'I Know What You Did Last Summer' combines fresh and familiar slasher fun (review)

I Know What You Did Last Summer Has Some Frustrating, and Some Fun, New Cast

Perhaps it’s simply the audience that’s more savvy. But the fact that this new cast often leans into separating—like they inhaled the gas from Cabin in the Woods—leaves you reciting Marty’s “Really?” It’s as though they’re allergic to being near each other for more than a few hours. For friends, this is one of the more superficial groups. The new Julie is Ava, played by Chase Sui Wonders, and she’s sadly one of the dullest characters in the film. That could be because other characters received better lines and had more personality.

Ava’s relationship or situationship with Milo, performed by Jonah Hauer-King, lacks believability, especially as the movie progresses. Hell, the connection between Ava and Tyler, played by model and musician Gabbriette, felt more genuine. The other pair is Danica, played by Madelyn Cline, and Teddy, portrayed by Tyriq Withers. As we saw in the trailers, Teddy is this film’s Helen (RIP fighter). 

There’s Lots of Nostalgia for Laughs (and That’s a Good Thing)

The movie doesn’t take itself too seriously, leaning into the brutal absurdity of a Thanksgiving that tries for more. It recalls moments from previous films, including Julie’s “What are you waiting for?!” Even if it lacks the impact it once had, it still brings a smile to fans of the franchise. Plus, I Know What You Did Last Summer does not rely on the original cast to carry the new film. It’s very much a slasher with a new crew of victims for a new audience. Between the nostalgia and the new cast’s comedic timing, especially Danica’s, the movie maintains a level of entertainment. 

I Know What You Did Last Summer Delivers Gore and Imaginative Deaths

Compared to the 1997 film of the same name, the new one steps up the deaths. The original leaned into obscure deaths, making blood and gore pretty much nonexistent. This movie emphasizes the bloody mayhem, but it does not go too far. Plus, there’s an element to the deaths that adds an extra layer of horrified shock. The new I Know What You Did Last Summer surpasses the original in this regard, making the chaotic violence fresh and surprising. 

Out With the Old, In With the New Development

The theme arrives in spatters through the film. It’s a whitewashing of an unpalatable past that also removes what makes a location memorable. In its place is a generic, swanky, more expensive locale that’s interchangeable with any other spot overtaken by capitalistic greed. I Know What You Did Last Summer explores this, but does not give it substantial attention, thereby making it feel like a joke. The meat of covering the good and bad in a community’s past, i.e., gentrification, and looking down on or ignoring those who are a reminder of that history, is a compelling concept that’s tragically waylaid. So that, plus twists and reveals, cause the final act to stretch believability. 

Overall, This Slasher Sequel Is a Deadly Delight

I Know What You Did Last Summer takes the core concept of the first film and surrounds it with current trends of slasher horror with bloodshed, gore, twisted comedy, and more. The home stretch falters. However, the movie remains a fun watch, adding fresh faces alongside familiar ones. Plus, the 1998 sequel, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, was one of the few slashers of the ’90s where the Black girl survives—looking at you, Scream.

Because of that, I not only enjoyed the movie, but I’ll definitely watch any sequels. I Know What You Did Last Summer proves it’s a horror film and franchise that deserves its placement in the sweltering, uncomfortable season.I Know What You Did Last Summer ⭐ (3.5 of 5)

I Know What You Did Last Summer hits theaters on July 18.