The 1996 film Scream directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson is a landmark in the slasher genre, known for its combination of horror, self-aware humor, and twists. A key element of Scream’s success is its ability to blend the expected conventions of slasher films with a clever commentary on them. The film’s infamous “Ghostface” killer becomes the central enigma of the plot, and its reveal is one of the most iconic moments in horror cinema.
The question that has lingered in the minds of many horror fans since the film’s release is: who was the killer in Scream? While the killer’s identity is eventually revealed, Scream is notable for its unpredictable plot twists, which keep audiences guessing until the final moments. To fully understand who the killer was and how they fit into the larger narrative, let’s break down the events of the movie, analyze the key suspects, and uncover the truth behind the Ghostface killer.
The Plot of Scream (1996)
Scream takes place in the small town of Woodsboro, where a series of brutal murders begin to unfold after the mysterious appearance of a masked killer known as “Ghostface.” The film opens with a chilling phone call to Casey Becker (Drew Barrymore), who is taunted by a voice on the other end of the line. The killer, while playful and cryptic, quickly turns deadly when he kills Casey and her boyfriend, Steve.
The town is thrown into a state of fear and paranoia as more murders follow, and the police, led by Sheriff Dewey Riley (David Arquette), are unable to stop the killer. Among the suspects is Sydney Prescott (Neve Campbell), a high school student with a tragic past. Sydney’s mother, Maureen, was brutally murdered a year earlier, and her death remains unsolved. As the murders escalate, Sydney finds herself in the killer’s crosshairs, along with her friends—each one a potential victim, and each one facing the horror of the unknown.
As the body count rises, Sydney and her friends must figure out who is behind the killings, all while trying to survive. In the final moments of the film, the killer’s identity is revealed in a shocking twist that challenges viewers’ assumptions.
The Killer’s Identity Revealed
The big reveal in Scream comes near the end of the film when Ghostface’s true identity is finally uncovered. After a tense confrontation at a house party, two characters—Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) and Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard)—are revealed as the killers. The two had teamed up to commit the murders, but it’s the twisted motivations behind their actions that make this revelation so startling.
Billy Loomis: The Architect of Chaos
Billy Loomis, the seemingly perfect high school boyfriend of Sydney Prescott, is revealed to be the mastermind behind the killing spree. His motivations stem from a deeply disturbed psychological profile. Billy’s father abandoned him when he was young, and as the film’s narrative reveals, he had a longstanding obsession with Sydney’s mother, Maureen. Billy harbored a deep resentment toward Maureen, blaming her for his father’s departure. He believed that if he killed Sydney’s mother, he could exact revenge and regain some sense of control over his broken family.
Billy’s emotional manipulation of Sydney is evident throughout the film. He attempts to gain her trust by appearing to be a concerned and loving boyfriend while secretly planning her demise. As the killer, he uses the guise of Ghostface to terrorize Sydney and others in the town, ultimately trying to use the murders to manipulate her into a final confrontation.
Billy’s personality is defined by a mix of charm and malevolence. He is often calm and collected, but when his plans are threatened, he becomes volatile and unhinged. His ability to maintain a façade of normalcy while committing grisly murders is a testament to his cunning and psychopathy.
Stu Macher: The Joker Killer
Stu Macher, Billy’s best friend and co-conspirator, is a more chaotic and unpredictable presence throughout the film. Unlike Billy, who seems driven by a specific goal, Stu’s motivations are less clear, but he relishes the violence and chaos that the killing spree creates. He enjoys the attention and the thrill of terrorizing people, even if it means going against the people he calls friends.
Stu’s character is portrayed as a jokester, often laughing and making light of the grisly situation. His demeanor is erratic and over-the-top, which adds an unsettling layer to his character. While Billy is calculating and methodical in his actions, Stu is wild and impulsive, using humor as a coping mechanism for the brutality of the murders he helps orchestrate.
Despite his erratic behavior, Stu is complicit in the murders and is equally dangerous. He is responsible for several key moments in the film, including the moment where he, in an almost gleeful manner, stabs Billy in a plot twist of his own. Ultimately, his chaotic energy serves as the perfect contrast to Billy’s darker, more calculating nature.
Why Did Billy and Stu Kill?
The motivations behind Billy and Stu’s killing spree are a mix of personal revenge, boredom, and psychopathy. Billy’s primary motivation is revenge against Sydney’s mother, Maureen. He believes that Maureen destroyed his family by having an affair with his father. This act of betrayal, in Billy’s mind, justified the need for extreme measures, even murder.
However, Stu’s reasons for participating in the killings are more ambiguous. While it is suggested that he is motivated by a desire for attention and excitement, there is also a sense that Stu is under Billy’s influence. Stu is portrayed as easily manipulated, and Billy seems to feed off of his friend’s chaotic nature, encouraging him to join in the murders.
Together, Billy and Stu form a partnership built on mutual desires for power, attention, and control. The murders themselves serve as a means to express their resentment, frustration, and need for validation.
The Significance of the Ghostface Mask
One of the most iconic elements of Scream is the Ghostface mask, a symbol of terror that represents the anonymity of the killer. The mask itself is based on the famous “The Scream” painting by Edvard Munch, which depicts a figure with an agonized expression. The mask adds a chilling, otherworldly quality to the killer, making them appear less human and more like an unstoppable force of evil.
For Billy and Stu, the mask serves as a way to conceal their identities and protect their secrets. It allows them to act with impunity, knowing that they are hidden behind a veil of anonymity. Ghostface becomes an extension of their twisted personalities, a symbol of the psychological trauma that both men carry with them.
The Twist: The Unmasking of the Killers
The film’s big twist occurs when both Billy and Stu are unmasked in the final act. What makes the reveal so effective is that the audience has been led to suspect a variety of other potential killers. For instance, the character of Randy (Jamie Kennedy) plays into the “horror movie geek” stereotype, and many viewers might expect him to be involved, especially given his detailed knowledge of slasher film tropes.
However, the reveal of Billy and Stu is a stark reminder that in the world of Scream, things are never quite as they seem. The killers’ identities, motivations, and twisted relationship are unveiled in a way that subverts expectations and adds depth to the film’s themes of deception, identity, and betrayal.
Conclusion: Uncovering the Truth
The killers in Scream, Billy Loomis and Stu Macher, are revealed to be the masterminds behind the Ghostface killings. Their motivations are rooted in a combination of personal vendettas, psychopathic tendencies, and a thirst for chaos. While Billy’s actions are driven by a desire for revenge against Sydney’s mother, Stu participates primarily for the thrill and excitement of the killings. Together, they create an unforgettable duo, embodying the film’s clever twist on the slasher genre.
Scream remains one of the most influential horror films of its time, and the killer’s identity is a key element that makes the movie stand out. The shocking reveal of Billy and Stu is a masterful piece of storytelling that leaves a lasting impact on audiences, cementing Scream as a classic in the horror genre.
