Scream 7 (dir. Kevin Williamson)

By: Dave Hughes

Neve Campbell first established herself in the 1990s through her work on the Fox television drama Party of Five. However, it was not until the release of Wes Craven’s original Scream (1996) that Campbell became a household name. That foundational film launched a franchise defined by its sharp meta-cultural references, catering to a generation that grew up alongside the evolution of modern horror. These films were well received for their ability to balance the authentic traumas of adolescence with a sophisticated critique of the horror industry. Over several decades, the series has cultivated a legacy that few other horror properties have ever achieved. Now, the franchise returns with Scream 7. While the film marks the anticipated return of Neve Campbell to the role of Sidney Prescott, the final results offer a mixed bag of nostalgia and a plot that feels scattered with no clear reason for this direction. 

Although Scream 7 takes place outside of Woodsboro, the narrative remains tethered to the events of the 1996 original. The film opens with a couple visiting the infamous Macher household, a site central to the franchise's mythology. When the phone rings, the audience understands that a new Ghostface has arrived. In a bold shift for the series, this killer proceeds to burn the Macher house to the ground. This act of arson serves as a calculated attempt to lure Sidney Prescott, now Sidney Evans, out of her self-imposed isolation. The focus then shifts to Sidney’s new life in Pine Grove, Indiana. Now married with three children, she resides in a location physically removed from her past. Despite her desire to provide a normal life for her family, her history remains a public curiosity. The plot effectively illustrates that Sidney’s past is not a memory but a persistent threat that eventually places her children in direct jeopardy.

There is much to appreciate in Scream 7 for dedicated horror enthusiasts. The kills are notably brutal in this installment, as Ghostface appears significantly angrier and more unstable than previous individuals who have donned the mask. The film utilizes nostalgia effectively to re-engage the core audience. Familiar dialogue, mirrored shots, and calculated references to the franchise’s legacy serve to keep the target demographic invested in the narrative. However, the most refreshing and electric addition is the return of Matthew Lillard (Five Nights at Freddy’s,  The Life of Chuck). Lillard reprises one of his most iconic roles with a level of bravado and dark energy that longtime fans will find exhilarating. His presence suggests that the franchise is finally willing to embrace its most persistent fan theories.

Despite its strengths, much of Scream 7 feels like a calculated attempt to placate the fan base through nostalgia rather than an effort to develop a cohesive story or compelling new characters. While Scream VI (2023) balanced these elements with precision, this installment leans too heavily on fan service at the expense of clear motives and methods. The third act becomes a jumbled sequence where characters disappear and reappear without narrative justification. These perplexing choices by director Kevin Williamson cause more confusion about character locations than they generate nerves regarding Ghostface’s whereabouts. Ultimately, the film prioritizes legacy callbacks over the development of its newly established cast, leaving the narrative feeling hollow despite its surface-level thrills. The film ends up being a far cry from Wes Craven’s original masterpiece.  

Target Score: 4/10 Although promise is shown with the kills and callbacks, Scream 7 ultimately struggles to live up to previous installments. The Scream legacy will undoubtedly live on; however, one can only hope that the lessons of this disjointed installment are learned before the franchise's inevitable 8th installment.