Scream 4

Scream 4 is a slasher film directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson. Released in the United States on 15 April 2011, it is the fourth installment in the Scream series and follows the events of Scream 3 (2000). With a budget of $40 million, the film grossed $97.2 million worldwide, making it the lowest-grossing entry in the franchise.

The film features a talented cast, including Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, David Arquette as Dewey Riley, and Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers. Other notable actors include Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, and Anthony Anderson.

Scream 4 takes place on the fifteenth anniversary of the original Woodsboro murders, where Sidney returns to her hometown to promote her new self-help book. Upon her return, a new Ghostface killer emerges, targeting high school students. The film satirizes horror movie clichés and offers commentary on how social media influences modern society and the obsession with internet fame.

The idea for a fourth film was initially shelved after the third installment, but in June 2008, The Weinstein Company announced that development had begun. Filming took place in and around Ann Arbor, Michigan, from June to September 2010. The film premiered at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on 11 April 2011.

Upon release, Scream 4 received mixed reviews. Critics praised the performances and humor but criticized its reliance on familiar tropes and lack of genuine scares. It has since garnered a more favorable reassessment, particularly regarding its insights on social media. Various critics, including Roger Ebert, noted its clever writing and direction, yet some felt it didn't quite live up to the fresh impact of the original film.

The film features a notable twist ending where Jill Roberts (played by Emma Roberts) is revealed to be the mastermind behind the killings, motivated by jealousy and a desire for fame. This unexpected turn adds depth to the film and engages viewers in a more intricate narrative.

In the years following its release, Scream 4 has been credited for predicting the effects of social media on youth and the extreme measures some will take for online recognition. Its legacy continues, as talks of future installments have emerged, including a fifth film released on 14 January 2022.

As fans of the horror genre and the Scream franchise look back at Scream 4, it remains a pivotal point in the series, reflecting both the evolution of horror films and societal changes in the digital age.