I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER (2025) is the newest entry in the slasher franchise, and this time it follows a new group of teens who try to move on after a tragic accident. Of course, secrets don’t stay hidden for long, especially when there’s a killer out for revenge. With a few returning cast members from the 1997 film, this sequel works as both a continuation and a standalone. However, it definitely feels like longtime fans will get a little more out of it.
What really stood out to me was the cast and how well the characters were written. In most slashers, you expect a bunch of side characters who don’t matter and are just there to be killed off. But in this film, everyone felt important. The friend group dynamic worked really well, and the movie knew when to be funny and when to take things seriously. You actually didn’t want anyone to die, which made the tension even stronger.
The character development was surprisingly strong, especially for a slasher. Madelyn Cline was a standout as Danica Richards, and Chase Sui Wonders did a great job carrying the movie in the lead role of Ava Brucks. They both brought a lot of heart and emotion to the screen. The mystery of who the killer was kept things interesting, and I found myself constantly guessing. That added a fun layer to the story as it unfolded.
Of course, the movie has its flaws. It relies heavily on jump scares, and while some worked, others were predictable. The kills weren’t all that creative or shocking, which felt like a missed opportunity. And like many slasher films, some of the characters made dumb decisions that had the audience laughing or groaning. You could definitely tell people were reacting to those moments in the theater.
Most of the film flows well, but the ending felt rushed. The reveal of the killer wasn’t very impactful, and it left me a little underwhelmed. I didn’t watch the original 1997 film, and while this one still made sense, it seemed like having that background would have made the experience stronger. Still, this was a fun summer slasher that delivered on suspense and entertainment, even if it didn’t bring anything new to the table.
Overall, I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER (2025) is a solid addition to the franchise. It doesn’t do anything revolutionary, but it does what it sets out to do. With a strong cast, good tension, and a familiar but effective formula, it seems like the studio is ready to keep this series going. And honestly, I wouldn’t mind watching the next one.
I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER In Theaters July 18th, 2025.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
Click Here to check out Uziel's Articles.