Directed by

Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Made by

Columbia Pictures
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Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
On the 4th of July, Ava Brucks returns to her small hometown of Southport, North Carolina, to attend her friend Danica Richards’s engagement party. The celebration marks a joyful occasion, but the day takes a dark turn when Ava, Danica, her ex-boyfriend Milo Griffin, and Danica’s fiancé Teddy Spencer decide to drive out to a scenic cliffside to watch the fireworks. During the drive, they invite their former friend Stevie Ward, who had recently completed drug rehab, to join them.
While parked in their vehicle on the winding road along the cliff, a tragic incident occurs. Teddy, in a moment of reckless distraction, causes [Sam Cooper]’s car to swerve off the edge of the cliff, plunging into the darkness below. Even though Ava urges the group to contact the authorities and report the crash, Teddy insists on secrecy. He enlists the help of his politician father, Grant Spencer, to cover up the accident, which sets off a chain of events that will have repercussions for years to come.
A year later, the community is still grappling with the lingering shadows of that night. Ava returns once again to Southport for Danica’s upcoming wedding to her new fiancé, Wyatt. During this visit, she reconnects with old friends, including [Milo] and [Stevie], and also meets a new character, Tyler Trevino, a true crime podcaster who is in the town to research the notorious killing spree conducted by fisherman [Ben Willis] in 1997. The gathering quickly turns tense when Danica receives a threatening note reading, “I know what you did last summer,” making everyone suspect that the past wasn’t buried as deeply as they hoped.
Suspicion quickly shifts toward Teddy, whom the group confronts, demanding answers. Teddy, however, vehemently denies any involvement in the mysterious threats or recent murders. That very night, tragedy strikes again when Wyatt is brutally hacked to death by a fisherman wielding a hook—an apparent resurgence of the killer from 1997, now haunting the town once more. The horrifying sight of the fisherman, who bears a striking resemblance to the late Ben Willis, raises fears that the town’s buried secrets are resurfacing and that someone is targeting those connected to the past.
As the group tries to piece together what’s happening, they realize that someone has intimate knowledge of the old murders and may be coming after them. [Tyler] shows Ava the place where [Elsa Shivers] was murdered by Ben back in 1997, but during their investigation, the Fisherman ambushes them and kills Tyler. Ava manages to escape with a wound but is left shaken. Unable to convince the police or the town to take the danger seriously, the survivors seek help from the former victim Julie James, who suggests that the killer may have a personal connection to Sam Cooper.
Evolving suspicion points toward the town’s pastor, Judah Gillespie, especially after Ava, Milo, and Stevie discover that the car belonging to Sam Cooper is connected to him. Meanwhile, Danica and Teddy visit the local cemetery and recognize graves belonging to some of the original victims—[Helen Shivers], [Elsa Shivers], and others from the 1997 murders. They also notice fresh flowers on Sam’s grave, indicating that someone recently paid their respects, which adds to the suspicion. An attack on Danica by the Fisherman prompts Teddy to insist they all move to Danica’s luxurious mansion for safety.
The tension escalates when Milo is strangled and taken away by the Fisherman, and the group becomes increasingly frantic. They discover that Judah knew Sam and that the police have been underreporting or ignoring key evidence. The murders continue with Teddy and Grant Spencer meeting their tragic ends. The survivors, now shocked by the loss of their friends, decide to flee Southport aboard Teddy’s yacht, hoping to find refuge elsewhere.
However, the horror isn’t over. Fallout from the murders reveals shocking truths: Judah was dead at his church with a photo of Sam and Stevie, exposing her as the real [Fisherman], seeking revenge for her past trauma. On the yacht, Stevie betrays everyone by attacking Ava and Danica, revealing herself as the mastermind behind the killings. She explains her motive, revealing her close connection to Sam and her desire for revenge, driven by past pain. She seeks to continue her vengeance by killing everyone on board, but Ray, Freddie Prinze Jr., who has been tending to Ava, intervenes. He shoots Stevie off the boat, saving the remaining survivors.
Back on land, as Ray recovers at his bar, Ava notices that Ray has an injury matching the wound she inflicted on the Fisherman, leading her to suspect that Ray is involved. The situation takes a darker turn when Julie discovers that Stevie, who appears to have survived, is still alive and taunting them with deadly intentions. Clued into the possibility of an ongoing threat, Julie reaches out to survivor Karla Wilson, seeking help to uncover who may be stalking them.
Throughout the ordeal, the characters confront the darkness hidden within their small town, unearthing long-buried secrets and facing the terrifying possibility that some wounds take more than a lifetime to heal—and that sometimes, evil refuses to stay dead.
Follow the complete movie timeline of I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Ava Brucks visits Southport for Danica's engagement party
Ava arrives in her hometown to attend her friend Danica Richards' engagement celebration. The group then drives to see the fireworks, inviting Stevie Ward, a former friend recently out of rehab. During the drive, Teddy causes a car to swerve off a cliff, leading to a cover-up involving his father, Grant.
The car accident and secrecy
Teddy insists on confidentiality about the car accident, persuading Ava to keep it hidden. They involve Teddy's politician father, Grant, to cover up the incident. Ava urges calling the police, but they decide to hide the truth to avoid scandal.
One year later, reunion at Danica's engagement
Ava returns to Southport for Danica's wedding and reuniting with friends Milo and Stevie. She also meets true crime podcaster Tyler Trevino, who is researching the 1997 killing spree by fisherman Ben Willis. The group suspect Teddy's involvement after receiving threats.
Mysterious threats and Teddy’s denial
Danica receives a threatening note saying, 'I know what you did last summer.' The group confronts Teddy, who denies any wrongdoing, fueling suspicion that someone from their past is tormenting them. That night, Wyatt is brutally murdered by a hook-wielding fisherman.
Attempt to learn about Ben Willis
The survivors try to uncover the identity of Ben Willis, the fisherman responsible for the 1997 killings. Tyler shows Ava the crime scene where Ben murdered Elsa Shivers, but the Fisherman ambushes them and kills Tyler, with Ava escaping after wounding the attacker.
Seeking help from survivor Julie James
Ava and her friends seek out Julie James, a former survivor, believing the Fisherman has a personal vendetta linked to Sam, the fisherman’s past victim. They suspect the killer is targeting them due to their connection to the old crimes.
Town hall confrontation and revelations
During a town hall meeting, Ray Bronson accuses Grant of covering up the 1997 murders to boost tourism. Meanwhile, Ava, Milo, and Stevie discover that Sam’s car belonged to Pastor Judah Gillespie and note recent visits to Sam’s grave, indicating ongoing presence.
Grave discoveries and attack on Danica
Danica and Teddy notice fresh flowers on Sam’s grave, suggesting someone recently visited. Later, the Fisherman attacks Danica, but Teddy intervenes, leading the group to Danica’s mansion for safety. Milo is murdered during the chaos, with his body taken away.
Deaths of Teddy and Grant
The Fisherman murders Teddy and Grant, intensifying the threat. Ava and Danica learn about Judah’s connection to Sam and face more danger as the killer’s identity remains elusive. The suspicion shifts toward Judah’s involvement.
Escape on Teddy’s yacht and Stevie’s betrayal
Ava, Danica, and Ray attempt to escape Southport on Teddy’s yacht. Stevie reveals herself as the Fisherman and attacks, stabbing Danica and throwing her overboard. Ray then shoots Stevie, who survives and hints she will continue her revenge.
Ray’s true motives revealed
Ray, injured but alive, confesses his vendetta against Southport, blaming the 1997 killings for his ruined life. He has been working with Stevie, planning to eliminate those involved and frame Julie for his crimes. Ava kills Ray with a speargun to stop him.
Survivors at the hospital and ongoing threat
Danica survives her injuries and reunites with Ava at the hospital. They joke about killing Stevie, who is still alive. Julie receives a threatening note and seeks help from fellow survivor Karla Wilson, indicating that the threat may still be ongoing.
Explore all characters from I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Ava Brucks (Jonah Hauer-King)
Ava is a resilient and determined young woman who returns to her hometown to confront her past. She is courageous, seeking justice and truth while navigating personal trauma. Her journey highlights her strength and her struggle to survive amid threats from the past.
Stevie Ward (Sarah Pidgeon)
Stevie is a complex character driven by revenge, secretly orchestrating the terror as the Fisherman. She is vengeful, manipulative, and emotionally scarred, motivated by her history with Sam and her desire for justice. Her secret identity creates tension and suspense throughout the story.
Ray Bronson (Freddie Prinze Jr.)
Ray is a charismatic yet troubled local, whose actions are driven by a desire to protect Southport's reputation. His role as Stevie's accomplice reveals his darker motives rooted in past trauma. He exhibits complexity, torn between loyalty and his own secrets.
Learn where and when I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Present day
The movie takes place in contemporary times, specifically during the summer months. The events unfold around modern day, reflecting current social norms, technology, and local customs. The timeline indicates a setting that aligns with recent years, emphasizing ongoing community issues and contemporary crime.
Location
Southport, North Carolina
Southport is a picturesque coastal town known for its scenic waterfront, historic sites, and vibrant maritime culture. It serves as a popular vacation spot and has a charming small-town vibe that attracts tourists year-round. The town's history and scenic beauty play a key role in the movie's setting and atmosphere.
Discover the main themes in I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Revenge
Revenge is a central theme, driving the actions of Stevie and Ray as they seek retribution for past wrongs. The characters' motives are fueled by traumatic events from 1997, illustrating how unresolved guilt and anger can escalate into deadly pursuits. The film explores how revenge can distort justice and lead to tragedy.
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Secrecy
Secrecy plays a crucial role in the story, as characters hide the truth about the past accidents and murders to protect themselves or seek personal vengeance. The hidden truths eventually surface, revealing the destructive power of secrets kept for years. This theme underscores the danger of dishonesty and cover-ups.

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Unravel the ending of I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.
The ending of I Know What You Did Last Summer reveals a twist-filled confrontation where the characters discover that the killer isn’t just one person, but actually two: Ray and Stevie. Throughout the film, the friends are targeted by a masked fisherman seeking revenge for a past accident they thought they had covered up. As the story unfolds, it’s revealed that Stevie’s motive for becoming the Fisherman stems from her grief and rage over her boyfriend Sam’s death in an earlier car accident, which she mistakenly thought her friends had ignored or dismissed. Her emotional trauma motivated her to take justice into her own hands, transforming into the murderer to exact her revenge.
Stevie’s betrayal comes to light when she reveals during a tense boat chase that her supposed disconnection from the past isn’t true—she was the one responsible for Sam’s death, and her quest for vengeance has made her murderous. When Ray arrives on a smaller boat to help, Stevie stabs Danica, leading to a confrontation where Ray shoots her, causing her to fall into the ocean. However, the truth about Ray is even darker: he, along with Stevie, has been secretly acting as one of the Fishermen, driven by a desire to cover up Southport’s violent history and to reshape the town’s image. Ray’s revelation that he was one of the killers shocks everyone, especially since he tries to manipulate Ava and even questions if he truly shot Stevie.
The climax concludes with Ava shooting Ray with his own speargun to stop him, saving Danica from further harm. Ava and Danica survive, with Danica washing up ashore alive and Stevie apparently surviving her fall into the ocean as well, hinting they could appear again. The film ends with a scene showing Julie consulting Karla, the heroine from the previous films, to prepare for future threats, suggesting that the cycle of terror might not be over. The filmmakers leave the possibility open for another sequel, depending on the audience’s reaction, leaving the story on a tense and uncertain note.
Discover the spoiler-free summary of I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
When Ava Brucks returns to the quiet coastal town of Southport for a long‑awaited reunion, she finds herself surrounded by an old circle of friends—Danica Richards, her steadfast confidante; Milo Griffin, the brooding ex‑boyfriend whose loyalty is tested by the past; Teddy Spencer, whose easy charm masks a deeper unease; and Stevie Ward, a newcomer still healing from recent struggles. Their once‑tight bond is tinged with the memory of a night that forever altered their lives, a night they collectively chose to hide from the world. The town itself, with its salty breezes and close‑knit community, feels both familiar and suffocating, as if every lighthouse beam could illuminate a secret best left in shadow.
The atmosphere in Southport balances the lazy, sun‑drenched allure of a summer getaway with an undercurrent of uneasy tension. Old jokes echo on porch swings, while the rhythmic crash of waves against the cliffs seems to whisper reminders of what was left unsaid. Relationships are tested as old feelings resurface, loyalties are questioned, and the characters navigate the delicate dance between forgiveness and denial. Their interactions are marked by a mix of nostalgic warmth and guarded suspicion, hinting at the fragile veneer that holds their shared history together.
As the season progresses, an anonymous presence begins to edge closer, a figure who seems to know the hidden truth the group has tried so hard to bury. The creeping sense of being watched turns casual gatherings into moments of heightened alert, and the once‑peaceful town acquires a subtle, foreboding edge. The friends must grapple with the reality that the past may not stay buried, and that confronting the unknown could be the only way to reclaim whatever peace remains. The film promises a blend of suspenseful intrigue and character‑driven drama, letting the audience linger on the unsettling feeling that some secrets refuse to stay silent.
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