Critics’ reviews
8 reviews from 8 publications. We need six from publications we count before we show a critics’ score; there are 4 so far.
The review calls Scream an exceptional, trendsetting modern classic that updates genre conventions with razor-sharp dialogue and a fresh take. It singles out the bone-chilling opening and Craven's elegant direction of the smart script.
Read the full review →The film turns the slasher genre into a chaotic post-modern pyjama party with imperilled teens remarking on similarities to other slashers while following the rules. Craven leaps deftly from exuberant in-jokery to moments of terror.
Read the full review →Scream is a simultaneously frightening and witty film that affectionately tributes teen slasher films with shrewd self-referential gags that make the scary bits scarier. The cheapster cast are better than they have any right to be.
Read the full review →The review praises Scream as a witty, self-aware post-modern slasher that rigorously dissects genre conventions while delivering scares and laughs. It singles out the clever in-jokes, strong junior cast and Craven's skill at balancing parody with genuine tension.
Read the full review →The critic finds the film an uneasy mix of parody and exploitation that winks at horror tropes while still delivering lurid thrills. It singles out the self-aware characters who quote other slasher films for both its cleverness and its cynicism.
Read the full review →The review commends Craven and Williamson for killing off clichés with panache in this post-modern horror comedy. It highlights the intelligence, wit and strong young cast as making it a standout scary movie.
Read the full review →The review notes strong chills and an intelligent script with a third-act twist but faults the uneasy balance of genre convention and parody that slows the pace. It singles out the top-notch surface sheen and strong ensemble cast for praise while predicting only modest commercial returns.
Read the full review →The critic calls Scream one of the greatest horror films for its loving skewering of genre tropes combined with strong slasher elements, stellar performances (especially Matthew Lillard), and an iconic opening scene that sets up the meta rules-breaking. It remains the best entry in the series due to its confident mix of comedy, tension, inventive kills, and precise direction by Craven.
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