The reveal of the killers in the Screammovies is an essential part of the franchise, but one sequel delivered the biggest shock of all. The original Scream from 1996 reinvented the slasher genre with its meta-commentary and play on classic tropes. However, the franchise doesn’t get enough props for its mystery aspects.
The reveal that the Ghostface killer was actually two killers in Screamwas a great twist, and the sequels have been trying to recapture that moment ever since. What is unique about this horror franchise compared to others is that there is someone different underneath the Ghostface mask every time.
Trying to figure out who the Ghostface killer is before the final reveal is one of the most exciting aspects of the Scream movies, but one of the sequels made the reveal come with an extra shock.
Amber’s Ghostface Killer Reveal Is Legitimately Shocking
Before winning an Oscar for her performance in Anora, Mikey Madison made an impression with her role as Amber in 2022’s Scream. Though presented as Tara’s (Jenna Ortega) best friend, Amber is the first to be revealed as one of the killers, with Richie (Jack Quaid) later revealed as the other.
While Richie is presented as the more shocking reveal, the moment Amber reveals herself really takes the audience by surprise. The heroes realize the killer is among them, and they all start nervously accusing each other. As Liv (Sonia Ben Ammar) insists to Amber that she isn’t the killer, Amber says, “I know,” and shoots Liv in the head.
| Every Scream Ghostface | ||
|---|---|---|
| Character | Actor | Appearance |
| Billy Loomis | Skeet Ulrich | Scream (1996) |
| Stu Macher | Matthew Lillard | Scream (1996) |
| Sidney Prescott | Neve Campbell | Scream (1996) |
| Mrs. Loomis | Laurie Metcalf | Scream 2 (1997) |
| Mickey Altieri | Timothy Olyphant | Scream 2 (1997) |
| Roman Bridger | Scott Foley | Scream 3 (2000) |
| Jill Scott | Emma Roberts | Scream 4 (2011) |
| Charlie Walker | Rory Culkin | Scream 4 (2011) |
| Amber Freeman | Mikey Madison | Scream (2022) |
| Richard “Richie” Kirsch | Jack Quaid | Scream (2022) |
| Detective Bailey | Dermot Mulroney | Scream VI (2023) |
| Ethan Landry | Jack Champion | Scream VI (2023) |
| Quinn Bailey | Liana Liberato | Scream VI (2023) |
| Jason Carver | Tony Revolori | Scream VI (2023) |
| Sam Carpenter | Melissa Barrera | Scream VI (2023) |
It’s such an abrupt and brutal moment that it immediately announces Amber as one of the most cold-blooded Ghostface killers in franchise history. It works as a callback to Billy’s (Skeet Ulrich) killer reveal in the original Scream when he shot Randy (Jamie Kennedy). However, it also plays against expectations as each subsequent Ghostface reveal has been a literal unmasking.
After all the sneaking around and stealth of Ghostface’s attacks, for Amber to simply admit to being the killer by murdering one of her friends right on the spot is a true shock.
Scream 2022’s Ghostface Killer Played Into The Franchise’s Themes
Amber and Richie make for great Ghostface killers, not just because of their memorable reveals, but also because of their motivations. They are fans of the Stab franchise, the horror movies that exist inside the Scream universe, and were inspired by the events of the original film. However, Amber and Richie aren’t happy with the direction of the franchise recently.
Their reason for attacking the heroes, including the “legacy characters” of the Scream franchise, is so they can inspire some new material and get the movies back to their former glory. It is a satire on the modern world of toxic fandoms related to big franchises, but it also connects to the themes of the Scream movies.
The first entry’s commentary on modern horror movies felt like a fresh new take on the horror genre, as it was self-aware of what kind of film it was. The franchise has continued to play on these themes, with Scream 2‘s killer Mickey (Timothy Olyphant) planning to get caught for the killings so he can blame it on violent movies.
The Scream franchise loves to comment on horror movies in general, but also those who love horror movies as well. This has been through horror movie “geek” characters like Randy, but it also depicts those toxic fans who take their love of these movies to dark places.
Scream
7/10
- Release Date
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January 14, 2022
- Runtime
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114 minutes
- Director
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Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
- Writers
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Guy Busick, James Vanderbilt
- Producers
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James Vanderbilt, William Sherak
