Remake evaluation: Blend of nostalgia and gore in the latest 'I Know What You Did Last Summer'
The much-anticipated reboot of the classic 1997 horror film, "I Know What You Did Last Summer," has hit the screens, sparking a flurry of discussions about its narrative, tone, and reliance on the original.
Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and co-written with Sam Lansky, the new installment follows a group of post-high school friends who, a year after causing a fatal car wreck, are stalked by a hook-wielding killer. The ensemble cast includes Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, Sarah Pidgeon, and Tyriq Withers.
The film's narrative, while reminiscent of the original, has drawn mixed reviews. Critics find the characters paper-thin and the scares heavily telegraphed, with some describing the story as having a slow and familiar start and featuring at least one too many endings. However, the film is praised for giving its characters more screen time and emotional weight than typical slasher fodder, with Madelyn Cline's portrayal of Danica being particularly noted for defying typical genre disposability.
The tone of the film is more meta-humorous and self-aware compared to the original, resembling a knowing horror comedy akin to "Scream." It features elements of stupidity and irony that suggest deeper themes but arguably fall short of genuine intelligence. Some reviewers note that the film leans heavily into nostalgia but also critiques that nostalgia ("Nostalgia is overrated" is even stated in the film), signaling a self-aware but conflicted tone.
The reboot explicitly references and riffs on the original and its sequel, even bringing back original cast members Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt as mentors to the new generation. While some find the nods nostalgic and entertaining, others criticize the film for leaning too heavily on the past and lacking originality in its premise and themes. The film tries to strike a balance between homage and innovation but ends up feeling derivative to some viewers.
Despite these criticisms, the restart is seen by some critics as unpretentiously enjoyable and a pleasant enough throwback, despite not being strictly necessary. The film includes gruesome stabbings, harpoon impalings, and corpses displayed on hooks, as well as a dream sequence with a surprise returning OG character. The police in Southport are portrayed as nefarious, covering up murders to avoid turning off tourism.
A scene in the film involves a scared victim shooting a harpoon gun at the hook killer, adding a thrilling twist to the traditional slasher formula. The film's tone is inconsistent, ranging from whimpering victims to horny scenes, with Jennifer Love Hewitt's character, Julie, mockingly asking her attacker, "What are you waiting for?" during the film.
In summary, the 2025 "I Know What You Did Last Summer" reboot is praised for its meta-humor, suspenseful chase sequences, and some strong character work, but is equally criticized for its lack of originality, slow pacing, paper-thin characters, and overreliance on nostalgia and references to the original. The tonal shift toward self-aware horror comedy sets it apart from the first film but also makes it less straightforward as a slasher.
Movie enthusiasts engaged in heated debates about the latest entertainment offering in the 'movies-and-tv' sphere, the reboot of the 1997 horror film "I Know What You Did Last Summer." This 'entertainment' piece, directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and co-written with Sam Lansky, delves into a gripping narrative revolving around post-high school friends, their hidden past, and a hook-wielding killer.
