A tough killer is difficult to keep down. Over the years, slasher films have demonstrated that no matter how frequently they are shot, they always come back for more frights. With the recent revival of the Scream franchise, it was only a matter of time before other ’90s slashers reemerged.

Introducing I Know What You Did Last Summer, helmed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, a whimsical sequel to the 1997 movie directed by Jim Gillespie and penned by Kevin Williamson. Similar to the 2022 Scream “re-quel,” this movie presents a new ensemble of young characters confronting a well-known killer. They must enlist the help of the original survivors, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr., to unravel the mystery before they fall prey.

I Know What You Did Last Summer has always existed in the shadow of Scream, so the new film embracing its parallels feels appropriate. It honors the franchise’s essence while introducing fresh surprises.

The 2025 film, technically a continuation of 1998’s I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, begins with a familiar premise: a group of teenagers in Southport, North Carolina, unintentionally causes someone’s death and tries to hide it, only to be pursued by a hook-wielding maniac. However, the main group is now in their mid-twenties, reuniting for an engagement celebration. Ava, portrayed by Chase Sui Wonders, returns to her hometown, now a flourishing community due to real estate magnate Grant Spencer. His son Teddy is set to marry Ava’s friend Danica, and the group includes Ava’s former boyfriend Milo and local Stevie.

The film subverts expectations, presenting surprises and a playful screenplay co-written by Sam Lansky and Leah McKendrick. It blends nostalgia with innovative twists, keeping viewers captivated.

Robinson’s film draws from Jaws as much as from the ’90s slasher legacy. The teens can’t depend on the police, who are more focused on preserving the town’s image than on addressing the murders.

The characters in I Know What You Did Last Summer are genuinely endearing, reminiscent of the original film’s emphasis on its primary group. The film sustains an intimate bond with the characters, prompting us to care about their destinies.

The relationship between Ava and Danica, portrayed by Wonders and Cline, stands out. The film skillfully balances care for the characters with the slasher genre’s inherent peril, making us cheer for them.

The franchise’s quirky traits distinguish it from other slashers, and Robinson captures that essence. Subplots feature a horror podcaster, a cult-like pastor, and a striking dream sequence. The film embraces its absurdity, shedding the weight of “elevated horror.”

Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. reprise their roles as the original survivors, Julie and Ray, delivering a blend of seriousness and humor. They impart wisdom to the new generation about survival and enjoying the genre’s excitement.

Robinson’s film honors horror’s legacy, merging the strengths of the ’90s original with new twists for a contemporary audience. It’s a lesson: when life stabs you, strike a pose and fight back.

I Know What You Did Last Summer premieres in theaters on July 18.