Scream 7 First Reactions Praise Neve Campbell's 'Indispensable' Performance

Critics have mixed views on the latest installment of the horror franchise

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The first reviews for Scream 7 are in, with critics largely praising Neve Campbell's performance as Sidney Prescott but offering mixed views on the overall quality of the film. While some reviewers called it a 'return to form' for the franchise, others felt the movie was 'going through the motions' and lacked the fresh dialogue and creative kills of earlier installments.

Why it matters

The Scream franchise has a dedicated fan base, and Neve Campbell's return as the lead character Sidney Prescott is seen as crucial to the success of the latest sequel. The mixed reviews suggest the filmmakers may have struggled to recapture the magic of the original films, raising questions about the long-term viability of the series.

The details

In Scream 7, Sidney Prescott's daughter becomes the latest target of the Ghostface killer, forcing Sidney to confront her past traumas. The film features a mix of returning cast members like Matthew Lillard, David Arquette, and Courteney Cox, as well as new additions including Isabel May, McKenna Grace, and Asa Germann. Critics praised Campbell's performance but were divided on the overall quality of the film, with some feeling it retreaded familiar ground while others found it 'wildly and unapologetically fun'.

  • Scream 7 is in theaters on Friday, February 27, 2026.
  • The first reviews for the film were published on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, two days before the movie's release.

The players

Neve Campbell

An acclaimed actress who has played the lead role of Sidney Prescott in the Scream franchise since the original film in 1996.

Isabel May

An up-and-coming actress who plays Sidney Prescott's daughter in Scream 7.

Kevin Williamson

The creator of the Scream franchise, who is directing an entry in the series for the first time with Scream 7.

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What they’re saying

“Between the comic relief of the Meeks-Martin twins, Lillard's irrepressible energy, and the kinetic crew of new teens (including McKenna Grace, Asa Germann, Celeste O'Connor, and Sam Rechner), there's a levity that makes this movie wildly and unapologetically fun.”

— Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor, Mashable (Mashable)

“Campbell is indispensable here and a solid actor who never overplays the terror but comes loaded for bear when her daughter inherits the curse of Ghostface.”

— Pete Hammond, Chief Film Critic, Deadline (Deadline)

“The overfamiliarity would be more palatable if the dialogue were as fresh and funny as it was in the early installments, or if the kills were more creatively staged. But there's a rote quality to the proceedings that makes Scream 7 feel like a slog despite its high body count and copious gore.”

— Franck Scheck, Critic, The Hollywood Reporter (The Hollywood Reporter)

What’s next

Scream 7 will be in theaters on Friday, February 27, 2026, and its box office performance and audience reception will be closely watched to determine the future of the franchise.

The takeaway

The mixed reviews for Scream 7 suggest the filmmakers may be struggling to maintain the freshness and creativity of the earlier Scream films, even with the return of iconic characters like Sidney Prescott. The franchise's long-term viability may depend on its ability to evolve and offer something new to audiences.