When You Need a Good Scream

Scream is available to rent or buy on Amazon for as little as $3.79.  Photo credit: Roselyn Robison

In Scream (1996), the plot follows Sidney Prescott, a high school student in the small town of Woodsboro, who becomes the target of a masked killer known as Ghostface. The story takes place one year after the murder of Sidney's mother, leading to a series of brutal killings that terrorize the community. As Sidney and her friends attempt to uncover the killer’s identity, they must navigate the rules of horror movies, which play a significant role in the film’s meta-narrative. The film blends suspense, humor, and social commentary on the horror genre itself. 

I was both scared and excited to watch this movie with my family because I knew it would feel less frightening with them. “She made me watch it along with the rest of my family. I warned her it was a little bit scary,” said Kiersten Week. 

Throughout the movie, suspense built steadily as the scary scenes unfolded. “The key parts that were scary were when Ghostface taunts the people on the phone and says chilling things to them,” said Ty Week. 

The movie felt a bit confusing at times because there was a lot happening, but the suspense kept me engaged. The jump scares were effective, and the unresolved mystery left me on the edge of my seat. 

Sidney’s boyfriend and fellow classmates became entangled in the events, constantly questioning who the next suspect could be. While the film was not as frightening as I expected—likely because it is an older film—there were still moments that were both gross and tense. 

I would recommend this film to anyone who enjoys classic horror movies or the suspense and thrill of a mystery. For those who are less comfortable with scary films, watching Scream with friends or family can make it a fun and less intimidating experience. It’s a movie that encourages both screams and laughter, making it a memorable bonding experience.