How ‘Scream’ Transformed the Slasher Genre in the ’90s

‘Scream’s 1996 release not only revived interest in slasher movies but also radically changed the genre.  The film, which was directed by Wes Craven and had witty writing by Kevin Williamson, brought new life to a genre that had grown stale when the 1980s slasher mania peaked.  ‘Scream’ raised the bar for horror movies with its blend of humour, clever narrative, and startling deaths.

 The film’s self-referential manner was among its most inventive features.  Not only were the protagonists living through a horror scenario, but they were also openly analyzing the survival “rules” found in slasher films and were aware of the common cliches.  This fusion of horror and commentary produced a novel yet nostalgic experience that captivated viewers with its astute strategy.

The portrayal of ‘Scream’s tough, resourceful last girl, Sidney Prescott, played by Neve Campbell, was another significant development for the genre.  Sidney stands out in horror history because she was tough, intelligent, and willing to fight back, in contrast to many other horror heroines who were frequently defenceless.  Ghostface, the adversary of the movie, also deviated from the norm.  

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Rather than being an unstoppable supernatural being like Jason Voorhees or Michael Myers, Ghostface was a human killer who was frightful despite being flawed, prone to errors, and vulnerable.

 Beyond its plot, ‘Scream’ had a significant impact on the horror business.  Teen-oriented horror movies saw a comeback as a result, giving rise to popular series like ‘Urban Legend’ and ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’.  It also showed that horror films might be successful at the box office and receive positive reviews.

Even after several decades, ‘Scream’ continues to be a seminal event in the history of horror.  Its influence may still be seen in contemporary movies, demonstrating how a clever, self-aware strategy can maintain the genre’s interest and vibrancy.

–Farheen Ali