I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

"I Know What You Did Last Summer" (1997) is a canonical horror film built on a universal formula: a fatal mistake, a carefully hidden secret, and inevitable retribution. The film immerses the viewer in an atmosphere of growing paranoia, where youthful carelessness turns into a nightmare that haunts the heroes to their grave, and every rustle becomes a harbinger of imminent reckoning.

Plot

In the quiet fishing town of Southport, four graduates—Julie, Helen, Barry, and Ray—spend an evening by the sea. Returning home at night, they hit a man. In a panic, believing him dead and seeking to avoid consequences, they dump the body in the ocean, swearing to keep the secret. Exactly one year later, Julie receives an anonymous letter: "I know what you did last summer." From that moment on, the lives of the heroes turn into a series of fear and suspicion, as someone from the past begins their ruthless game of revenge.

Why it's worth watching

• Psychological paranoia: The film masterfully builds tension, playing on feelings of guilt.
• Motive of retribution: An exploration of the inescapable consequences of past mistakes.
• Atmosphere: The coastal town creates an ideal backdrop for a dark story.
• Drama of choice: Characters face moral dilemmas; their friendship is put to the test.
• Unwavering intrigue: The viewer speculates until the end about who is behind the revenge.

Themes

Central themes are the inevitability of retribution and the burden of hidden guilt. The film shows how one wrong step destroys lives, forcing the characters to live in constant fear. Questions of trust, betrayal, and the transformation of youthful carefree into agonizing paranoia are also explored.

Editorial opinion

"I Know What You Did Last Summer" is a quintessential late-90s horror film, effectively building tension and demonstrating the fragility of the human psyche. It skillfully maintains intrigue, making viewers empathize with the characters trapped by their own past. It's a solid thriller with slasher elements that effectively uses the theme of inevitable revenge and psychological torment, remaining engaging even today.