The film is set ten years after the events of “Scream 3” and follows Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), who has returned to her hometown of Woodsboro to promote her new self-help book. As she arrives, a new series of Ghostface killings begins, mirroring the events of the original “Scream” film.
The climax of the film occurs as Sidney, along with the help of Sheriff Dewey Riley (David Arquette) and his wife, journalist Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox), tries to unravel the mystery behind the new Ghostface attacks. A new generation of characters, including Sidney’s cousin Jill Roberts (Emma Roberts) and her friends, become the targets of the masked killer.
The movie cleverly plays with the conventions of horror sequels and reboots, introducing themes of social media, celebrity culture, and the desensitization of violence in contemporary society. As the body count rises, suspicion falls on various characters, including Sidney’s new friends, her relatives, and the returning characters from the original trilogy.
The film climaxes with a reveal of the new Ghostface’s identity and a twist that subverts expectations. The final act is a suspenseful and action-packed confrontation that pays homage to the franchise’s legacy while bringing a fresh perspective to the horror genre.
“Scream 4” received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its self-awareness, humor, and suspenseful sequences. The film aimed to rejuvenate the “Scream” franchise for a new generation while honoring the elements that made the original films successful.