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FILM REVIEW
I Know What You Did Last Summer
4 out of 4 stars
Rudy Segovia
Headliner Chicago
I Know What You Did Last Summer
4 out of 4 stars
Rudy Segovia
Headliner Chicago
photo courtesy of Sony Pictures
Sometimes a movie gives you exactly what you're hoping for—and that's what happened with the new I Know What You Did Last Summer.
As a legacy fan of the 1997 classic, a film I’ve watched countless times, I approached this new installment with cautious optimism. Would I still feel connected to the franchise? Had I outgrown this brand of suspense and camp? Or would it surprise me with a fresh take that honors what made the original great?
No spoilers here—but I’m happy to say there’s something in this film for both newcomers and die-hard fans alike.
Let’s talk plot: the film echoes the familiar structure—an accident occurs, and a group of teens make a pact of silence. A year later, the past resurfaces in terrifying ways. Set 28 years after the original, this is not a remake, but a true continuation with nods to the origins of the story. The legacy of the first film weighs heavily on the town of Southport, and the story cleverly weaves in Easter eggs and references that fans will appreciate, and how those events of 1997 reshaped the community almost 30 years later.
photo courtesy of Sony Pictures
This time, the story centers on five wealthy friends—Danica (Madelyn Cline), Ava (Chase Siu Wonders), Milo (Jonah Hauer-King), Teddy (Tyriq Withers), and Stevie (Sarah Pidgeon) —whose lives unravel as they grapple with the consequences of their choices.
And yes, legacy fans, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. are back. Their return adds emotional weight and continuity, a treat for those of us who grew up with them as teen icons. For younger viewers who may not recognize them, trust me that they were the moment back in the day and continue to be horror film royalty.
The new cast does a great job balancing emotional depth with the playful, self-aware tone that’s become a hallmark of these types of films. They know what kind of movie they’re in—and they deliver.
Pop culture is always about timing—where you are in life when you discover a show, a song, a movie. I genuinely hope this new chapter draws in a fresh audience who’ll be inspired to check out the original.
This film breathes new life into a late-90s horror sub-genre that kicked off with Scream and lived through I Know What You Did Last Summer, Urban Legend, Final Destination and more. It honors its roots while evolving enough to stand on its own.
Final Verdict:
A worthy continuation that respects the past, excites the present, and hopefully inspires a future generation of fans.
And yes, legacy fans, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. are back. Their return adds emotional weight and continuity, a treat for those of us who grew up with them as teen icons. For younger viewers who may not recognize them, trust me that they were the moment back in the day and continue to be horror film royalty.
The new cast does a great job balancing emotional depth with the playful, self-aware tone that’s become a hallmark of these types of films. They know what kind of movie they’re in—and they deliver.
Pop culture is always about timing—where you are in life when you discover a show, a song, a movie. I genuinely hope this new chapter draws in a fresh audience who’ll be inspired to check out the original.
This film breathes new life into a late-90s horror sub-genre that kicked off with Scream and lived through I Know What You Did Last Summer, Urban Legend, Final Destination and more. It honors its roots while evolving enough to stand on its own.
Final Verdict:
A worthy continuation that respects the past, excites the present, and hopefully inspires a future generation of fans.
I Know What You Did Last Summer
opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, July 18
opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, July 18