Kevin Williamson’s Sick Is Mandatory Viewing Before Scream 7

by

Since its debut in 1996, the Scream series has evolved with each new installment. Different directors – from Wes Craven to Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett – have each brought their own style to the films. Now, with Scream 7 about to release, it’s a perfect time to revisit the latest story crafted by original screenwriter Kevin Williamson, especially since he’s making his directorial debut in the Scream universe with this film.

Despite being a Peacock exclusive and not receiving much initial attention, the horror film Sick, directed by John Hyams, was a critical success, earning an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Many critics praised the film’s timely writing, placing it among the year’s best horror movies, particularly within the slasher genre, alongside titles like Pearl, X, and Terrifier 2.

Sick Is a Poignant Slasher That Perfectly Encompasses the COVID-19 Era

Despite a straightforward idea, Sick effectively uses the recent national quarantine as the setting for a solid slasher film by Williamson. It skillfully captures the fear and uncertainty surrounding the virus, showing both the physical and emotional impact it had on those who were sick and those who grieved.

It was a challenge for many movies and TV shows during the pandemic to either offer a welcome escape or maintain their usual quality with so many limitations. The film Sick succeeds because it was released after the worst of the lockdowns had passed.

The movie feels current enough to resonate with recent hardships, but has enough distance to avoid overly cautious restrictions. It cleverly integrates the pandemic into the story, rather than just mentioning it as a backdrop.

As a horror fan, I’ve always felt the strongest slasher flicks need a compelling reason behind the killer’s actions. While the original Scream cleverly played with the idea of no motive, Sick actually delivers one, and it instantly puts it alongside some of the greats – think Silent Night, Deadly Night, Friday the 13th, or even My Bloody Valentine. What really sets Sick apart, though, is how it uses the COVID-19 pandemic to drive the plot. It’s a genuinely unique approach, and honestly, it’s something I don’t think many filmmakers could pull off. That’s a real sign of just how sharp Kevin Williamson’s writing is.

Sick Is the Perfect Slasher Film to Pregame for Scream 7

The latest installment, Scream 7, feels like a tribute to Kevin Williamson’s contributions to the Scream series. While he’s primarily known as a writer – having penned the screenplays for four Scream films, including the most recent, Scream VI – he’s only directed one other movie, Teaching Ms. Tingle. Scream VI actually takes some plot ideas from Williamson’s film Sick, but those ideas aren’t developed as fully in the Scream sequel.

Kevin Williamson is a major talent in the horror genre, having written the screenplays for films like The Faculty and Cursed. While he’s well-known for Scream, many consider Sick to be one of his best scripts. Watching Sick before Scream 7 offers a chance to see two impressive works by Williamson – one as a writer and the other as a director.

Fans are hoping Scream 7 will recapture the spirit of the original movies by bringing back Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, who hasn’t been in the series for a while. Though many are still unsure, particularly after the departures of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, Kevin Williamson is the perfect person to lead the way – he knows the Scream universe better than anyone.

You can now watch Sick on Peacock, and Scream 7 will be in movie theaters on February 27, 2026.

5 Questions
Scream into Horror: Test Your Scream 7 & Sick Savvy!
Your Top Score
—
Attempts
—
0
0
Report Error

Found an error? Send it so it can be corrected.

Read More

2026-02-25 23:06