Film Review: "I Know What You Did Last Summer" (1997) vs. "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" (1998) – Hooked on the 90s Slasher

 

The late 90s, post-Scream era was a golden age for teen slashers, and among the most prominent was the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise. Based loosely on Lois Duncan's novel, these films gave us a new iconic killer – the Fisherman, Ben Willis – and a quartet of fresh-faced, often terrified, stars. Having recently revisited the first two entries, it's clear why they endure, and why the sequel, for some, might even surpass its predecessor.

 

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997): The Groundwork Laid

Directed by Jim Gillespie and written by Scream's Kevin Williamson, the original I Know What You Did Last Summer arrived in 1997 as a slick, suspenseful entry. It follows four friends – Julie (Jennifer Love Hewitt), Helen (Sarah Michelle Gellar), Ray (Freddie Prinze Jr.), and Barry (Ryan Phillippe) – who, after accidentally hitting a pedestrian on a Fourth of July night, decide to dump the body and swear a pact of silence. One year later, their dark secret literally comes back to haunt them when a hook-wielding killer begins picking them off, one by one, sending menacing notes saying "I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER!"

The film boasts a phenomenal, perfectly cast ensemble that defined teen stardom for the era. Their collective guilt and paranoia drive much of the early tension, and the film does a good job of building dread as the Fisherman stalks them in their seemingly idyllic coastal town. Sarah Michelle Gellar's extended chase scene is a standout, showcasing a real sense of vulnerability and desperation. While it lacked Scream's meta-commentary, it delivered on atmosphere and some genuinely intense moments, solidifying its place as a late 90s slasher staple. However, some find its pacing a little slow at times, and the mystery of the killer, while effective, might feel a bit straightforward on rewatch.

  Buy I Know What You Did Last Summer 1997

 

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998): Embracing the Excess

Just a year later, director Danny Cannon took the helm for I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. Picking up directly from the cliffhanger of the first, this sequel sees Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt) still haunted by the events, while Ray (Freddie Prinze Jr.) struggles with the trauma. When Julie and her new friends Karla (Brandy Norwood), Tyrell (Mekhi Phifer), and Will (Matthew Settle) win an all-expenses-paid trip to a remote island resort in the Bahamas, they believe it's a chance to escape. Oh, how wrong they are. The Fisherman returns, this time bringing the hunt to a tropical paradise, completely cut off by a hurricane.

This is where the film truly leans into its sequel status, turning up the dial on everything. The setting itself is a brilliant choice, providing a claustrophobic and exotic backdrop for the carnage. The kills are arguably more inventive and over-the-top, from a tanning bed demise to various island-themed traps. The addition of new characters, particularly the dynamic performances from Brandy and Mekhi Phifer, injects fresh energy and personality into the mix.

And yes, the inclusion of horror icon Jeffrey Combs as the hotel manager, Mr. Brooks, is an absolute masterstroke. Combs brings his signature blend of quirky intensity and unsettling charm, making every one of his scenes a joy to watch and adding a much-needed layer of eccentricity. His presence alone elevates the film's fun factor significantly.

While "I Still Know..." is undeniably cheesier and requires a greater suspension of disbelief (the plot twist, in particular, is deliciously absurd), it embraces its B-movie sensibilities with enthusiasm. It's less concerned with being a grounded mystery and more focused on delivering thrilling set pieces, memorable moments, and a sense of heightened stakes. For many, this willingness to be more fun and less serious, combined with the tropical locale and fantastic new cast additions, makes it a surprisingly enjoyable, perhaps even superior, viewing experience.

Buy I Still Know What You Did Last Summer 1998

The Verdict: Both Are Hooks in Their Own Right

Both "I Know What You Did Last Summer" films serve as quintessential 90s slashers. The first delivers a more grounded, suspenseful mystery with an iconic cast. The second, however, takes the established formula, ups the ante with a more exotic setting, more creative kills, and a willingness to be a bit more outlandish. For those who enjoy their slashers with a side of over-the-top fun and memorable supporting characters like Jeffrey Combs's Mr. Brooks, it's easy to see why I Still Know What You Did Last Summer might just be the more rewatchable and ultimately more enjoyable ride.

They remain bloody good fun, and excellent rewatches as we anticipate what the new 2025 legacy sequel brings to the Fisherman's legacy!