and 54 minute runtime, giving clues and, as always, confusing the audience about who is the person behind the mask. Yet, there are some plot holes and some misleads that although they are explained, they make no sense.

On this occasion, the distinctive element is the use of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology as an integral part of the mystery. It is not just a superficial resource; it functions as a mechanism of disinformation within the plot, expanding the possibilities of who is manipulating the narrative from the shadows. Although its use is measured and avoids excess, it is occasionally employed to facilitate cameos that appeal directly to nostalgia.

As for the performances, the cast is solid, although none of them will win an Oscar. Having the duo of Neve Campbell and Courtney Cox back together again keeps the film moving forward. For her part, Isabel May manages to share the spotlight well as part of this new generation.

The IMAX format—a first for the franchise—adds tangible value. Beyond the spectacular nature of the format, the enlarged frame increases the areas of threat within the shot, allowing Ghostface to emerge from more points in the visual space. This technique heightens visual paranoia, one of the pillars of modern horror.

Scream 7 works, although it’s not the best of the franchise. It is not a radical reinvention nor does it redefine the genre as the original did, but it does prove that the formula still holds up. Its greatest virtue is balance: nostalgia without absolute dependence, meta-referencing without saturation, and technological updating without losing the slasher essence. In an era where many franchises rely excessively on prior knowledge and explicit fan service, Scream 7 manages to stand on its own. The story is solid enough, although each viewer will be the judge of the mystery’s resolution. Thirty years later, the saga does not seek to reinvent the rules of horror; rather, it demonstrates that it still knows how to play with them and see how much longer they can be exploited.

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