Horror reboot lands softly at the box office as critics and fans remain divided
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 30, 2025, 18:09 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Highlight of the story: The latest installment of 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' has arrived, blending nostalgia with modern horror elements but receiving a mixed response from critics and audiences. While cameos from original cast members and performances from younger stars are praised, the film struggles with a predictable plot.
The 2025 reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer hit theaters on July 18 with high expectations—but the initial response suggests it may not be the comeback the franchise hoped for. Despite a promising promotional campaign and a cast that merges Gen Z stars with nostalgic returns, the horror sequel has struggled to find its footing, earning only modest box office returns and mixed critical reactions.
Billed as a “modern reimagining” of the 1997 slasher classic, the new installment aims to honor the original’s eerie formula while updating the narrative for a digital age. Directed by horror newcomer Riley Jensen, the story follows a new generation of teens whose involvement in a fatal accident spirals into terror when they begin receiving threatening messages from someone claiming to know what they did—sound familiar?
What sets this version apart is its attempt to integrate the pervasive fear of social media exposure. The killer’s threats arrive via livestreams, viral videos, and anonymous DMs, adding a layer of psychological dread meant to reflect the anxiety of always being watched online. Unfortunately, this contemporary twist has done little to elevate the film’s impact in the eyes of many reviewers.
Critics have been quick to point out the film’s formulaic pacing and reliance on cliché jump scares. “It’s the same screams, just with smartphones,” wrote one reviewer. Another noted that the film “feels like a copy-paste job with ring lights.” Still, some have applauded the filmmakers for trying to adapt a legacy franchise for younger viewers, even if the execution fell short.
Performance-wise, the reboot shines in places. Jenna Ortega delivers a grounded, emotionally raw performance as the story’s reluctant protagonist, while Mason Gooding brings charisma and subtle humor to his role. Their chemistry has drawn praise, even as the plot itself has been criticized for lacking depth. The film’s attempts at social commentary—touching on influencer culture, online bullying, and cancel culture—are ambitious but largely undercooked.
A notable bright spot comes in the form of Jennifer Love Hewitt’s cameo. Returning as her original character Julie James, she appears in a quietly devastating scene that ties the new story to its roots. For longtime fans, it’s one of the few moments that feels genuinely earned and emotionally resonant.
At the box office, the movie opened in third place behind Fantastic Four: First Steps and The Bad Guys 2, grossing a modest $14.8 million during its first weekend. Given its mid-tier production budget and niche appeal, the studio was likely hoping for a bigger turnout. However, all is not lost: the film is set to release on Prime Video next week, where it could gain traction among horror fans looking for a late-summer thrill.
Whether this reboot sparks a new franchise or is remembered as a one-off revival remains unclear. But as it stands, I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) is a reminder that even familiar screams need fresh scares to survive.