The new 'Scream' justifies its existence with smart surprises and bloody violence

Ghostface returns in the 2022 sequel/reboot “Scream.” (Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures/Spyglass Media Group)

"Scream"
Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
Rated R
Now Playing in Theaters

With an abundance of franchise sequels, reboots, and now "requels," the most prominent challenge filmmakers face when wrestling with these beloved favorites with passionate fanbases is to give audiences just enough of the familiar while doing something new.

The original "Scream" dazzled audiences in 1996 by commenting on the number of slasher movie tropes that have been established in the horror genre since the success of the original "Halloween" movie in 1978, while also gleefully embracing them. The surprise popularity of "Scream" led to the creation of its own franchise, but instead of one singular villain returning in the sequels, the trio of heroes (played by Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, and David Arquette) became the series constant with new killers established in each movie.

The latest "Scream," the fifth movie in the series, sees those stars return again, along with a new cast of younger characters (some of whom may be the new killer, an assailant who dons the Ghostface mask and robe). With more than 25 years difference between the original film and the new sequel, "Scream" runs into the problem many franchises do when the most popular characters are no longer as spry as they once were, but here, the film leans into the issue. The teens threatened by Ghostface are acutely aware of the killer's history in their hometown. Still, thanks to the film's in-universe slasher series "Stab," they also realize they are in an elaborate mystery plot … and the survivors will push the story forward.

"Scream" is the first film in the series not directed by Wes Craven, who passed away in 2014. The new installment, directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett with the screenplay by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, skillfully navigates the balance of giving franchise fans what they want with what they don't expect. The tone is jaunty, as everyone involved grapples with the implications of how to bring a fresh perspective to a familiar story, but what really grabs our attention is the filmmakers' full embrace of slasher horror violence. The new "Scream" is a bloody highlight reel for the franchise.

Campbell, Cox, and Arquette are as engaged in their familiar roles as they've ever been, even as the characters wear the weight of these collective tragedies all over their bodies. They're as exhausted by the ridiculousness of these repeated murder sprees they've encountered since their youth as we are, even as they continued to be drawn into the mystery as we are.

Yet there's hope in the new batch of heroes who take the stage, each of whom has connections to the original "Scream" film. Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrea) assumes our focus as she deals with her own past trauma. At the same time, her boyfriend Richie (Jack Quaid) cares for her while keeping a sardonic tongue throughout. Meanwhile, siblings Chad (Mason Gooding) and Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown) quickly become the most charming newbies of the bunch with their jock/geek dynamic.

Should there be another "Scream," there's enough intrigue in the new to keep going while letting the old guard enjoy the peace and quiet they've earned.