A review of Scream: ‘What’s your favorite scary movie?’

To celebrate the Halloween season, The Auburn Plainsman Lifestyle Section is reviewing and recommending related movies for people to watch. Ranging from frightening, nightmare-inducing thrillers to wholesome, family-friendly flicks, reviews will cover a variety of genres. Read a synopsis and our thoughts, and then take a look at the “spooky” meter, a rating out of five that details whether we think this movie is worth watching during Halloween time. If you would like to write a Halloween-related film review and see it published, email srb0106@auburn.edu.

A masked killer plagues the fictional town of Woodsboro, California, often using phone calls to taunt victims. Taking place in the 1990s, the killer is untraceable, and help is further than just an emergency call on a cell phone. Constantly referencing infamous horror movies and the “rules” to survive a scary movie, the characters tend to still fall into the stereotype of dumb teenagers running straight to the killer. This is “Scream,” the pinnacle of tongue-in-cheek horror.

“Scream” is a slasher directed by Wes Craven. Craven was popular in the horror movie genre, especially for his unique incorporation of comedy into the fear-driven genre. In the film, the masked killer, better known as Ghostface, wears a black cloak and white rubber mask. This costume would go on to become instantly recognizable and the symbol of the “Scream” franchise. 

Released in 1996, “Scream” is full of nostalgia. Characters don denim-on-denim outfits and plaid mini skirts, while the soundtrack includes hits, such as Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out.” The film takes inspiration from other horror movies while also the opportunity to poke fun at them. Following the news of a brutal double homicide in town, the protagonist Sidney Prescott returns home to take a nap, mirroring a scene from 1978’s “Halloween.”When she receives a threatening phone call, she initially brushes it off as a prank. Prescott declares that she hates horror movies because of the stupidity of the characters, stating, “They’re always running up the stairs when they should be going out the front door.” In a moment of irony, once Ghostface enters the house,  Prescott immediately runs up the stairs. Moments like these are recurring throughout the film, giving audiences a break from the tension. 

Further drawing on the movie’s self-awareness, one of the most iconic scenes is when the rules to survive a horror movie are described. This explanation is given while showing footage from “Halloween.” In order to survive, a character must not have sex, partake in alcohol or drugs and should never say that they will be right back. While listing these rules, characters groan and continue to break every rule. While not every character who breaks those rules dies, it is shown to significantly decrease their chances of survival.  

Although many characters in “Scream” align with horror movie tropes, like the flirty best friend and the bumbling police deputy, audiences cannot help but root for them. Besides witty one-liners and positive traits, the characters also react in a realistic manner. In other horror movies like “The Blair Witch Project,” it is common to see victims scream and freeze in fear when faced with danger. However, the characters in “Scream” put up vicious fights against Ghostface, even if they ultimately lose. This makes the movie both more satisfying and unnerving, as audiences cannot easily comfort themselves by imagining what they would have done differently in that scenario. With characters that react realistically, the film already answers any “what-ifs” the audience has.   

Spooky Recommendation Meter: 5/5

“Scream” is the perfect movie to kick off the Halloween season. Although not every minute is filled with terror and jump scares, the film has the perfect balance of comedy and horror. The movie also utilizes sensitive undertones, such as parental abandonment and trauma, to add depth and emotional stakes to the story. “Scream” allows audiences to connect with the characters and root for them, while also providing ample opportunities to laugh at the meta moments in the film. Whether you are a horror movie fanatic or someone easing into the genre, “Scream” will not disappoint.