The original "I Know What You Did Last Summer" is a 1997 American slasher film directed by Jim Gillespie and written by Kevin Williamson. It stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Freddie Prinze Jr. The story centers on four teenage friends who are stalked by a hook-wielding killer one year after covering up a car accident in which they thought they killed a man. The film is loosely based on the 1973 novel by Lois Duncan and draws inspiration from the urban legend known as "the Hook" as well as classic slasher films. The movie was released on October 17, 1997, and was successful at the box office, grossing over $125 million worldwide against a $17 million budget. It helped revitalize the slasher genre in the 1990s alongside films like "Scream." The plot follows the friends as they receive threatening letters and become targets for the vengeful fisherman maniac who survived the accident. The film spawned sequels and a TV series adaptation. Key cast members include:
- Jennifer Love Hewitt as Julie James
- Sarah Michelle Gellar as Helen Shivers
- Ryan Phillippe as Barry Cox
- Freddie Prinze Jr. as Ray Bronson
The film blends teen drama with horror and suspense, marked by memorable chase scenes and mystery around the identity of the killer. It remains a notable cult classic horror/slasher film from the late 1990s. Let me know if you want more details about the plot or cast!
