Scream (2022) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Sam Carpenter discovers that Billy Loomis, the infamous original Ghostface killer from 1996, is her biological father. This hidden truth fractured her family and caused her estrangement from her younger sister Tara. Sam has been struggling with hallucinations of Billy throughout her life, which she confesses to Tara during the hospital confrontation. This connection also makes her a target for the new killers, who plan to frame her as the villain in their "requel."

Foreshadowing: Sam experiences visions of Billy early in the film, hinting at their biological connection before the official reveal.

• sam carpenter
• billy loomis
• biological father
• family secret
• woodsboro

Amber Freeman and Richie Kirsch reveal during the kitchen showdown that they are the new Ghostface killers. Their motivation stems from their intense hatred of the recent Stab film franchise, which they believe has become stale and formulaic. They orchestrate the new murders to create their own "requel", a fresh take on the horror story that kills off the original characters and frames Sam (Billy Loomis's daughter) as the villain, believing this would make for a better story than the actual films.

Foreshadowing: Mindy explicitly theorizes that the killer is making a "requel" before the reveal happens.

• amber freeman
• richie kirsch
• killers
• motivation
• stab films
• requel

Dewey Riley sacrifices himself while attempting to confront Ghostface at the house where Tara and Richie are being attacked. Despite being a retired sheriff, Dewey bravely steps in to protect Sam and Tara, but is fatally stabbed during the confrontation. His death occurs early in the third act, marking a major emotional loss for the franchise as one of the original survivors.

Foreshadowing: Dewey warns Sam and Richie about the danger and decides to confront Ghostface despite the odds.

• dewey riley
• death
• sacrifice
• ghostface
• killed

Mindy Meeks-Martin proposes that the new Ghostface is crafting a "requel", a sequel that also functions as a reboot. This means the killer is using Tara and her friends as the new cast while incorporating elements from the original Woodsboro murders, specifically targeting someone connected to the original killer (Sam, as Billy's daughter). The goal is to revive the franchise's legacy while killing off the old characters and introducing new ones.

Foreshadowing: Mindy explains the requel concept to the group early in the film, warning them about the meta-narrative at play.

• requel
• mindy meeks
• martin
• film theory
• meta horror

Amber Freeman kills Wes Hicks and his mother Sheriff Judy Hicks as part of her and Richie's killing spree. Wes was one of Tara's close friends and the person who initially told Sam about Tara's attack. The murders serve both to eliminate characters who could interfere with their plan and to mirror the original Woodsboro massacre at Stu Macher's house. Amber being the killer explains how she had access to the house for the final party.

Foreshadowing: Amber insists on hosting the party at her house despite the danger, giving her control over the location.

• amber freeman
• wes hicks
• judy hicks
• murder
• killed

Liv McKenzie is killed by Amber Freeman during the party at Amber's house. Amber reveals herself as Ghostface and executes Liv with Dewey's own gun, shooting her in the chest. This betrayal shocks everyone since Liv was part of Tara's friend group and appeared to be an innocent victim. The murder occurs just as Amber begins her mass killing spree at the party.

Foreshadowing: Liv's ex-boyfriend Vince was killed earlier, and Amber's sudden presence at the party raises suspicion.

• liv mckenzie
• death
• killed
• amber
• gun

Amber and Richie plot to frame Sam Carpenter as the villain because she is Billy Loomis's daughter. They believe this twist would make their "requel" of the Stab franchise more compelling, having the daughter of the original killer become the new antagonist. By framing Sam, they aim to create the ultimate horror twist that mirrors and surpasses the original films, justifying their murderous spree as "artistic" storytelling.

Foreshadowing: Richie encourages Sam to embrace her "bad" side multiple times throughout the film.

• sam carpenter
• frame
• richie kirsch
• accused
• villain

Sam experiences hallucinations and visions of Billy Loomis because he is her biological father. These disturbing apparitions have plagued her since childhood, contributing to her mental health struggles and family breakdown. The hallucinations intensify during the stress of the Ghostface attacks, forcing Sam to confront both her inherited trauma and the reality that she carries Billy's blood.

Foreshadowing: Sam's first hallucination occurs early in the film when she sees Billy in a mirror.

• sam carpenter
• billy loomis
• hallucination
• visions
• father

Vince Schneider, who is murdered by Ghostface, is revealed to be Stu Macher's nephew. Stu was one of the two original Ghostface killers in the 1996 Woodsboro massacre alongside Billy Loomis. This connection ties the new killings directly to the original murders and explains why the new Ghostface targets the same town, continuing the legacy of the original killers through family ties.

Foreshadowing: Vince's murder is shown early, establishing the generational link to the original killings.

• stu macher
• vince schneider
• nephew
• connection
• woodsboro

Amber Freeman is killed by Tara Carpenter in the final confrontation. After being burned during the house fire and struggling to continue her attack, Amber is shot by Tara and falls to the ground. Sam then finishes off Richie with the same knife Amber used throughout the killings. The two killers are defeated in the kitchen, mirroring the location where Sidney once faced Billy and Stu.

Foreshadowing: Tara proves to be a survivor throughout the film, getting multiple opportunities to fight back.

• amber freeman
• death
• die
• tara carpenter
• killed