Scream 7 goes old school, returning to small-town USA after Ghostface’s Big Apple bloodbath — and Neve Campbell thankfully reclaims her franchise. This time, mama bear isn’t messing around. The reveal, however, feels like a bad episode of Scooby-Doo.
After Melissa Barrera was axed and Jenna Ortega opted out, the original Scream heroine steps back in as the main character — and hopefully with a well-earned payday. Campbell famously sat out Scream VI over a salary dispute, but after losing their young stars, the studio had to pay up to bring Sidney Prescott back. A quick one-line joke referencing Sidney’s absence ties up that loose end.
Returning to basics also means the comeback of franchise creator Kevin Williamson, this time stepping into the director’s chair.
Courteney Cox reprises her narcissistic Gale Weathers, making a standout entrance. However, Gale disappears in the final act until after the showdown — with no explanation.
After Ghostface’s reign of terror in New York City, the story shifts back to a small town, a welcome reset for the Scream franchise.
A new group of teenagers is introduced, but none leave a lasting impact beyond serving as fanboys paying homage to past Ghostface killings.
Scream V and VI stars Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown return largely as comic relief — and little else.
Neve Campbell carries Scream 7, grounding the film with emotional weight, while her onscreen police chief husband (Joel McHale) fiercely protects his family.
Matthew Lillard’s return to the franchise is handled cleverly.
The kills are immediate, relentless, and brutal — generating strong audience reactions.
The story by James Vanderbilt and Gary Busick leans into classic Scream tropes while layering in new elements, such as AI, to elevate the mystery.
The Reveal
The Ghostface unmasking is unintentionally comical — pure Scooby-Doo energy. The reveal ultimately lands as lame.
The motive behind the massacre is equally ridiculous, stemming meta-textually from Campbell’s absence in the previous installment.
While the ending pays homage to legacy Scream actors, it undercuts the tension built throughout.
Scream 7 delivers consistent horror and brutal kills, but completely blows it with the finale.
Scream 7 is now playing in theaters.
A Kevin Williamson Film
Based on Characters Created by Kevin Williamson
Story by James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick
Screenplay by Kevin Williamson and Guy Busick
Synopsis
When a new Ghostface killer emerges in the quiet town where Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) has built a new life, her darkest fears are realized as her daughter (Isabel May) becomes the next target. Determined to protect her family, Sidney must face the horrors of her past to put an end to the bloodshed once and for all.Director
Kevin WilliamsonCast
Neve Campbell, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, David Arquette, Roger L. Jackson, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Mckenna Grace, Asa Germann, Celeste O’Connor, Sam Rechner, Ethan Embry, Mark Consuelos, Tim Simons with Matthew Lillard with Joel McHale and Courteney Cox
