Scream (1996)

Title: Scream

Release Date: December 20th, 1996

Director: Wes Craven

Writer: Kevin Williamson

Starring: Neve Campbell, Skeet Ulrich, Courteney Cox 

Genre: Horror, Mystery, (comedy?)

                Ahhhh, quintessential commentary on teen horror. Gotta love it. Few people have told me that they outright hate the first Scream (the other few are a different story), and I feel like it sits in a well deserved spot in modern horror films. Between social commentary, cliche but perfect score, and cheeky but referential writing, I thoroughly enjoyed this film.

When I first saw this film, it was after I saw the "Scary Movie" parodying it, so I had a hard time distinguishing what was a joke and what was 'serious'. I watched this film a few more times, not really watching, just being told it was "smart", and loosely following along with the points they were making. So, here I am, finally watching it with all the horror knowledge I've collected and honestly, I have a new found respect for it. Also I really want a banana smoothie right now.  

                    The casting was awesome. Matthew Lillard who plays Stuart is such an underused actor, probably because of his iconic stoner voice, but honestly he was incredible in that final act. That is an actor who isn't afraid of trying out some weird stuff. Same with Skeet Ulrich, but he has a little more of a subdued, Keanu Reeves sensibility. I got a very try hard vibe with the Sidney Prescott character but then I realized that is so perfect for the role of a high school girl who just lost her mom and is in a strange sexual frustration filled relationship. I thought that uncomfortable chemistry Billy and Sidney had was so perfect. 

                    Of course costume and makeup were on point. I'm very biased considering I think some of the greatest casual looks came out of the late nineties and early two-thousands film. Like honestly though. Watch it and just focus on wardrobe. Very powerful.

I'm having a hard time talking about it because I just super enjoy this film while I also think that it is pretty transparent(in a good way). It's not even one of my top 10, but Scream is an easy film to watch if you aren't super invested in horror film theory, and it's a really fun film to watch if you are obsessed or even just interested in film and horror tropes.

                 10 outta 10, I will always recommend this movie because it is both accessible and thought provoking, breaks down some walls(while also being playful and smart) and is visually really nice. Also, bonus tip, if you enjoy this film, give Cabin in the Woods a spin, that is another great horror commentary film!