I Know What You Did Last Summer REVIEW: Chase Sui Wonders, Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Slasher Film Struggles To Capture The Original’s Magic

Film:
I Know What You Did Last Summer

Director: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson

Writers: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, Sam Lansky, Leah McKendrick

Cast: Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, Tyriq Withers, Sarah Pidgeon, Billy Campbell, Gabbriette Bechtel, Austin Nichols, Freddie Prinze Jr., Jennifer Love Hewitt

Platform: In theatres

Runtime: 1 hour, 85 minutes

I Know What You Did Last Summer Review

Nearly three decades after the original film terrified audiences, I Know What You Did Last Summer returns with a 2025 reboot that serves as a legacy sequel. Bringing back original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. The film mixes a new Gen-Z cast with a familiar storyline, a group of young friends hides a dark secret, only to be hunted a year later by a mysterious figure known as the Fisherman. While it aims to blend nostalgia with modern horror elements, this new take struggles to balance both, resulting in a film that tries to honor its past but gets lost in the process.

What Works

I Know What You Did Last Summer’s opening builds suspense well, with the accident scene and group dynamics creating some initial intrigue. Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson shows early promise, keeping the tone tight and engaging. Madelyn Cline gives the most memorable performance, balancing humour and horror with ease. The visual gore and sound design also add some punch to key scenes for slasher fans.

What Doesn’t Work

Unfortunately, most of the movie falls flat. It tries too hard to copy the scream reboot formula but without the wit or charm. The story doesn’t have the fun, self-aware tone of the original. Instead, it takes itself too seriously and ends up feeling boring and predictable.

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The new cast lacks personality, and their characters are forgettable. Many of the internet references and Gen-Z slang feel forced and outdated. What could have been a smart commentary on trauma and gentrification is brushed aside in favour of cheap thrills.

Technical Analysis

While the sound design and gore effects are solid, they don’t make up for the weak storytelling. I Know What You Did Last Summer tries to build suspense through long scenes and sudden violence, but they rarely pay off. The direction becomes messy after the first act, and the film struggles to keep its pace. By the final act, everything unravels with strange plot twists and poor execution that make it hard to take seriously.

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Star Performances

Madelyn Cline stands out as the most memorable performer, delivering a mix of humour and genuine fear that adds depth to her character. Chase Sui Wonders shows promise but struggles to bring full emotion to her role. Jonah Hauer-King and Tyriq Withers are largely forgettable, while Sarah Pidgeon’s performance feels flat and uninspired.

Billy Campbell and Austin Nichols have minor roles that don’t leave much of an impact. Gabbriette Bechtel adds some charm but isn’t given enough screen time to shine.

Among the returning stars, Jennifer Love Hewitt does a decent job with the limited material she’s given, bringing a bit of the original’s spirit. Freddie Prinze Jr., however, delivers a stiff and unengaging performance, lacking the energy needed to carry his role.

Overall, the cast struggles to bring life to the thin characters, with only a few performances rising above the forgettable script.

Conclusion

I Know What You Did Last Summer tries to be both a nostalgic throwback and a modern horror film, but doesn’t succeed at either. With a dull story, weak characters, and awkward execution, it ends up as another forgettable legacy sequel. Instead of adding something fresh to the franchise, it reminds you how much better the original was.

Watch the trailer of I Know What You Did Last Summer here:

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Manisha Karki

Manisha has established a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling with over six years of expertise in the industry. With a deep passion for cinema, she brings a unique perspective to her coverage, making it a trusted voice in the entertainment world.