Synopsis:
Based on Lois Duncan’s 1973 novel, which was also the basis of the iconic 1997 film. One year after the fatal car accident that haunted their graduation night, a group of teenagers find themselves bound together by a dark secret and stalked by a brutal killer. As they try to piece together who’s after them, they reveal the dark side of their seemingly perfect town—and themselves. Everyone is hiding something, and uncovering the wrong secret could be deadly.
By now, we’re all used to older properties being remade or rebooted on a pretty consistent basis. Now, not all are great and in some instances, the original wasn’t anything special either. Nonetheless, films and series are pumped out in hopes of capturing or recapturing the magic that may, or may not have been there previously. While it may not hold the title for most remakes, the horror genre definitely has the most glaring instances of should or shouldn’t have since fear is such a strong emotion. You either have to up the ante or restructure the story in a familiar yet new way. Simply redoing the story with modern technology just isn’t going to cut it most of the time. What was scary 30 years ago more than likely won’t be as terrifying in the present. It’s difficult to capture that same level of fear, thrill, and excitement. However, when it’s done correctly, adding a refreshing take on the work can reinvigorate love for the original but also eclipse it as well.
“There are no accidents. There’s only karma.”
A 90s horror returns with a new face and more gore than expected. Reigniting the torch of the Jennifer Love Hewitt-led slasher, the I Know What You Did Last series is an addictive fresh take on a cult classic. Do you have to know anything about the original movies to enjoy this series? Not at all. If you haven’t seen them or haven’t watched them in years, don’t fret. These are all new characters and there is no name-dropping or really any references to Julie or her friends, at least not yet. What is the same is the unfortunate car accident and the motivations to keep it quiet. However, the victim isn’t who they seem and the impact they have on the group of teens is monumental. The show is able to blend a horror mystery thriller with a teen drama in a very entertaining and captivating way. If you love trying to solve complex mysteries, this show is for you. If you’re into multifaceted dysfunctional friendship drama, this show is for you. And if you enjoy your drama with a vengeful blood-thirsty killer or killers, this show is definitely for you. What is fun and a bit hard to explain out loud, is that we are in on one of the biggest and many secrets of the show. As each episode passes, we learn that everyone has something to hide, but perhaps the most enormous secret rests with its main character and us. Bouncing between the present and the previous year when the accident took place, we get peeks into who the friend group is as individuals and why everyone has the motivation to kill.
“As long as we stick together, we stick to the story.”
Filled with sex (not too graphic), drugs, and decapitated heads, I foresee the next four episodes to be rife with even more debauchery. I one hundred percent prefer this series over the movie. It keeps you guessing constantly. It chases you in a black truck, leads you to secluded caves, involves you in sexual entanglements, and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, your theory ends up in the morgue. The setting is beautiful, it’s shot well, and it’s full of suspense. I did find the editing to be choppy at times which led to momentary confusion. Nonetheless, this series is an instance where because of what type of story it is, updated technology makes the franchise better. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this show initially, but now I have to know how it ends. Its rewatchability is high.
Pacing & Pop
The pacing of each episode is done very well. It does a fantastic job catching your attention early and keeping it until the end. What popped for me is the new direction they have taken with this story. There are tons of unexpected twists and reveals, it makes each episode fun and addicting to watch.
Characters & Chemistry
The cast is a pretty diverse one in look and personality. I’d say the only downside is that the one seemingly black character, Riley (Ashley Moore) is a drug dealer. Luckily, she’s not posted up on a corner or in a trap house, she’s the cool one with a backpack full of party favors. Other than that, the performances are solid and they all have very great chemistry with one another. Led by Madison Iseman as Lennon/Allison who is doing a phenomenal job in both roles, she has her most impactful scenes with Brianna Tju who play Margot, and Bill Heck who plays her dad, Bruce. As we prepare for the next four episodes, I can only hope that the interactions get more intense. Not for nothing, Dylan (Ezekial Goodman) is hella sketchy, and I don’t trust him. Also, Johnny (Sebastian Amoruso) is probably the most likable and trustworthy character on the show.
I Know What You Did Last Summer’s first four episodes will be released on October 15, 2021, on Prime Video, with new episodes available each subsequent Friday. The season finale will be on November 12, 2021. Stay spooky and enjoy.
Writer: Sara Goodman
Producer: Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television
Executive Producers: Sara Goodman, Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Erik Feig, Peter Guber, James Wan, Michael Clear, and Rob Hackett, Craig William Macneill, Shay Hatten
Runtime: 44-49m
Rating: 4 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
