I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) Review – Nostalgia Returns, but the Fear Fades Fast

After two decades, I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) finally brings back the chilling mystery that once defined late 90s horror. Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, this new chapter feels like a true continuation of the original classic, reviving that familiar dark and suspenseful tone — but with a modern edge.

The biggest highlight is the return of Jennifer Love Hewitt, whose performance single-handedly carries the film. Her presence brings a wave of nostalgia that longtime fans will immediately connect with. The dream sequence featuring Sarah Michelle Gellar is also a nice touch, offering a haunting throwback to the original.

The movie captures some of the essence that made the first film iconic — the eerie seaside setting, the tension, and the paranoia that someone is always watching. It even manages to add a few unexpected twists that keep the mystery alive.

However, the film struggles when it comes to its new cast and storytelling choices. The acting from the fresh faces feels flat, lacking the emotion and fear that the plot demands. Even the much-discussed dream sequence doesn’t make much sense — it’s odd that a new character experiences it instead of one of the originals.

While the setup and suspense initially feels promising, the twist involving one of the original main characters turning into the antagonist ends up being a major disappointment. What could have been a powerful emotional payoff instead feels rushed and illogical, leaving fans confused rather than shocked.

The movie also leans too heavily into modern commentary, such as when the characters laugh and say, “This all could have been avoided if the men could have gone to therapy.” While it’s meant as a joke, it lands awkwardly and breaks the suspenseful tone the film tries to build.

By the time the credits roll, it’s clear that I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) is more of a nostalgic revisit than a reinvention. The ending teases a possible continuation when Jennifer’s character receives a new note reading “It isn’t over.” It’s a fitting cliffhanger — but one that feels slightly forced.

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