You Get The Ending You Deserve.
You Get The Ending You Deserve.
After a twenty-seven-year wait, Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson delivers I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) and brings the iconic horror franchise back to life with a sexy, smart, and fun legacy sequel that feels like a throwback to the ’90s with a modern twist. By embracing its roots while taking bold new swings, the film delivers a thrilling ride packed with unexpected twists, playful humor, and clever self-references. With its atmospheric setting, tight pacing, and expertly built tension, this stylish entry brings the franchise full circle, crafting a trilogy that horror fans will return to time and again.
For fans of the original I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and its sequel, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998), the wait for a worthy follow-up has been long. This new addition revives the beloved characters we grew up with while introducing fresh elements and faces. Darker than its predecessors, Robinson combines the narrative foundation of the first film and the campy charm of the second. The result is a satisfying addition to the franchise that will resonate with die-hard fans.
Like any slasher, I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) has its standout moments and some areas for improvement. To break down the highlights and flaws, we’ll dive into a list of Hooks and Sinkers from the film. Check out the breakdown below and share what you think of this new chapter in the franchise.
MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW
Hooks:
The New Crew
Legacy sequels come with high expectations, particularly in horror, where fans generally prioritize the return of iconic characters over new blood. As Richie aptly puts it in Scream (2022), “You don’t fucking understand, these movies are important to people”. For films that bridge generational gaps to succeed, it’s crucial to have talent that can hold its own alongside the originals.
Fortunately, the newcomers in I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) – Ava (Chase Sui Wonders), Danica (Madelyn Cline), Teddy (Tyriq Withers), Milo (Jonah Hauer-King), and Stevie (Sarah Pidgeon) – put their best foot forward and sizzle with chemistry. They’re more than just fresh faces; each character feels fully realized, making their fates genuinely stakeable.
Danica, in particular, steals the show as our new croaker queen, bringing the camp and serving looks. A new scream queen in the making, Madelyn Cline understands the assignment and fully embraces the role. Chase Sui Wonders’ portrayal is refreshingly nuanced, adding layers to the typical final girl archetype and making her character seem like a real person, not just a trope. Her casual “send a text to don’t get murdered” had me chuckling.
The downtime between the action humanizes the characters, making you genuinely invested in their fate. Ava and Danica shine in several endearing scenes together, forging a compelling friendship that draws you in. For those who wanted to see Julie and Helen’s friendship repaired after the tragedy, this film builds upon that dynamic through the relationship of Ava and Danica. Meanwhile, Teddy proves himself a horror hunk to watch, injecting humor and heart beneath his tough exterior. Fans can look out for Tyriq’s new sports horror film, Him, later this year. Gabbriette’s character, Tyler, also deserves a mention; she adds an intriguing layer to the film and brings a unique energy to Southport.
Ultimately, I found myself rooting for the new cast, each of whom brings a distinct personality and presence to the film. Collectively, they form an ensemble of memorable characters that resonate with the audience, making their journeys feel both personal and impactful.
The OGs
Nostalgia runs deep in this sequel, with the originals expertly woven into the narrative in a way that honors the legacy of the previous films. The return of Julie James and Ray Bronson is a major draw, and while I craved more screen time for Jennifer Love Hewitt, she radiates in all of her scenes. Her portrayal of Julie remains authentic, and the parts featuring her feel true to character. It’s a thrill to catch up with Julie’s life today, and her iconic “What are you waiting for!?” line still packs a punch, delivered with conviction.
The dream sequence cameo by Sarah Michelle Gellar had the whole audience erupting in cheers – movie theatre magic. Although it may have overstayed its welcome, and the decay into a zombie was unnecessary, the scene was perfectly justified by Danica’s recent trauma and mention of nightmares, making it a haunting addition.
The mid-credit scene is a major highlight, with Brandy’s return as Karla being a nice payoff for horror fans. Box office results will dictate the fate of a potential sequel, but this segment leaves the door open for an action-packed follow-up that echoes 1998’s I Still Know. Total camp, total fan service – perfect for fans who want to be served.
The Fisherman
Our favorite hook-wielding fisherman is back with a vengeance, and he’s more menacing than ever. His eerie costume design in the new film amplifies his sinister presence, and he adds plenty of creative, bloody kills to his resume. Adding to the unease, he leaves a trail of mutilated bodies on display around town. While a mention of Ben Willis would’ve been a nice touch, this iteration solidifies the fisherman’s status as a horror legend. He was in fine form with Teddy’s attack scene in particular, which drew similarities to Drew Barrymore’s opening in Scream (1996).
The Soundtrack
The original two films boast vibrant soundtracks that transport you back to the ’90s, amplifying the fun and fear with lively grunge and alternative tracks. The 2025 installment continues this trend with a curated selection of tracks that seamlessly integrate with the on-screen terror. Standout songs like Tiny Screens by Chloe Slater, which sets the tone for the film in the opening title sequence, Carousel Horses by Christian Lee Hutson, Teen Rebel by The Haunted Youth, and Lewps by Charlie Houston, add some edge. The closing credits feature Addison Rae’s Summer Forever, a hauntingly fitting vibe that leaves an impression.
The Setting
Despite being primarily filmed in New South Wales, Australia, the 2025 installment of I Know What You Did Last Summer captures the essence of Southport remarkably well. The series’ unique setting is a major part of its charm, and this film feels beautifully shot. The premise follows a savvy real estate mogul who bought up the town after the ’97 massacre to rebrand it. To repackage Southport as a tourist destination, he meticulously erased all online mentions of its brutal past. Although the town has undergone significant changes in nearly three decades, the film still conveys the quintessential coastal town feel. The opening credits, shot in the same ocean location as the original, are a treat for fans. The visuals transport you to a classic 4th of July celebration, complete with fireworks, twisting highways, and stunning houses that become deadly traps for the characters.
The Reveals
The reveals in this new installment are sure to be divisive among fans of the originals. First, we have Stevie’s unveiling, which feels realistic, thanks to Sarah Pidgeon’s emotionally unhinged performance. She brings a captivating intensity to Stevie, drawing comparisons to memorable female killers like Brenda Bates (Urban Legend), Jill Roberts (Scream 4) and Amber Freeman (Scream 2022).
The biggest twist, Ray being the second killer, will spark debate. Comparisons are being drawn to Dewey’s return in Scream (2022), arguing that Ray wouldn’t turn killer just like Dewey didn’t. However, these comparisons don’t hold merit. We’ve seen much more character development with Dewey over the years, whereas Freddie Prinze Jr’s Ray has always had a mysterious side to him. His relatively underdeveloped backstory and simmering resentment towards Julie for leaving Southport initiate his motive. Ray’s similar struggles to Stevie’s – working hard for their futures while others had it easy – also add to the plausibility of his actions. His anger over Stevie’s situation and the erasure of his own history further fuel his breakdown. The concept of trauma affecting people differently was a nice angle to explore through Julie and Ray’s character arcs.
The reveals will spark debate among fans, but there’s no denying the film’s willingness to take big risks – first, a returning victim turning into a killer, and second, the decision to let a killer survive. The filmmakers weren’t afraid to try new things, and that deserves respect.
Sinkers:
Chase Scenes
One major letdown in this new installment is the absence of a tense, drawn-out chase sequence, a staple that fans have come to expect from slasher films. Helen Shivers’ chase in the original still holds up as one of the best in horror history, making it a missed opportunity for the filmmakers here. While there are some decent chase sequences, they’re brief and leave the audience wanting more.
This is a common criticism of modern slashers, with fans repeatedly voicing concerns. The trend is evident in films like Halloween (2018) and Scream (2022), which were followed by sequels that rectified the issue with standout chase scenes, such as those featuring Lindsey and Gale in Halloween Kills and Scream VI, respectively. If history repeats itself, a potential sequel might deliver on the chase front, but for now, the lack of a memorable chase sequence remains a miss.
The Score
The score in the 2025 film doesn’t quite live up to the standard set by its predecessors, lacking the notable impact that helped define the originals. A brief nod to John Frizzell’s iconic Julie’s Theme would have added a welcome touch of nostalgia and continuity.
Red Herrings
The film’s red herrings, while well-intentioned, fell flat in their execution. The church subplot featuring Pastor Judah, played by Austin Nichols, was shoehorned in. Despite Nichols’ talent, the scenes felt like a misstep and didn’t contribute meaningfully to the narrative. These misdirects could have been handled better by streamlining the plot and focusing on more dynamic twists. A notable omission that would have been interesting is the original intro scene with Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Lola Tung. Red herrings are crucial in keeping audiences guessing, but in this case, they felt like a distraction.
The Final Showdown
The showdown between Julie and Ray felt somewhat subdued, and a nighttime setting may have amplified the tension and atmosphere. It would have been empowering for Julie to engage in a physical fight with Ray, even for a moment, to give her a more active role in her survival. That being said, upon rewatching, it’s apparent that Julie discreetly signals to Ava to use the speargun as she distracts Ray. Still, given her history as an understated final girl who usually relies on wit over brawn, it would have been satisfying to see her come prepared with a fun weapon of choice.
The finale felt rushed, and a few extra minutes would have allowed for a more powerful conclusion. With attention to these details, the ending could have been as satisfying as other parts of the film.
In conclusion, I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) confidently delivers as a fun, self-aware summer slasher that’s entertaining from start to finish. With its clever surprises, creative kills, and nostalgic nods to the originals, it’s an action-packed ride that’s sure to leave you screaming, laughing, and cheering. By embracing its roots while feeling refreshingly current, this film enhances the franchise and will be a great addition to your rotation, complementing the first two installments—a refreshingly stylish revival of a ’90s classic that marks a triumphant return for Julie James.
