Scream (2022)

The 2022 film Scream, the fifth installment and direct sequel to 2011's  Scream 4, takes place 25 years after the original Woodsboro killings. A new Ghostface begins targeting teens connected to the town’s dark past, drawing the final three survivors from the first attack back into the chaos.

Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the film blended sequel and remake elements in a self-aware, meta style that felt both familiar and fresh. The plot cleverly mirrored the original Scream but faltered slightly with an unoriginal twist and some overused jump scares.

A major highlight was its representation, featuring people of color in prominent roles with meaningful development, which added authenticity to the cast. The film paid homage to the deceased Wes Craven’s style while pushing the franchise forward. The new directors raised the stakes by putting legacy characters in real danger and delivering more intense, realistic violence, with Ghostface using brutal, drawn-out attacks. However, the killer’s seemingly superhuman strength still strained believability.

Despite some missteps, Scream (2022) successfully honored its roots while charting a new future for the franchise.