'I Know What You Did Last Summer' (2025) Review: A Bold, Bloody Reboot That Swings for the Hooks
- Shauna Bushe
- Jul 24
- 5 min read
By Shauna Bushe - July 24, 2025
I Know What You Did Last Summer (IKWYDLS) hooks us back in with a deadlier, gorier reboot that isn’t afraid to make some audacious swings.
The 90’s era of slasher horror started up a frenzy. Films such as Scream, Urban Legend, Candyman are critical pieces of cinema that shaped the genre audiences love. The original IKWYDLS fits in this genre being timeless and truly iconic. Director Jim Gillespie introduced us to the ‘Fisherman’ for the very first time in 1997 and unlocked a brand-new fear. Now, director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson wants a taste, with her legacy sequel bringing bigger swings, and taking even bigger risks. Imbedding audiences with the famous quote ‘you can’t erase the past.'
What is the film 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' about?
We’re first introduced to Ava Brucks (Chase Sui Wonders), a young woman who returns home to Southport for the engagement party of her two best friends; Danica Richards (Madelyn Cline) and Teddy Spencer (Tyriq Withers). There Ava reconnects with her ex-boyfriend, Milo Griffin (Jonah Hauer-King); who still has feelings for her, along with the groups former friend Stevie (Sarah Pidgeon) who’s relationship carries the most tension.
The cataclysmic event soon follows, when they take a drive to see the fireworks. Things get out of control when one of them fool around in the middle of the road causing an oncoming vehicle to crash over the cliffs edge. Their attempt to save the driver before the car plunges into the ocean fails, creating a panic that engulfs each of them as they grow hysterical wondering how they’re going to figure a way out of this. After arguing about their mistake, they vow to never speak of the incident again, and Teddy enlists his wealthy father to cover up their tracks.
Fast forward one year, after drifting apart everyone reconnects at Danicas bridal shower – yes, to a different guy. Their past haunts them once again when Danica receives an anonymous note reading “I Know What You Did Last Summer”. The obvious homage to the original 1997 film. Bodies start to appear on hooks, bearing an unavoidable resemblance to the massacre that took place 30 years ago. Ava takes it upon herself to search for answers, when she discovers there was a survivor; Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt) she desperately seeks out their help before the masked killer kills her and anyone else, she loves.
Old Secrets, New Blood
“Nostalgia is overrated” says Jennifer Love Hewitt. But nostalgia is an immersive feeling, reminding you of a time and place you can’t experience again. Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson reminds us of the 90s with her rendition of IKWYDLS through many trips down memory lane, a heartfelt sentiment to the diva that was Helen Shivers and clever, subtle references; one includes Ray Bronson (Freddie Prinze Jr) mocking I Still Know What You Did Last Summer and saying to never speak about it again.
In 1997 the Fisherman teased his victims and pulled pranks, but we saw none of that this time around. The brutal factor maxed out, doubled the body count, advanced its weapon choices (not always by the hook) and the choice to display victims for the whole of Southport to see was a harrowing image. The vicious actions created a much darker, intense atmosphere. This Fisherman was brutal, deadlier and it didn’t go unnoticed how much alike they presented themselves to Ghostface. I appreciated how sinister and unpredictable he felt. He didn’t lurk, he pounced and when he fled, he was fast. More so, the sound design used to amplify his thundering footsteps was so cool.
The moral compass of the film was Ava. Good hearted and pragmatic. Held zero space for no-nonsense and with logic and fierce final girl energy became a worthy character to root for. Her bestfriend Danica is the one to unexpectedly get attached too. Dainty, ditzy, but the way she graces your screen is fabulous. Your drawn to thinking she’d be easily disposable but surprises you and makes a formidable scream queen. Both radiate Julie and Helen in a modern way, capturing the love, and friendship effortlessly. Teddy Spencer was unexpectedly the highlight, stereotypically he embodies brain-dead jock but turns out to be courageous, loyal and extremely likable. Milo struck out for me, he wasn’t nearly as compelling as everyone else. His weight wasn’t felt and neither was his death, its unfortunate. And finally, Stevie, she felt incredibly mismatched when paired up with the rest. Lost, indecisive, almost like a sheep. Again, not as likeable as the rest of the bunch.
Welcome Back, Julie & Ray
What makes this reboot feel more special is seeing the infamous Julie and Ray back on our screens. The film manages to pull their reunion off without altering their characters - it was incredible to see. They were utilized perfectly within the story. Space was created for them without forcing anything, giving them room to find their feet amongst new blood. The decision to bring them back wouldn’t have happened without the boldest, most daring twists and that freshness is exactly what these ‘legacyquels’ need.
Something else to appreciate in IKWYDLS is, there isn’t an overbearing weight of jump scares. Instead, the film plays hook-tease. Each death brings a satisfying build up with a number even having close calls – and a few of those scenes happen in set locations from the original film. Fans will be happy that the impact of the original film can still hold a place amongst the new generation.
Is 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Worth Watching?
Jennifer Kaytin Robinson was under extreme pressure to execute something worthwhile, and I firmly believe she did. The bold twist in narrative will no doubt create discourse and divide audiences but at the same time, its ultimately thrilling and fresh feel is noteworthy for other films to take such risks. We don’t want safe, we don’t want easy, we want change and that’s exactly what this reboot brings to the table. Selfishly, nothing will outshine the original and its elite croaker queen, but as far as reboots go this one set the bar high, its daring pursuit of taking big swings will be talked about for a long time.
'I Know What You Did Last Summer' is out now in cinemas
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