Directed by Jim Gillespie, I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) is a classic slasher film that capitalized on the late 90s horror revival, riding the coattails of Scream (1996). While it borrows many of the conventions of the genre and incorporates elements of teen drama, the film manages to stand out thanks to its suspenseful atmosphere, a memorable cast, and its exploration of guilt and retribution.

Plot Overview

The film centers around four teenagers—Julie (Jennifer Love Hewitt), Ray (Freddie Prinze Jr.), Helen (Sarah Michelle Gellar), and Barry (Ryan Phillippe)—who, after being involved in a tragic accident, decide to cover up the death of a man they accidentally hit with their car. A year later, they find themselves being stalked by an anonymous killer who seems to know about their dark secret, and who begins targeting them one by one. As the killer gets closer, the group must confront their past actions and the consequences of their decision to keep silent.

Direction and Cinematography

Jim Gillespie’s direction keeps the tension high throughout the film, building suspense through slow-burn moments and sudden shocks. The pacing is deliberate, with the film taking its time to introduce the characters and the setting before diving into the horror. The use of misty, isolated locations like the small coastal town and the dark, foreboding woods amplifies the sense of dread, creating a classic slasher film atmosphere. Though not groundbreaking in terms of visuals, the cinematography is effective in establishing mood and setting up several key jump scares.

The film’s use of night-time scenes in particular helps maintain a sense of mystery and foreboding, making the audience feel as though something sinister could be lurking around every corner. The killer’s ominous presence and the eerie quietness of the town add a layer of tension that keeps the film engaging, even during some slower moments. m

Performances

The cast is perhaps the film’s strongest asset, with Jennifer Love Hewitt at the forefront, delivering a heartfelt performance as Julie, a young woman haunted by guilt. Hewitt does a solid job conveying the emotional weight her character carries, and she is a relatable protagonist who draws the audience into her plight.

Freddie Prinze Jr., as Ray, plays the archetypal “good guy” of the group, providing a solid, albeit predictable, performance. Ryan Phillippe’s Barry is the jock with a darker side, whose arrogance and selfishness contribute to the film’s themes of guilt and responsibility. Phillippe delivers a convincingly bratty performance, but the character’s emotional arc feels underdeveloped.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, fresh off the success of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, plays Helen, the ambitious beauty queen who becomes a target of the killer. While Gellar is charismatic as ever, the character of Helen doesn’t quite receive the same level of depth as some of the others, often falling into the stereotypical “final girl” role that the film subverts in certain ways.

Themes and Symbolism

At its core, I Know What You Did Last Summer is a film about guilt, accountability, and the consequences of our actions. The characters’ decision to cover up the accident instead of owning up to their mistake is the catalyst for the horror that unfolds. The anonymous killer seems to represent the idea that secrets cannot remain hidden forever, and that the truth will eventually come to light, often with deadly consequences.

The film also plays with the concept of the “final girl” trope, with its focus on Julie as the one who ultimately confronts the killer. However, the film offers a bit of a twist by showing how the characters’ collective guilt drives them toward their fates, with no one truly escaping unscathed.

The slasher elements of the film are bolstered by a sense of dread surrounding the characters’ past actions, creating a thematic connection between the horror they are facing and the consequences of their own silence. The killer’s brutal revenge is tied to their inability to move on from their collective mistake.

Critique

While I Know What You Did Last Summer succeeds in delivering suspense and fun, it is not without its flaws. The script, while serviceable, relies heavily on genre tropes, including the vengeful killer, the group of friends who harbor a dark secret, and the final girl archetype. Some of the plot developments feel predictable, and the characters’ motivations are occasionally one-dimensional.

The film also relies on some cliché horror moments—like the group getting separated, discovering creepy things in dark places, and characters making questionable decisions—that make it less innovative compared to other genre films like Scream. However, it does manage to avoid the overwhelming self-awareness of Scream, which sometimes undermines its impact.

The film’s reveal of the killer’s identity can be seen as both a strength and a weakness. While it provides closure, it’s not as shocking or unique as other horror twists of the era, and the killer’s motivations seem slightly thin given the buildup.

Conclusion

I Know What You Did Last Summer is a fun and suspenseful slasher film that delivers the thrills and tension expected from the genre, even if it doesn’t quite break new ground. The strong performances, particularly from Jennifer Love Hewitt, and the atmospheric direction make it an engaging watch for fans of teen horror. However, the film relies on familiar tropes and predictable plotting, which might leave some viewers feeling underwhelmed by its lack of depth or surprise. Despite its shortcomings, it remains an entertaining piece of late 90s horror cinema, perfect for a nostalgic dive into slasher thrills.