Scream
**Halloween* 2025: Film LX*
Scream is a massively influential horror film, completely shaping the genre in the late 90s. Wes Craven had already affirmed his status as a legendary horror director thanks to The Last House on the Left, The Hills Have Eyes and of course the amazing A Nightmare on Elm Street. Named after the Michael and Janet Jackson duet, the film was written by [](http://letterboxd.com/writer/kevin-willoam)Kevin Williamson which really boosts the film's unique flare which helped its major success.
Craven was always amazing at directing actually likeable teenage characters and these are the best. Sidney Prescott has to be a top 10 final girl at least. The final showdown when Billy and Stu is incredible, especially the performance provided by the mental Matthew Lillard who spits and screams all over the place.
The final act is so good, all taking place in the gargantuan Macher house. It is made very atmospheric by the teenagers swarming the living room and kitchen. It also adds to the spectacular gore which is present throughout. The reveal of there being two killers is so remarkable yet is seen as quite basic now but was unheard of then.
The comedy here is so simple but some of the funniest shit ever. However, this often does get blurred with [](http://letterboxd.com/film/scary-movie/)Scary Movie, especially humour-wise. Dewey is so funny and I'm so happy Wes decided to keep him alive at the end of this. Just stuff like him with an ice cream cone is so good and him being so precious over his status in the police force. However, he will never top the GOAT Doofy!
Matthew Lillard, as I have already mentioned, is a hoot all the time in this. During the ending, he goes full maniac when talking to Sid while at advantage but full-on crumbles when he police are mentioned. He is very clearly in love with Billy btw.
Overall, this is a classic meta horror film which completely changed the game and worked so well as a simple slasher. Masterpiece!> "My mom and dad are gonna be so mad at me."