Scream

Scream is a 1996 American slasher film directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson.

Scream is a 1996 American slasher film directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson. Set in the fictional town of Woodsboro, California, it follows Sidney Prescott and her friends as they are targeted by a masked killer known as Ghostface. The film became a major box-office and critical success and launched a long-running franchise.

Plot

The film follows Sidney Prescott and a group of teenagers in Woodsboro as they are hunted by a masked serial killer called Ghostface. The story combines slasher elements with characters who discuss horror-movie rules and conventions.

Production

Scream was directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson. Sources describe the film as having originally been titled Scary Movie before the title was changed during production.

Reception and impact

The film was both a critical and commercial success and is widely described as a major influence on horror cinema. It is credited with helping revive the slasher genre and inspiring later self-aware horror films and TV series.

Franchise

The success of Scream led to multiple sequels and later television adaptations. Sources note that the franchise continued with later entries, including a 2022 installment.