The 2025 I Know What You Did Last Summer film attempts to recapture the slasher vibe of the late 90s but ends up feeling like a superficial echo rather than a worthy successor. While it boasts high production values and a young, recognizable cast, it ultimately fails to deliver the tension, character depth, or originality that audiences expect.
The story centers on a group of friends trying to move past a tragic accident, only to be targeted by a killer with a vendetta. However, the emotional stakes never land. Key deaths are treated with surprising indifference; characters often react to their friends’ murders with barely a pause, making it hard to feel invested in their survival.
Madelyn Cline, known for her roles in Outer Banks and Glass Onion:A Knives Out Mystery, headlines as Danica, but her character is surprisingly one-dimensional. Despite her star power, Danica comes off as an irritating presence rather than a compelling lead. Her rushed emotional shifts and inconsistent behavior undermine what could have been a complex role, leaving audiences frustrated. Many viewers expecting a breakout performance were left disappointed.
Chase Sui Wonders plays Ava, a character meant to echo the original film’s Julie James. While she shows flashes of promise, Ava’s storyline is bogged down by unnecessary detours—like an inexplicable montage of her trying on outfits—which feels out of place and slows down the narrative. Ava’s arc lacks clear motivation and fails to generate empathy, weakening the audience’s connection.
The dynamics between the friends feel forced. Their interactions often come across as awkward or stilted, and there’s little chemistry to convince us they’re longtime companions. This is especially glaring given that the characters are supposed to be adults in their twenties but often behave more like teenagers—an odd mismatch that undercuts the film’s credibility.
The biggest missed opportunity lies with Freddie Prinze Jr.’s Ray. Introduced late, his return is meant to be a dramatic highlight but instead feels shoehorned and confusing. The film offers no meaningful backstory explaining why Ray and Julie (played by Jennifer Love Hewitt) drifted apart, which makes his sudden villainous turn feel illogical and out of character. Without that emotional context, the twist feels cheap rather than shocking.
Jennifer Love Hewitt’s return as Julie is arguably the strongest element of the film. While the limited screen time restricts her impact, Hewitt brings a professionalism and authenticity to her role that outshines much of the main cast. Her performance offers a nostalgic anchor and a glimpse of the original’s spirit, even if the material around her doesn’t fully support her. Still, relative to the rest of the cast, she stands out—though it’s worth noting that even her role suffers from a lack of depth and exploration.
Sarah Michelle Gellar’s cameo is a brief nod to fans but ultimately adds little to the story or character development.
Visually, the film is undeniably slick. The makeup, costumes, and cinematography all contribute to a polished aesthetic. However, the kills themselves are disappointingly tame. Instead of the visceral, gruesome deaths expected from an R-rated horror, the murders are surprisingly restrained and stylized—sometimes bordering on “pretty,” which dilutes the tension.
The film also attempts to inject modern themes about female empowerment and identity, but these efforts feel superficial and forced rather than naturally integrated into the story. At times, the narrative tries to juggle too many side plots and social commentaries, which detracts from building suspense and character depth.
Dialogue throughout is often unnatural, with characters speaking in ways that rarely resemble real conversations, further distancing viewers from the story. Combined with uneven pacing, these issues make it difficult to stay engaged.
With a sequel already planned—bringing back the character Brandy from I Still Know What You Did Last Summer—there’s hope the franchise might find its footing. But as it stands, this reboot feels like a missed chance: an attempt to capitalize on nostalgia without honoring what made the original films resonate.
In conclusion, the 2025 I Know What You Did Last Summer is a visually appealing but emotionally hollow remake. Its lack of genuine scares, weak character work, and inconsistent storytelling make it a disappointing addition to the franchise.
Rating: 1.5/5
