The Scream franchise has always been known for its meta-textual approach to subverting horror movie cliches. Since its inception in 1996, the series created by Wes Craven has been a genre-takedown vehicle, playing with and against the conventions of slasher films to keep viewers on their toes.
In the latest installment, Scream 7, the formula remains familiar. The story follows Sidney Prescott, portrayed by Neve Campbell, as she navigates the return of the knife-wielding Ghostface, who targets those close to her. Alongside her friends, including Courteney Cox’s Gale Weathers, Prescott relies on the power of friendship and genre knowledge to survive the deadly game.
Despite its longevity, the Scream franchise has managed to maintain a fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes for most entries, a rare feat for a horror series. However, the self-aware nature of the films also makes them somewhat immune to criticism, as they often acknowledge and play with their own tropes.
In Scream 7, the return of Neve Campbell to the series is a highlight for fans, but the film lacks the originality and deconstruction elements that made the earlier movies stand out. The departure of key cast members like Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera due to controversies led to last-minute changes and protests, affecting the film both behind the scenes and on-screen.
The movie’s failure to continue its meta deconstruction of horror tropes and the lackluster portrayal of the Ghostface killer contribute to a sense of predictability and staleness. With the franchise seemingly running out of steam, some critics argue that it may be time to let the Scream series rest in peace.