This week, GLAAD’s Community of Color & Media team, teamed up with Columbia Pictures and Screen Gems hosted a pre-screening of I Know What You Did Last Summer, and let me tell you, it’s not the 1997 slasher you may remember. Sure, it has its roots in that classic, but this new chapter gives the franchise a fresh twist that really taps into the vibe of today. Don’t worry, this isn’t a spoiler!
When I Know What You Did Last Summer first came out in ’97, it set the standard for horror movies of that era. It introduced us to the scream queen we didn’t know we needed, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and had us looking over our shoulders every time someone said, “I know what you did…” Jump to now, and the tension is even higher.
During the July 4th weekend, a new crew of friends finds themselves grappling with what it really means to “do the right thing.” But here’s where it gets interesting, what’s considered “right” varies for each of them. For some, it’s about taking responsibility, while for others, it’s all about survival. And at least one character is just as worried about looking good while running from a killer.
One character who really stands out is Danica, played by Madelyn Cline. She brings a surprising dose of bright, dry humor to the mix. Her jokes about today’s “woke” culture hit the mark, touching on everything from health trends to yoga, and even… murder. Imagine a Peloton instructor combined with a true crime podcast host: morally flexible, well-hydrated, and oddly unfazed. Though Danica and her friends come from a place of privilege, this film reminds us that money doesn’t guarantee safety, especially in the midst of a slashing spree.
As for the killings? They’re definitely brutal. But the fight scenes and witty, self-aware humor balance it all out. The audience was teetering between gasps and laughter, and just when you think you’ve figured out who the killer is, the film flips the script and challenges your guesses.
While the slayings were graphic and relentless, what stood out was the film’s awareness of its genre and the moment we’re living in. For once, a queer character existed without having to explain themselves, no trauma, no trope, just presence. Their queerness wasn’t their only story line. It’s a small but powerful shift in a genre that hasn’t always made space for queer survival.
And can we take a moment to appreciate Jennifer Love Hewitt? Her return felt like a comforting blast from the past, but this time she’s sharper, stronger, and her scream still sends shivers down your spine.
I Know What You Did Last Summer comes at just the right moment, fusing nostalgia with a modern twist, blending horror with humor, and reminding us that no matter how much things change, our secrets always come back to haunt us.
If you think you know what’s going to happen next…you might just be in for a surprise. Oh and by the way, make sure you stay put after the credits, trust me it’ll make you scream!
