Scream Review: 6 Ups & 4 Downs

2. The Direction Is Worthy Of Wes Craven's Legacy

One of the biggest worries about Scream 5 was that it's the first not to be directed by Wes Craven, who of course died in 2015 and receives a dedication at the start of this movie's end credits.

For a while, Craven's death felt like the categorical death of the franchise also, but directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett have proven here that other skilled filmmakers can deliver respectful continuations of his vision.

Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett smartly don't try to deviate much from the series' existing style, though despite costing barely half what Scream 4 did it's actually much better-looking, ditching that film's hideous soft, overlit aesthetic for something darker and more dramatic.

Beyond the visuals, the pair also know how to craft a suspenseful set-piece, ensuring that this new take on Scream slots comfortably alongside the previous four and doesn't stick out in any major way.