Movies

Scream’s Most Epic Scene That Trumps All Of Its Opening Kills

Scream’s Most Epic Scene That Trumps All Of Its Opening Kills
Image credit: Legion-Media

The pinnacle of cinematography.

When it comes to iconic horror franchises, Scream undoubtedly carves its place in the halls of cinematic history. With its self-aware humor, meta-commentary on the genre, and memorable characters, the series has provided audiences with countless scary moments.

From the chilling opening phone calls and kills to the iconic, suspenseful Ghostface revelations, there are a multitude of standout scenes to choose from. However, there is one particular scene that consistently rises above the rest when one revisits the Scream series, and it harkens back to the movie that started it all.

While the revelation of Billy as one of Ghostface's killers may have been somewhat expected, given the classic "never trust the love interest" trope, it's Stu's involvement that truly shocks the viewer.

Matthew Lillard's portrayal of Stu Macher, the sweet and goofy friend, breaks expectations as his character initially seems far removed from the typical horror movie villain. However, as the story unfolds, his role in the horrific events becomes increasingly clear, and the revelation of Stu as the second Ghostface killer adds a layer of complexity to the story, making it all the more chilling and memorable.

Scream’s Most Epic Scene That Trumps All Of Its Opening Kills - image 1

However, the true genius of the scene unfolds in the aftermath of the big reveal, where Billy and Stu confess their murderous intentions to Sidney. As Stu and Billy explain their plan to Sidney, they understand the importance of making it all seem believable.

Stu, with manic enthusiasm, declares his willingness to proceed, and Billy, with his creepy grin, springs into action. With a knife in hand, he plunges it deep into his own side, initiating the disturbing charade.

The performance of Stu and Billy, as they inflict wounds on themselves in order to fabricate a convincing narrative, is nothing short of mesmerizing. Stu, ignoring Billy's instructions to "stay on the side" and not to "go too deep," responds with his own acts of violence.

The scene becomes a twisted dance of self-inflicted pain and deception, with each stab adding a new layer of complexity to the horrific ruse they have created.

While Scream is indeed a horror movie, it's also important to remember about its comedy side. As the movie nears its climax, Billy and Stu, who have lost touch with reality and morality, deliver witty one-liners and engage in absurd actions that add a unique layer to the intense finale.

With Lillard and Ulrich's chemistry and improvisational skills, their elevation scene stands out as the most iconic in the franchise.

When Billy accidentally hits Stu in the head with the phone, Stu's groaning and hilarious retort, "You hit me with the phone, idiot!" and his breakdown with the iconic "My mom and dad are gonna be so mad at me" — the kitchen scene in Stu Macher's murder house has forever stood out as the perfect blend of franchise horror and comedy that solidifies the brilliance of the Scream series.