Scream is a horror-comedy film directed by Wes Craven and released in 1996. The film is a self-referential take on the horror genre and is widely regarded as one of the most influential horror films of the 1990s.
The film follows a group of high school students in the small town of Woodsboro who are being stalked and killed by a masked killer known as Ghostface. As the body count rises, the students must try to uncover the identity of the killer before they become the next victim.
What sets Scream apart from other horror films is its self-awareness and cleverness. The characters are fully aware of the horror movie tropes they are living through and constantly reference horror films throughout the movie. This meta approach is used to great effect in both the humor and the scares.
The film also benefits from a strong cast of young actors, including Neve Campbell, Skeet Ulrich, and Rose McGowan. Campbell is particularly impressive as the film’s protagonist, Sidney Prescott, and gives a performance that is both vulnerable and strong.
The scares in Scream are not only effective but also creative. The film’s iconic opening scene, in which Drew Barrymore’s character is terrorized over the phone, is a masterclass in tension-building and sets the tone for the rest of the movie.
Overall, Scream is a clever and entertaining horror-comedy that holds up well over two decades after its initial release. If you’re a fan of the horror genre, you owe it to yourself to give this film a watch.