I Know What You Did Last Summer Review (2025)
The horror movie genre has proven interesting in the past few months. However, recent months have given us some unique sequels, from M3GAN 2.0 to Final Destination Bloodlines. While some were conceptually intriguing more than others, these films still made an impact, big or small. Now, 2025’s I Know What You Did Last Summer joins that roster, doing a double take on what fans know about the films. Although, somewhat like the modern Scream movies, I Know What You Did Last Summer is a campy experience most might find enjoyable.
Much like Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer plays on being a nostalgic sequel by heavily calling back on the past films. A group of friends finds themselves trying to forget an incident that happened the prior year. Unfortunately, much like the previous films, someone’s out to get them by going on a killing spree. However, this time, they have help from the first survivors: Julie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Ray (Freddie Prinze Jr.).
What mostly makes I Know What You Did Last Summer is the cast, particularly with Chase Sui Wonders and Madelyn Cline. Both actresses have such a heartfelt chemistry with each other, but that should come to no surprise given how their characters, Ava and Danica, are best friends. Even though one is more Gen-Z than the other with all her in-the-moment jokes (yes, that’s Danica), they both feel like real characters. Cline and Wonders really shine, especially when the final act comes around as it allows them to fully have that resilience in a dramatic way.
The rest of the cast is also great, never letting their characters fall into the archetypes of the original 1997 characters. Jonah Hauer-King’s Milo is awkward around Ava due to some sort of falling out, but has this desire to make up with her that gives off some charm like his Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid. Tyriq Withers’ Teddy might initially be a jock-y, arrogant playboy, but his concern for the others, especially with Danica given their break-up after the initial incident, makes him somewhat likable too.
However, Sarah Pidgeon’s Stevie feels like she might be the most complex of them all. While she’s initially an outsider to the group, Stevie’s empathy for others really makes you feel for her too. She’s closely connected to Ray, who’s now running his own Southport bar after his messy divorce with Julie. However, her compassion for the main five might make some viewers a little bit on edge considering some moves she makes.
Although, she’s not the only one making moves as there are other characters who have stronger motives. For example, Teddy’s dad essentially wants Southport to be a beautiful tourist haven and hides the 1997 incident in any way he can. Another character, the town’s pastor, is connected to a few clues in the second act to suggest he’s the Fisherman killer out of revenge. I Know What You Did Last Summer never lets these characters’ motives feel cartoonish or out-of-place, keeping the mystery aspect of the film very captivating and fun.
Yet, I Know What You Did Last Summer uses up its nostalgia to the point where it, borderline, feels like Scream. Once Julie and Ray make their return, there’s instant callbacks to both original franchise films as the characters make some jokes about it. The film even has Julie say the title as well as her iconic catchphrase not once, but twice, to give the fans something to cheer for. There’s also a few unannounced cameos that will have you surprised, especially one after the end credits hit that hint at another sequel.
It can feel like the film is making too much fun of itself to the point where it can feel campy, especially due to the huge amount of exposition in the first act. It tries to do some showing and talking regarding the characters’ backgrounds, especially with Ava and Stevie, but it may feel a little overbearing. Fortunately, the sincerity in the performance from the leads rounds it out.
The kills are as gruesome and build the film’s terror perfectly. You can always feel the Fisherman lingering in the background even when the characters don’t see them. When the Fisherman makes their move in each scene, it feels gripping as most of their victims are given a hint of agency, like a podcaster who’s digging into Southport’s past to find herself confronted with it. However, when the killers (yes, there’s more than one!) get revealed, the action doesn’t necessarily have the weight as it did previously.
All in all, I Know What You Did Last Summer is a gruesomely satisfying sequel that enjoys using its nostalgia to the fullest. Chase Sui Wonders and Madelyn Cline really carry this film’s clunky, yet interesting slasher story and the kills honor what has come before. I’m not sure if a sequel really needs to be warranted, but I wouldn’t mind it if it came through if we don’t get these two back!
I Know What You Did Last Summer releases in theaters on July 18.
Rating: ★★★½
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.
Know What You Did Last Summer Review
Know What You Did Last Summer Review