I wasn’t planning to write a review, but a few hours after walking out of the theater, I couldn’t shake the feeling… literally. My heart’s still racing. My jaw is still on the floor, and yes, I definitely let out a few little gay gasps throughout. This isn’t just another horror reboot. The new I Know What You Did Last Summer is a moment.

Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and co-written with Sam Lansky from a story by Leah McKendrick as well as Robinson, this 2025 adaption is the fourth installment in the IKWYDLS franchise, and the true follow-up to 1998’s I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. But let me tell you now: this film isn’t just here for the ride, it’s reclaiming the road.

So many reboots have fallen flat, nostalgia grabs without heart. But this? This film is terrifying, smart, and emotionally charged, balancing Gen Z chaos with millennial callbacks in a way that feels fresh and exciting. It knows exactly where it came from, but isn’t afraid to evolve.

The Plot (No Major Spoilers, Don’t Worry): 27 years after the Tower Bay murders, a new hook-wielding killer resurfaces in Southport, NC, and the vibes are as deadly as ever. A group of friends, one year removed from a car accident they tried to cover up, find themselves being stalked by someone who definitely knows what they did last summer.

The core cast is phenomenal: Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, Tyriq Withers, Sarah Pidgeon, Billy Campbell, Gabbriette, and Austin Nichols all bring believable tension and dark humor to the screen. But yes, the real scream-worthy moments come courtesy of icons, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr., reprising their roles with just the right mix of trauma and bite.

And as if that wasn’t enough to make my little 90s-loving heart combust, both Sarah Michelle Gellar and Brandy appear in cameos that had me clutching the armrest like it was the last floaty on the Titanic. You’ve been warned.

Why It Works So Well: The biggest win? The emotional core. You care about these new characters, even when they make reckless choices. The relationships feel raw, flawed, and lived-in, and when the horror hits, it hurts. Robinson’s direction is sharp and stylish, filled with callbacks to the original (including some killer Fourth of July visuals), while also building a world that’s modern without being obnoxious.

The script isn’t afraid to go there, either. Some twists had me out of breath. Turns I did not see coming. Moments where I was squirming, gasping, and nervously laughing all at once. It’s the perfect storm of slasher suspense, layered storytelling, and unexpected depth.

Final Thoughts: This is how you reboot a franchise. I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) honors its legacy while carving a brand new path for a next-gen audience. It’s scary, smart, emotional, and soaked in just the right amount of blood and nostalgia. If you were a fan of the originals, or just love a damn good slasher, do not miss this one. Seriously.

PS… if someone sends you a note saying “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” run, fast. Get tickets here!