Horrific Inquiry: I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER (1997)

Welcome back to the newest, and at times goriest, column here at Film Inquiry: Horrific Inquiry. Twice a month, I will be tackling all things horror, bringing two films back into the spotlight to terrify and frighten once more. And occasionally looking at those that could have pushed the envelope further. Join us as we dive deep into the heart of horror, but warning, there will be spoilers.

“It’s July 4th, Ray. Okay? This is his day.”

The 90s slasher era left a mark of its own in the history of horror. While Scream revitalized the slashers of the 80s, the 90s were infused with higher body counts and an awareness of their all too often absurdities. While it would run its course, as most horror decades do, the slashers of the 90s are unforgettable, and screenwriter Kevin Williamson found himself one of its biggest players. Most known as the screenwriter for Scream, Williamson would adapt another horror novel, merging the essence of urban legend and slasher that would not only boast blockbuster success but spawn sequels in its wake.

Ironically, while rewatching I Know What You Did Last Summer, from director Jim Gillespie, it was hard to shake the feeling that we all know too well what we each did last summer. And for a film that has garnered a series of parodies over the years, the quarantine alone last year surprisingly did not churn up as many nods towards the film and I found myself wondering if it was released today, how would it have faired in light of the past year. With quarantine aside and July 4th on the horizon, it strangely seemed the perfect time to revisit this horror classic.

“What are your waiting for? Huh?”

I Know What You Did Last Summer opens with a wide panning shot of the ocean and its adjacent cliffs, the ominous sunset, and score foreboding. There is an even pace as the camera closes in on a man drinking on the ledge, clearly distraught. The camera holds onto him for a moment, creating not only an emotional tension early on, but also a small contrast between the hopefulness and the sorrow and horror the film as a whole will shortly encompass. With the spark of a firework, the film transitions into town where the euphoria of July 4th celebrations is underway, the results of the Croaker Beauty Pageant being revealed. Looked on fondly by her friends, Helen Shivers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) clinches victory and the platform for success as an aspiring actress.

Following the success at the pageant, Ray (Freddie Prinze Jr), Julie (Jennifer Love Hewitt), Barry (Ryan Phillippe), and Helen kick off a “final summer of immature, adolescent decadence” first at a local July 4th party, followed by a more intimate excursion at the beach. As they sit by the fire, they swap urban legend stories, one, in particular, flaunting a multitude of variations depending on who heard what from whom. There is a nod to the evolution of stories throughout history, details surrounding the narrative or legend changing over time, reshaping the story itself. There is almost a paradoxical feeling to the story as we are currently watching the further evolution of the urban legend they speak of unfolding before our eyes, the final fisherman with the hook coming to fruition.

It is in these euphoric moments that not only drastically contrast the time jump that shortly follows, but also captures the spirit and illusion of teen invulnerability. The future is on the horizon just before them, and nothing can go wrong. They are invincible and untouchable, ready to hit the pavement running with little consequence. Yet, for these four friends, the reality of consequences hits all too hard as they hit a man crossing the road astray make their way back into town. While at first they are convinced it is only a deer, Julie leaves the bewildered crew discovering a boot, confirming the trouble they have found themselves in is worse than originally thought.

At this moment, even with the varying acting success from the film’s cast across the board, there is a clear calculation each individual experiences, their faces weighing the options before them. In this moment, we are given a deeper glimpse into the personality, emotional stability, and depth of values of each of the friends. In a horror movie moment where the characters are sealing their fate, I Know What You Did Last Summer dares to hold the camera longer and take the moment in its entirety. And it is not in a rush to conclude it either, as these glimpses of the inner self continue as the group disposes of the body and forces one another to swear to never speak of this night again. It is these glimpses of a deeper self that allows the film to toy with guilt and remorse later on, as well as substantiate and maintain continuity in particular behaviors and responses amongst the characters – both together and individually.

“When you leave a man for dead, make sure he is really dead”

What differentiates I Know What You Did Last Summer from many of the horror slashers within the genre is its ability to hold itself back. While many focus on initiating the body count early and infusing as much blood and gore as possible, I Know What You Did Last Summer focuses heavily on the Cat and Mouse scenario, escalating its intensity through mental and emotional distress before advancing to physical. From a note to chopping off hair, to a body in the trunk to being injured in a hit and run, the film doesn’t rush the kill count. Don’t believe me? It takes about 37 minutes before the first murder occurs.

With this game of cat and mouse, as mentioned earlier I Know What You Did This Summer toys with the idea of allowing its characters room to feel guilt and remorse. Even when they don’t (oh Bar!), there is still room for them to have a chance to. While Barry is the quintessential jerk, he is not immediately killed off because of his personality or behavior. Rather, it is infused and collides with the journey of those around him, the four constantly working for and against one another heightening the tension. Even Julie, our final girl of the film, has the push and pull between honestly and deception, constantly swaying from one to the other. She is not the immaculate virgin of horror films before. She is flawed, suffering at times from a compromised conscience, but she is not punished for her imperfections. Rather, she is given a chance for growth and redemption – they all are. And they are each allowed the chance to decide if they want to take it.

Conclusion: I Know What You Did Last Sumer

It has been 24 years since the release of I Know What You Did Last Summer, and while aspects of the film have aged over time, it is undeniable the mark within the horror film genre this film has left. I Know What You Did Last Summer still retains its entertaining appeal, while still inspiring the filmmakers that have followed in its wake. And if one is not enough, buckle yourself in for an outstanding Double Feature with I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, a horror sequel that maintains the energy and vibe of the original, transitioning smoothly into the next chapter. What better way to spend the Fourth of July?

What are your favorite 90s slashers? Let us know in the comments below!

Watch I Know What You Did Last Summer