I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)

You know that feeling when you walk into a movie expecting… okay, maybe a little fun, maybe a little nostalgia… and then you walk out thinking, “Wait. Was that actually better than the original?” That was me after seeing the new I Know What You Did Last Summer.

It still starts the way it always has: a summer night, fireworks exploding overhead, a group of twenty-somethings making some very questionable decisions on a dark road, and a deadly accident that nobody really wants to talk about. Fast-forward one year and suddenly there’s a hook-wielding killer in town who has definitely been keeping tabs.

But here’s the thing, this one feels sharper. Fresher. Bloodier in a way that works. And yes, it still gives plenty of nods to the original, but without feeling like it’s clinging to it for dear life.

The old crew is back… and it works

Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. are back as Julie and Ray, and it’s not just for a quick wave to the audience. They actually have a purpose here, and seeing them share the screen again is just plain fun. They bring that little bit of heart and history that makes the stakes feel real.

And then there’s the new cast: Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, Tyriq Withers, who manage to feel modern and relatable without falling into “look, we’re being trendy” territory. They’ve got their own dynamics and drama, but they fit right into the world.

Nostalgia without the sugar crash

I’ve seen a lot of legacy sequels that get buried under the weight of callbacks. This isn’t one of them. Sure, there are moments that will make fans of the original grin, but the story moves forward. It’s not trying to be a museum exhibit, it’s trying to be a good movie in its own right.

Does it wink at the audience? Absolutely. But it’s the kind of wink that makes you feel like you’re in on the joke, not the kind that makes you roll your eyes.

A slasher that remembers to be fun

Let’s talk about the kills. They’re creative. They’re a little extra. And they land with just the right balance of “yikes” and “oh no, I kind of love that they went there.” The tension is better than your typical quiet-quiet-BANG jump scare formula, and the pacing keeps you hooked (pun intended).

It’s still a slasher, so yes, you’re here for the scares and the chaos. But you also actually care about the people on screen—at least most of them. That’s rare.

Final verdict

This could have been just another reheated ‘90s horror flick, but it isn’t. It’s leaner, faster, and just self-aware enough to keep you smiling through the blood splatter. And honestly? I think I like it better than the original.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to double-check my locks and maybe avoid any late-night drives on winding coastal roads. Just in case.