Neve Campbell is back in the iconic role of Sidney Prescott for Scream 7, arriving in theaters on February 27. This time, Sidney is not only serving “mother” in the queer-icon sense but also playing a mother on screen. The film introduces her daughter, Tatum, portrayed by Isabel May, as Ghostface once again targets the Prescott family.
A Maternal Legacy
The Scream franchise has long explored themes of maternal trauma. From the sins of Sidney’s mother Maureen in the original trilogy to Sidney’s role as a surrogate mother in Scream 4, the maternal line has been central to the narrative. Scream 7 circles back to those roots, focusing on generational trauma and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.
Sidney and Tatum’s Strained Bond
Campbell explained that Sidney struggles to share her past with her daughter. “A mother and teen daughter relationship is a complex one as it is, but with the trauma that Sidney has experienced, there’s a large part of her that doesn’t want to share her past,” she told PRIDE. That reluctance creates distance, leaving Tatum vulnerable. Isabel May added that her character longs for normal connection. “Tatum wants to connect on things that really have nothing to do with Sidney’s trauma… but all of that is overshadowed by what Sidney went through,” she said.
Survival Lessons
As the film unfolds, Sidney is forced to teach her daughter how to survive. “Sidney is forced to reckon with the fact that she’s going to have to teach her daughter how to be a survivor, how to be courageous, and how to find one another,” Campbell explained.
A Queer Icon’s Legacy
Sidney Prescott has become a queer icon for her resilience and ability to outwit Ghostface. Campbell acknowledged the impact of LGBTQ+ fans, saying their stories of finding courage in Sidney’s journey often move her to tears. “I’m just grateful,” she said.
What to Expect
Scream 7 promises chaos, emotional depth, and a fresh exploration of Sidney’s character. With Ghostface back and targeting the Prescott family, the film blends slasher thrills with themes of vulnerability, survival, and generational healing.
