I saw the original I Know What You Did Last Summer back in the ’90s and enjoyed it. It was a defining teen slasher of its era, blending mystery, suspense, and horror with a cast that became iconic. Now, nearly 30 years later, the franchise returns with a “re-quel” or “Legacy Sequel” — a modern continuation that pulls in legacy characters while introducing a fresh group of victims, giving it that nostalgic edge many reboots fail to capture.
Familiar Formula, Fresh Execution
The film sticks close to the original formula: a tragic accident leads a group of friends to make a terrible decision, and a year later, they’re hunted by a mysterious figure who knows what they did. As the bodies start piling up, the tension builds, and the group begins to unravel. Cast from the I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) return in this Legacy Sequel, with Jennifer Love Hewitt reprising her role of Julie James and Freddie Prinze Jr. back as Ray Bronson, plus some other unexpected cameos!
While not overly gory by today’s standards, the kills are creative and occasionally shocking, with just enough brutality to satisfy slasher fans. Some deaths are executed with clever buildup and genuine surprise, reminding us that less can sometimes be more.
Steady Pacing and a Twist That Lands
What works in this instalment is its pacing — the movie doesn’t overstay its welcome and moves along with enough suspense to keep you engaged. It does a good job of maintaining mystery around the killer’s identity, leading to a twist that, while not groundbreaking, is well-played and adds a layer of intrigue to the final act.
Entertainment Over Innovation
This isn’t a film trying to reinvent the genre or aim for awards season. It’s a fun, throwback slasher with modern polish — entertaining enough to hold your attention for a couple of hours. It may not blow you away, but it delivers what it promises: suspense, blood, and a bit of nostalgia-driven fun.
Stay for the Mid-Credit Scene
Be sure to stick around after the credits begin to roll — a mid-credit scene teases what could be next for the franchise, hinting that this may not be the last time someone knows what they did last summer.
Respects its roots while delivering a solid, if not spectacular, modern slasher experience.
Movie title: I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)
Movie description: A group of friends are terrorised by a stalker who knows about a gruesome incident from their past.
Date published: July 23, 2025
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 51
Director(s): Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Actor(s): Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King
Genre: Slasher Horror, Horror
Summary
If you enjoyed the original, this new entry is worth watching. It honours its roots while providing a solid, if not spectacular, modern slasher experience. Sometimes, a dose of bloody nostalgia is all you need.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
