Rated: MA15+
My Rating 5.5/10
I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) lands nearly thirty years after the original, blending slasher nostalgia with modern flair. It is not trying to win awards or punch above its weight in terms of intellectual depth. Instead, it leans on its star‑studded cast and legacy appeal to carry the weight.
The story really starts to pick up at Danica’s baby shower as she receives a chilling letter that reads only I know what you did last summer. One thing led to another the group of friends start to be hunted by the Fisherman from the original film. It is a direct nod to fan service and Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr reprising their roles adds a comforting sense of continuity for long‑time fans. Their return has been described by some as perfect fan service.
At times the film drifts into goofiness. The dialogue often doesn’t match the age of the characters with cheesy lines more suited to under‑written horror clichés. That lifted me right out of tense moments. Even reviewers have noted how one moment you are immersed in gory horror and in the next you are jolted by quips better suited to a poorly written camp horror flick. The editing also feels out of rhythm, like the film occasionally shifts into the wrong gear.
That said the cast has plenty of charm. Madelyn Cline brings warmth and a touch of humour to Danica. Chase Sui Wonders and Jonah Hauer‑King populate the group with believable banter and youthful energy.
The plot is familiar slasher fare, privileged young adults accidentally cause a death and then cover it up. The pacing builds steadily, and the final act delivers some unexpected third‑act twists that surprised us. It delivers solid bloody kills and a classic whodunit feel even though the motive behind the killings can feel murky and under‑explained.
On the production side the fact the film was shot largely in Sydney is impressive. Locations like Watson’s Bay, White Bay, Paddington and Breakfast Point were transformed beautifully into the fictional Southport. For Aussie film‑makers this was a great opportunity. The job creation here should be celebrated. Even if the film doesn’t succeed wildly, it still supports our local industry and crew.
This film is not aiming to rewrite the slasher genre or win critical acclaim. It is a nostalgia‑driven legacy sequel with occasional thrills and a cast that injects charm and humour. Its flaws, cheesy dialogue, uneven tone, thin motivations, are hard to ignore. As an Australian blogger I want to encourage people to support our local film‑makers who brought this project to life. That earns it a solid but modest rating of 5.5 out of 10.
All images and Videos are owned by Sony Pictures
In Cinemeas July 17th 2025