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The release of “Scream 7” was always bound to stir debate. Fans of the franchise expressed strong opinions online after the production let go of Melissa Barrera—star of the previous “Scream” movies—for her pro-Palestinian remarks on social media. On the flip side, some longtime fans are thrilled about Neve Campbell’s return, alongside Kevin Williamson, who was behind the original “Scream.” This time, Williamson not only wrote the script but also took on the role of director for the new installment. Critics have now weighed in, and their reactions are deeply split, adding fuel to the ongoing discussions.
Critics who are not impressed haven’t minced words. Griffin Schiller from FilmSpeak criticized the film on X, saying, “‘Scream’ has become a safe, predictable, toothless version of its former self. It’s now what it used to mock.” Similarly, film critic Manuel São Bento opined, “‘Scream 7’ is a narratively hollow sequel that focuses more on cheap digital nostalgia than genuine suspense, meaningful themes, or intriguing killer reveals.”
The “Scream” series has long been celebrated for its clever take on horror clichés. When the original film debuted in the 1990s, the slasher genre was stagnating, and “Scream” served as a much-needed jolt. The characters’ awareness of horror tropes added a layer of wit to the narrative. However, as the saying goes, “You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain,” and for many, “Scream 7” has taken on that villainous role in the horror franchise’s history.
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Others enjoyed Scream 7 while highlighting one particular performance
For those anticipating insightful commentary on the horror genre from “Scream 7,” initial reactions suggest they might leave unsatisfied. Yet, if your goal is to see characters fleeing from Ghostface wielding a menacing knife, this film might just meet your expectations. The X account @ViewerAnon captured this sentiment, noting, “I had a blast with [‘Scream 7’]. It’s shockingly unpretentious—it’s a Part 7 slasher film that’s just happy to have engaging characters and inventive kill scenes.”
Many are undoubtedly most excited to see Neve Campbell back in the saddle. She plays Sidney Prescott, the final girl from the original “Scream” who was last seen in 2011’s “Scream 4.” But there’s another actor many are giving kudos to, like Hunter Bolding of That Hashtag Show: “Isabel May is a real highlight alongside Neve Campbell making her return. It’s a triumphant sequel in this long series.”
May is probably best known for playing Elsa Dutton in “1883,” but she’s breaking out in a big way with a prime role in “Scream 7” as Tatum Evans, Sidney’s daughter. Even in Manuel São Bento’s largely negative review, he admitted, “Isabel May is a standout.”
Mixed reactions aren’t hurting Scream 7’s box office prospects
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Full reviews are still being tabulated for “Scream 7” on Rotten Tomatoes, but as of this writing, the movie currently stands at a 44% positive rating from critics. If it holds there or dips even lower, it will become the lowest-rated entry in the entire franchise, beating out 2000’s “Scream 3,” which stands at a 45%. But the “Scream” movies have built up a lot of goodwill over the years, and this seems to be one franchise that’s largely critic-proof.
Anything could change over the weekend, but “Scream 7” is projected to make around $40 to $45 million domestically in its opening weekend, with a global haul of up to $60 million. With a reported budget of $45 million, this would put the movie in an excellent position to turn a profit in the weeks to come, even if some of the more negative reviews convince a few people to stay at home and wait for it to become available on streaming.
If you mostly like what “Scream” has done so far, a few bad reviews may not keep you away. After all, Scott Mantz was up front about where he stands on the franchise: “On one hand, it feels too formulaic, uninspired and far-fetched (even by ‘Scream’ standards). But I love these movies, so overall, I had fun with it, it has its moments & it’s great to see NEVE CAMPBELL back in action!” Even when admitting the movie feels uninspired, reviews from fans are still generally positive. Many more might feel the same after seeing “Scream 7,” which comes out in theaters on February 27.
