Review : I Know What You Did Last Summer Stands Out as the Most Entertaining Installment Since the Original!

After nearly three decades, the infamous hook-wielding killer makes a chilling return in this energetic legacy reboot. While the core premise remains familiar, teenagers involved in a deadly car accident decide to bury their secret, only to be haunted a year later it’s given a fresh and thrilling twist. One summer night, a group of teens covers up a tragic incident, believing it to be behind them. But the following year, ominous messages begin to appear: “I know what you did last summer.” One by one, they’re targeted by a masked figure in a fisherman’s outfit, armed with a menacing hook.

As the terror escalates, the friends uncover a disturbing connection, the killer’s appearance matches that of the infamous “Southport” slasher from 28 years ago. In a desperate bid for answers, they track down the only known survivors of the original bloodbath: Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Ray Bronson (Freddie Prinze Jr.), whose lives and relationship have since unraveled. Can the pair put aside their differences and face the horrors of their past once more?

Packed with clever twists, gory thrills, and a self-aware sense of fun, this reboot stands out as the most entertaining installment since the original. ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ is directed with a sharp sense of style and tension, blending nostalgia with modern horror sensibilities. The pacing is tight, keeping viewers engaged with a mix of suspense, well-executed jump scares, and atmospheric visuals. Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. bring emotional depth to their returning roles, grounding the film with a sense of history and gravitas. Among the new cast, the young actors deliver solid performances, capturing the panic, guilt, and paranoia of their characters convincingly. The chemistry between the ensemble feels natural, adding emotional weight to the horror. The direction smartly balances fan service with fresh twists, making it more than just a recycled slasher flick.

With a revitalized tone and the nostalgic return of Jennifer Love Hewitt as Julie, ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ delivers a satisfying blend of suspense and slasher nostalgia sure to please both new viewers and longtime fans.

Rating : ****

By Keerti Kadam