When it comes to film series and their level of self-awareness, Scream has to be near the top. Its entire existence exists on that meta plane. So, it should hardly surprise anyone that the 2022 incarnation of Scream—out now on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital formats—is not a re-release or remake of the original mid-90s Wes Craven-directed classic. It’s a direct continuation of the series, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t use the old tribute/carbon copy formula in the most entertaining of manners.
What is so fascinating is that that fact plays right into the plot. Yes, there is fresh blood (pun intended), behind and in front of the camera and the film works as a torch-passing vehicle. But Scream still works like the original in how it puts a mirror up to ourselves in terms of our pop culture obsessions, particularly cinematic horror. There’s talk about remakes, sequels, and the potential for toxic internet fandemonium—all within the framework of the story. It truly brings things full circle as the new crew seeks the wisdom of the OGs (Neve Campbell’s Sidney, David Arquette’s Dewey, and Courteney Cox’s Gale) as a new Ghostface killer has returned to Woodsboro, where the original carnage took place.
In the film, Stab 8 has arrived on screens, and it gets the worst reviews in the series. For some reason, that triggers a return of Ghostface. The first victim (in the original played so memorably by Drew Barrymore) is Tara Carpenter (Jenna Ortega). That spurs her estranged sister Sam (Melissa Barrera) to return home. That’s when we meet the rest of the “new crew” that includes Jack Quaid’s Richie, Jasmin Savoy Brown’s Mindy, Wes (Dylan Minnette), Chad (Mason Gooding), Amber (Mikey Madison), and Liv (Sonia Ammar). They, like the original group, are well versed in films, specifically horror films, as well as franchises in general.
As the killings continue, Dewey, Gale, and Sidney return to Woodsboro to confront their own trauma and to do their best to help solve these gruesome killings and put an end to Ghostface 2022.
Although it feels like the original, technology has changed so much in the last 25 years, that directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, salute much from the original film, but utilize the newer tech to amp up the suspense and thrills. That part is ingenious. Then again, Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett are the pair who brought us Ready or Not—one of the most original horror movies to come out in years. These guys are well versed in narrative tension and how to elevate it, without overdoing it.
For fans of the film series, you must re-discover Scream as it is a solid mix of old and new that now utilizes its own canon, still mixed with nods to Hollywood tropes that are used to help solve the mystery. Don’t expect the same response you had to the original. One can never replace that uniqueness. That only happens once. That being said, the film is not a full-on retread and does add a lot to the entire series.
When it comes to bonus features, you must start with Bloodlines. This features a look at the original three—Campbell, Cox, and Arquette—as they go deep into their characters and what the appeal was to return to the horror franchise that they helped launch a quarter-century ago. The biggest takeaway from this featurette is that there is unspoken chemistry between these three that would explain why this film series has remained so much in the forefront of the horror film landscape.
Fitting after catching up with the original three, is to dive into New Blood. This featurette introduces viewers to the “new” group of Woodsboro Ghostface targets or… killers.
For fans of Craven and what he achieved in his career, not just with Scream, a don’t-miss is In the Shadow of the Master. The cast comes together and pays tribute to the late helmer and by the conclusion of this extra, one will be seeking to go back through the Craven cinema catalog!
Also featured are a slew of deleted scenes and a fantastic and insightful audio commentary track with writer/producer James Vanderbilt, screenwriter Guy Busick, directors Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett, as well as executive producer Chad Villella.
Film Grade: B
Bonus Features: B+