Arriving with its seventh instalment, the iconic slasher series Scream returns with a brand-new entry directed by the writer of the first film, Kevin Williamson. An extremely entertaining experience, Scream 7 delivers thrilling kills, solid character moments, and a story that, unfortunately, keeps it from being one of the series’ best.

Sydney Prescott finds herself once again pursued by a new Ghostface who seems hellbent on targeting her family. Neve Campbell returns in the lead role. She is joined by Isabel May, Joel McHale and Courteney Cox.

Scream 7 shines brightest as a reminder that Neve Campbell is the ultimate final girl. As expected, she is excellent as Sydney and, once again, finds new avenues to explore with the character. In the film, she positions herself as a mother who’s trying her absolute best to protect her daughter from the trauma that always seems to follow.

Unfortunately, the supporting cast never seems to reach her level and is largely forgettable. It is here that the movie is at its worst, especially with regard to the final reveal of the killer. The motivation of Ghostface is indeed intriguing in the first act, but by the time we reach the third, the script becomes too convoluted for its own good. Thankfully, Campbell is still able to carry the picture across the line.

Despite some narrative faults, Scream 7 is a credible entry in the saga. The many scenes of murder contribute to this quality, with several sequences presenting Ghostface as a threat worth fearing. One scene in particular involving a bar stands out as an all-time Scream death.

This may not be the best film in the series. In fact, it might not even crack the top 5. But we must remember that this is a franchise with more hits than misses. Scream 7 may not be perfect, but it’s certainly a great time at the movies.