The First Reactions To ‘Scream’ Are In, And Critics Are Calling The Reboot ‘A Damn Good Time’ That ‘Freakin’ Slays’

With a week to until it slices its way into theaters, the first reactions to Scream are in, and critics are loving the fifth installment that brings back original cast members Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette. (The Boys star Jack Quaid is also along for the ride.) If there’s a recurring theme amongst the social media take, it’s praise for the film’s sharp writing that critics are calling some of the best of the franchise.

“The new #Scream is a BLAST & my favorite since the original,” writes Erik Davis. “There’s some sharp writing here – a nice balance of well-crafted scares & amusing commentary on modern horror. It also pokes a lot of fun at itself, too, while remaining a bloody whodunnit & a damn good time. I’m a fan!”

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) January 7, 2022

“#Scream freakin’ slays!” writes Simon Thompson. “It’s a textbook example of how to revive and reinvigorate a franchise and do it in killer style. Brutal genius, it has the razor-sharp smarts of the finest entries in the series with a third act that absolutely nails it. Two thumbs way up!”

— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) January 7, 2022

There was also plenty of love for the original trio of Campbell, Cox, and Arquette that should go over huge with longtime Scream fans.

“As someone who has been in love with this franchise for a little over 25 years now, I totally and completely loved @ScreamMovies,” writes Heather Wixson. “Brutal kills, fun mystery & both the Legacy cast & newbies were great. Wes would be proud.”

— Heather Wixson (@MMEFXBook out 10/20!) (@thehorrorchick) January 7, 2022

You can see more Scream reactions below:

— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) January 7, 2022

The new #ScreamMovie is a blast. 1st act was a little slow, but 2 and 3 really deliver. Wild twists, gnarly kills, and some mind-blowing moments for longtime fans. #WoodsboroForever pic.twitter.com/CvtifKDt8i

— Corey Chichizola (@CoreyChichizola) January 7, 2022

What a welcome return to Woodsboro #Scream is! A razor sharp, bloody introspection on the genre and Wes Craven's legacy. All the feels and one hell of a genre start to 2022. My horror heart is so full.

— Meagan Navarro (@HauntedMeg) January 7, 2022

The new #Scream is the real deal. Such a well written script that keeps you guessing and wades into the treacherous waters of fandom in 2022. ‘Scream’ fans are going to love it. pic.twitter.com/caf2SqG0so

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) January 7, 2022

Fuck me, wow!

Have finally seen Scream 2022 #Screammovie and it delivers… and then some.

If this franchise means something to you — and it means so damn much to me — you will leave satisfied, moved, and wanting more.

Oh yeah, it's scary (and funny) as hell. pic.twitter.com/U88VOS1FUb

— Joel Meares (@joelmeares) January 7, 2022

The #ScreamMovie IS IT.

The nostalgia of it all took me back to the original film instantly. The cast was great, it’s hilarious and of course, the jump scares GOT ME GOOD.

Shoutout to the writers on this one because the writing in this is superb. pic.twitter.com/4cGh4kzcga

— Miriam Tapia (@MiriamiTapia) January 7, 2022

Here’s the official synopsis:

Twenty-five years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, a new killer has donned the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the town’s deadly past.

Scream stabs its way into theaters on January 14, 2022.