Scream (1996) Movie Review and Film Summary

Scream is Directed by Wes Craven and Stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and Skeet Ulrich

Scream is an incredibly important film in horror movie history. It helped to redefine the genre and set the stage for a new wave of more violent, self-aware horror movies. The film’s impact can still be felt today, and it remains a must-watch for horror movie fans.

Scream 1996 movie review — Scream (1996), directed by Wes Craven

Scream (1996) Review

Scream is a classic horror movie that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Directed by Wes Craven and released in 1996, this film has spawned several sequels and reboots, cementing its place in horror movie history.

The movie is about a group of teenagers in the small town of Woodsboro, who become the targets of a masked killer known as Ghostface who terrorizes and murders them one by one. The killer taunts the group with phone calls and pop culture references while he hunts them down. As the body count rises, the group tries to uncover the identity of the killer before it’s too late.

Meta-narrative and humor in Scream are what make the movie stand out from other horror films. The film’s characters are aware of the horror movie cliches and subvert them in a way that is both funny and terrifying.

Throughout the film, characters frequently reference classic horror films like Halloween and Friday the 13th, but in a way that is self-aware and tongue-in-cheek. This meta-narrative is used to great effect, as it allows the film to poke fun at the very genre it’s a part of while also delivering genuine scares.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when the killer calls the protagonist, Sidney Prescott, and quizzes her on horror movie trivia. The scene is both suspenseful and funny, as the killer uses their knowledge of horror tropes to taunt and terrify Sidney.

The film also uses humor to break the tension and lighten the mood. Characters like Deputy Dewey, played by David Arquette, provide comic relief with their bumbling and comedic personalities. This humor is used to great effect, providing the audience with a much-needed break from the tension and suspense.

The performances in Scream are one of the film’s strongest aspects, with each actor bringing a unique and believable portrayal of their character. The cast is led by Neve Campbell, who plays the protagonist Sidney Prescott with a sense of vulnerability and strength. Sidney is a high school student who is targeted by the killer and must use her wits and courage to survive.

Another standout performance in the film is delivered by Courteney Cox, who plays Gale Weathers, a ruthless reporter who is determined to uncover the truth about the murders. Cox brings a sense of intensity and drive to her role, making her a memorable and complex character.

David Arquette delivers a comedic and memorable performance as Deputy Dewey, who serves as both comic relief and a source of genuine tension. Dewey is a small-town cop who becomes involved in the investigation of the murders, and Arquette’s performance brings a sense of earnestness and likability to the character.

The supporting cast, which includes actors like Skeet Ulrich, Matthew Lillard, and Rose McGowan, also delivers strong and believable performances. Each actor brings a unique and memorable portrayal of their character, making them all stand out in their own way.

The direction and cinematography in Scream are masterful, creating a sense of tension and suspense that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. The film is directed by horror veteran Wes Craven, who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the project.

One of the most impressive aspects of the direction in Scream is the way that Craven builds tension and suspense throughout the film. The pacing is expertly handled, with the film’s tension gradually increasing as the plot unfolds. Craven uses a variety of techniques, including jump scares, suspenseful music, and clever camera angles, to keep the audience on their toes.

The film’s cinematography is equally impressive, with the camera work adding to the film’s suspense and tension. The film is shot in a way that creates a sense of claustrophobia and unease, with the camera often placed in tight spaces and using angles that create a sense of disorientation. This style of cinematography adds to the film’s overall atmosphere, making it feel like the audience is right in the middle of the action.

Another impressive aspect of the direction in Scream is the way that Craven uses the film’s setting to create a sense of isolation and vulnerability. The film takes place in a small town, which adds to the sense of claustrophobia and helps to isolate the characters. This setting creates a sense of vulnerability that makes the audience feel like they are in danger alongside the characters.

When Scream was released in 1996, the horror genre was in a bit of a slump, with many horror movies relying on tired tropes and cliches. This movie came along and subverted those cliches, offering a self-aware and tongue-in-cheek take on the horror genre. The film’s meta-narrative and clever writing made it a hit with audiences, and it helped to reignite interest in horror movies.

Reviews for Scream Movies

One of the ways that Scream redefined the horror genre was by introducing a new level of violence and gore. The film’s opening scene, which features Drew Barrymore being terrorized and killed by the film’s masked killer, is incredibly intense and graphic. The film’s violence was a departure from the more tame horror movies of the past, and it helped to usher in a new era of more intense and visceral horror movies.

Another important aspect of Scream is the way that it embraced new technology and modernized the horror genre. The film features characters using cell phones and the internet to communicate, which was a relatively new concept at the time. This use of technology helped to modernize the horror genre and make it more relevant to younger audiences.

Finally, Scream helped to launch the careers of several actors, including Neve Campbell and Rose McGowan. The film’s success also led to several sequels and imitators, cementing its place in horror movie history.

Overall, Scream is an incredibly important film in horror movie history. It helped to redefine the genre and set the stage for a new wave of more violent, self-aware horror movies. The film’s impact can still be felt today, and it remains a must-watch for horror movie fans.

Score: 10/10

Genre: Comedy, Horror

Watch Scream (1996) on Max and VOD

Join our newsletter