I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997), directed by Jim Gillespie and written by Kevin Williamson, is a thrilling slasher film that became a defining entry in the teen horror genre of the late 1990s. The movie combines elements of suspense, mystery, and horror as it follows a group of friends who are haunted by the consequences of a tragic accident. With strong performances from its cast, particularly Jennifer Love Hewitt and Sarah Michelle Gellar, the film explores themes of guilt, revenge, and the weight of secrets, all while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
The film begins with a group of teenagers—Julie (Jennifer Love Hewitt), Ray (Freddie Prinze Jr.), Helen (Sarah Michelle Gellar), and Barry (Ryan Phillippe)—celebrating their high school graduation. On their way home after a night of partying, they accidentally hit a man with their car, killing him. Panicked and afraid of the consequences, they decide to dispose of the body, vowing to never speak of the incident again. However, one year later, each of them begins to receive mysterious messages from someone who knows what they did. As the killer stalks them, the group is forced to confront their past and face the horrifying consequences of their actions.
At its core, I Know What You Did Last Summer is a story about guilt and the moral consequences of hiding the truth. The four friends, despite trying to move on with their lives, are haunted by the secret they share. Julie, in particular, is deeply affected by the incident, and Jennifer Love Hewitt brings a sense of emotional depth to her character. Julie’s sense of guilt becomes more pronounced as the mysterious killer relentlessly targets her and her friends. Hewitt’s portrayal of a character struggling to deal with the weight of her actions adds complexity to the film, making her journey through fear and guilt both relatable and poignant.