SCREAM
The Killer Review
Miranda Cossío Silva
Directed by the legendary Wes Craven who also directed A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) and Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994, strikes again in "Scream" where he takes us to the small town of Woodsboro in the US, where the plot revolves around Sidney Prescott, played by Neve Campbell, a high school student whose life takes a terrifying turn when a masked killer begins a murder spree and starts chasing her as her main victim. What sets "Scream" apart from other horror movies is its self-awareness. The characters, in a brilliantly meta twist, are well aware of the horror genre's clichés and frequently reference them, an element which adds an extra layer of humor to the film.
One of the standout aspects of "Scream" is its clever writing. The characters' dialogue is filled with pop culture references that provide both humor and insightful commentary on the genre. For instance, there's a memorable scene where the characters discuss the rules of surviving a horror movie, adding depth to the film's self-awareness.
The cast's performances are another highlight. Neve Campbell delivers a strong and relatable performance as the resilient Sidney, making her one of the most memorable “final girls” of the horror genre, while Courteney Cox and David Arquette add both humor and intrigue as a tabloid journalist and a bumbling deputy, respectively. Drew Barrymore's brief but memorable appearance in the opening sequence sets the tone for the entire film.
""Scream" is not just a horror movie; it's a clever deconstruction of the genre. It subverts expectations, keeps the audience guessing, and delivers both scares and laughs in equal measure."
Wes Craven's direction and Kevin Williamson's screenplay work in perfect harmony, resulting in a film that remains fresh and enjoyable even after multiple viewings.
"Scream" is a groundbreaking horror film that combines scares, humor, and self-awareness to create a truly unique cinematic experience. It's a must-see for horror enthusiasts and anyone looking for a film that challenges and reinvents the genre. To quote renowned film critic Roger Ebert, "Wes Craven's 'Scream' is a smart, self-aware horror film that breathes fresh life into the slasher genre." (Wiebe & Wiebe, 2022). I would give it a solid 4.8 out of 5 stars, and if I were a ghost face killer, I'd give it a thumbs-up. It's a killer horror film with a wicked sense of humor!