I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) Review: Why Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Return Couldn’t Save This Sequel

After decades away from theaters, the fisherman killer returns to haunt a new generation of teenagers. This latest chapter reunites Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. with fresh faces including Madelyn Cline from Outer Banks fame.

Jennifer Kaytin Robinson steps into the director’s chair, attempting to breathe new life into this slasher series. The film promises to blend classic horror elements with modern filmmaking techniques. Whether it succeeds remains the burning question for genre fans.

Plot and Storyline

This time around, we follow a group of college friends whose summer celebration turns deadly. A car accident leaves someone dead, and rather than call authorities, they decide to hide the evidence. Smart move, right? Clearly not.

Twelve months later, the group receives threatening messages from someone who witnessed everything. The mysterious stalker begins picking them off one by one using familiar methods. The hook-wielding killer is back in business.

I appreciate how the writers tried updating the formula for social media age. Characters deal with digital footprints and online exposure differently than the 1990s originals. However, the basic premise remains frustratingly similar to what we’ve seen before.

The story moves at a decent pace once the killing begins. Early scenes establishing character relationships drag somewhat. The film works better during its horror sequences than dramatic moments between friends.

Cast Performance

Madelyn Cline handles the lead role with surprising maturity and screen presence. She brings vulnerability without seeming helpless throughout her ordeal. Her character feels more developed than typical final girl stereotypes we usually see.

Chase Sui Wonders provides strong support as the friend trying to keep everyone together. She delivers emotional moments convincingly while handling action sequences well. The chemistry between these young actresses feels genuine and natural.

Seeing Jennifer Love Hewitt return brings nostalgic warmth to longtime fans. Though her role stays relatively small, she makes every scene count. Freddie Prinze Jr. appears briefly but effectively bridges old and new storylines.

The remaining cast members vary in their effectiveness. Jonah Hauer-King brings charm to his role while Tyriq Withers handles the comic relief duties. Some supporting players feel less essential to the overall story.

What Worked Well

Robinson demonstrates solid understanding of what made the original films effective. She builds tension gradually before unleashing violent sequences. The pacing allows characters to develop before putting them in danger.

Practical makeup effects look impressive throughout the film. The killer’s appearance maintains the iconic look while feeling fresh. Death scenes pack visceral punch without becoming gratuitously graphic for shock value.

The Maine coastal setting provides atmospheric backdrop perfect for this type of story. Cinematography captures both the beauty and isolation of small-town life. Night sequences create genuine sense of vulnerability and exposure.

I enjoyed how the film respects franchise history without becoming slave to it. Nostalgic callbacks feel earned rather than forced into the narrative. New viewers won’t feel lost while returning fans get satisfying connections.

Areas for Improvement

Character decision-making reaches frustrating levels of stupidity throughout the runtime. These friends consistently choose the worst possible options available to them. Even horror movie logic has its limits.

The middle portion loses steam as the film sets up various red herrings. Too much time gets spent on false leads that don’t pay off meaningfully. Tighter editing could have improved the overall flow significantly.

I found the killer’s motivation somewhat weak when finally revealed. The revenge angle makes sense but lacks the emotional impact needed. More backstory development would have strengthened this crucial element.

Jump scares become overused instead of building genuine sustained terror. While some land effectively, others feel cheap and manipulative. The film works better during quiet, creepy moments than loud startling ones.

Critical Reception and Reviews

Professional critics have been divided on this latest installment. Rotten Tomatoes shows a 36% rating from critics, indicating mixed-to-negative reception. Many reviewers praise technical aspects while criticizing story elements.

IMDb audiences rated it 5.2 out of 10, suggesting lukewarm public response. User reviews highlight strong performances but question whether another sequel was necessary. The film seems to satisfy neither hardcore fans nor casual viewers completely.

Deadline called it a “vapid sequel” that struggles to justify its existence. However, The Wrap praised Robinson’s direction and the cast’s commitment. Critics seem more positive about execution than concept itself.

Several reviews noted the film’s self-aware approach to franchise tropes. Some appreciate this tongue-in-cheek attitude while others find it undermines genuine scares. The reception reflects broader debates about legacy sequels in horror.

Final Verdict

This new “I Know What You Did Last Summer” serves as decent entertainment for horror fans seeking familiar thrills. The young cast performs admirably while respecting the franchise’s legacy appropriately.

However, the film fails to bring enough fresh ideas to justify revisiting this particular story. It feels more like obligation than inspiration drove its creation. Die-hard fans will find things to enjoy, but newcomers might feel confused.

I’d recommend this primarily to franchise completists who need to see every entry. Casual horror fans have better options available in theaters currently. It’s watchable without being memorable or groundbreaking.

The movie demonstrates both possibilities and limitations of reviving dormant horror properties. Sometimes it’s better to let sleeping franchises lie rather than resurrect them without compelling reasons.

Rating: 2.5/5