The Setup: A Scream from the Past
In 1997, I Know What You Did Last Summer helped define the post-Scream teen horror craze, spawning sequels, parodies, and a generation of fans who now probably stretch before getting out of bed. Nearly three decades later, the 2025 revival emerges from the fog with a glossy new cast, some returning legends, and plenty of slasher throwbacks.
This isn’t a straight remake. It’s more of a re-sequel. The original survivors Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Ray Bronson (Freddie Prinze Jr.) return, older, wiser, and somehow looking like they just stepped off a Neutrogena commercial. The story introduces a new crop of teens caught in a familiar cycle of guilt, secrets, and a very loud hook-wielding killer.
The Good: Screams, Sass, and Cinematic Flair
Let’s talk about what this new Summer gets right. The opening is killer—tense, stylish, and packed with atmosphere. Right away, it sets the tone for a movie that’s not afraid to jump-scare the popcorn out of your lap.
One of the brightest spots in the film is its cinematography. There are moments—particularly wide shots of the friend group walking together or processing a new clue—that look like they belong on a horror movie poster. Clean framing, moody lighting, and a few clever angles elevate the visual experience above typical teen-slasher expectations.
The film is also much funnier than expected. There’s a self-awareness baked into the dialogue, especially in the countless callbacks and clever easter eggs that fans of the original will devour. One standout moment? Julie James herself mutters the line, “Nostalgia is overrated.” It’s a cheeky wink to the audience, and a subtle acknowledgment that the past can only do so much heavy lifting.
The Fisherman returns, and he’s not messing around. His boots thud louder than some of the actual dialogue, and his presence brings genuine menace when the film lets him stalk in silence. Add in a Gen Z-flavored group of teens who each bring a unique flavor to the ensemble, and you’ve got a surprisingly dynamic core cast.
The young nucleus of the film doesn’t feel like cardboard cutouts—they’re layered, conflicted, and refreshingly distinct from one another. While each character has their own drama and personality, the film captures that chaotic, complicated energy of teen friendships. Sometimes they clash. Sometimes they lean on each other. But together, they form a believable unit that carries the story forward.
Another key strength? That ongoing mystery element. Much like the previous entries in the franchise, this one keeps viewers in detective mode the entire time. Who’s under the slicker and the mask? What’s the motive? It plays the whodunit angle with enough misdirection and fakeouts to keep you guessing until the final act.
And best of all, the runtime is lean. At under 95 minutes, it’s a breezy slasher experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Just enough blood, sweat, and teenage panic to entertain without exhausting.
The Bad: Sinking Hooks and Stiff Dialogue
Where I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) loses its footing is in the writing. Much of the dialogue feels painfully telegraphed, like the characters are reading from a horror script generator set to “exposition overload.” Conversations don’t always feel natural, and the emotional beats lack the punch they’re clearly aiming for.
Then there’s the brutality—or lack thereof. While the Fisherman is imposing, the kills are surprisingly tame. Whether it’s due to production budget constraints or a bid for a wider audience, the film never truly commits to the gory, unflinching tone that fans of the genre might crave.
And the ending? Let’s just say it’s suspiciously sunny. For a film built on death, secrets, and emotional trauma, the final act ties things up in a bow that feels a bit too… cheerful. Fortunately, the mid-credit scene drops a juicy tease that could mean darker waters ahead.
Final Thoughts: Is Nostalgia Truly Overrated?
The film itself flirts with this question, both in spirit and in dialogue. It leans heavily on our affection for the past, yet tries to carve out something new. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it feels like a rerun. But there’s still enough bite here to satisfy those looking for a slick, fun, popcorn-ready slasher.
I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) won’t redefine horror, but it’s a solid reminder of what made the original scream-worthy. Whether or not nostalgia is truly overrated, this reboot at least gives you a reason to look over your shoulder again.
Editor-in-Chief | Owner
I’m a dedicated aficionado of all things movies, pop culture, and entertainment. With a passion for storytelling and a love for the silver screen, I’m constantly immersed in the world of cinema, exploring new releases, classics, and hidden gems alike. As a fervent advocate for the power of film to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, I enjoy sharing my insights, reviews, and recommendations with fellow enthusiasts.