Scream 7 (2026) Spoiler Free Review
Scream 7 had big shoes to fill. Directed by Kevin Williamson and marking the return of Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, this installment had all the ingredients to deliver a definitive, powerful conclusion. Instead, what we get is an entertaining but ultimately unremarkable sequel that leans heavily on nostalgia without carving out anything truly new.
When a new Ghostface killer emerges in the town where Sidney Prescott has built a new life, her darkest fears are realized as her daughter becomes the next target.
Film synopsis
The film follows Sidney Prescott as she attempts to live a quiet life away from the chaos of Ghostface. But when a new killer emerges and her daughter becomes the next target, Sidney is forced back into survival mode. On paper, the premise is emotionally charged and thematically rich. In execution, however, it feels like a retread of ideas the franchise has already explored, sometimes better.
There’s no denying that Scream 7 is entertaining. The pacing keeps things moving, and the kills, while creative, lack the brutality and impact that made Scream VI (2023) feel so vicious. This time around, the violence feels safer, almost restrained. The opening sequence, typically one of the most iconic elements of any Scream film, is unfortunately the weakest of the franchise.
One of the film’s biggest issues lies in its Ghostface reveal. While it’s not entirely predictable, which is a positive, the killer ultimately feels irrelevant. The motivations lack weight, and the characters behind the mask don’t leave much of an impression.
The film also leans too hard into nostalgia. The return of legacy characters, callbacks, and meta commentary feel less like clever satire and more like fan service. At times, it genuinely feels like the script pulled inspiration directly from online fan theories. While that self-awareness has always been part of Scream’s DNA, here it borders on indulgent. Some of the dialogue is sharply meta, but other lines cross into cringe-worthy territory.
Gale Weathers, once one of the franchise’s original characters, is unfortunately stuck in a repetitive arc that mirrors her previous appearances. The lack of growth is noticeable and disappointing.
There was a real opportunity here to do something bold, perhaps something in the spirit of Wes Craven’s New Nightmare, especially given the presence of actors whose characters are canonically dead. A more experimental, self-reflective approach could have revitalized the franchise’s commentary on horror culture. Instead, Scream 7 plays it relatively safe.
Visually and performance-wise, the film is decent but not outstanding. The soundtrack stands out positively, featuring strong original songs that enhance the atmosphere.
Ultimately, Scream 7 feels like it should have been the definitive ending to Sidney’s story. While it doesn’t end on an obvious sequel hook, the door remains slightly open which raises the question: what more is there to say? The franchise that once brilliantly mocked horror conventions now risks becoming what it once parodied.
Scream 7 is coming to theaters Friday, February 27, 2026.