I Know What You Did Last Summer – Film Review

Released in 1997 and directed by Jim Gillespie, I Know What You Did Last Summer emerged during the late ’90s slasher film craze, riding on the coattails of the success of Scream. While it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as its predecessor, the film manages to deliver a decent dose of suspense and teenage horror. With a mix of familiar faces and an intriguing premise, the movie offers a thrilling experience, albeit with some noticeable shortcomings.

The film follows a group of friends, played by Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Ryan Phillippe, who become entangled in a web of guilt and fear after a hit-and-run accident. Their lives take a terrifying turn when they are stalked by a mysterious figure wielding a hook, a chilling reminder of the terrible secret they share.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its ability to create an eerie atmosphere. The dark, foggy coastal town serves as a perfect backdrop for the suspenseful events that unfold. The tension is further amplified by the excellent use of cinematography and sound design. Jump scares are effectively executed, and the anticipation of the killer’s next move keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The cast, comprised of talented young actors, delivers commendable performances. Jennifer Love Hewitt portrays the lead character, Julie James, with a convincing mix of vulnerability and determination. Sarah Michelle Gellar brings her trademark charisma to the role of Helen Shivers, adding depth to the character. While the characters are somewhat stereotypical, the actors manage to infuse them with enough personality to make them relatable to the audience.

The film also benefits from a few unexpected twists and turns, subverting some of the typical slasher movie tropes. This element of surprise keeps viewers guessing and adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story. Additionally, the film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions, adding depth to the otherwise straightforward plot.

However, I Know What You Did Last Summer suffers from several drawbacks that prevent it from achieving greatness. The dialogue, at times, feels forced and unnatural, with characters uttering lines that come across as clichéd and lacking authenticity. This hampers the overall impact of the emotional scenes and diminishes the viewer’s ability to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Another issue lies in the predictability of certain plot points. Seasoned horror enthusiasts may find themselves anticipating certain twists before they occur, robbing the film of some of its intended shock value. The killer’s identity, while concealed for much of the movie, may not come as a surprise to astute viewers, detracting from the film’s suspenseful buildup.

Furthermore, the film struggles with pacing issues. While the initial setup is engaging, the middle portion lags, and the suspense wanes. This lull in momentum affects the overall flow of the narrative, leading to moments of boredom that could have been filled with more character development or additional plot intricacies.

In terms of the film’s technical aspects, the special effects, especially those involving the killer’s hook, appear dated by today’s standards. While they might have been acceptable in the late ’90s, modern audiences accustomed to more sophisticated visual effects might find these scenes lacking in realism and impact.

I Know What You Did Last Summer is a serviceable entry in the ’90s slasher genre, offering a blend of suspense, thrills, and teenage drama. While it does not reinvent the wheel or reach the heights of other iconic films in the genre, it manages to entertain audiences with its atmospheric setting, decent performances, and a handful of unexpected twists. However, its reliance on clichés, predictable plot points, and pacing issues prevent it from standing out as a true classic in the genre. If you’re a fan of ’90s horror and enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane, this film might be worth a watch, but don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression.