“Scream 3” (2000), directed by Wes Craven and written by Ehren Kruger, is the third installment in the “Scream” franchise, known for its blend of horror and meta-humor. The film continues the story of Sidney Prescott and her encounters with the Ghostface killer, who has been terrorizing her and her friends.

The plot of “Scream 3” revolves around a new series of murders that occur during the production of “Stab 3,” a fictional movie based on the events of the first two “Scream” films. The killer, disguised as Ghostface, targets people involved in the film, including cast and crew members, leading to a series of gruesome killings.

Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), now living in seclusion and under a new identity, is drawn back into the chaos when she learns that the murders are connected to the making of “Stab 3.” She is reluctantly pulled into the investigation alongside Dewey Riley (David Arquette) and Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox), who are also dealing with their own personal and professional issues.

As the characters dig deeper, they discover that the murders are linked to the past of Sidney’s family and the identity of the original killer, revealing new twists and connections. The film explores the impact of the original killings on the present, as well as the influence of the media and the “Stab” movies on the unfolding events.

“Scream 3” maintains the franchise’s trademark self-awareness and meta-commentary, with numerous references to classic horror tropes and the conventions of the slasher genre. The film concludes the original trilogy with a focus on resolving the overarching mystery and providing closure to the characters’ arcs. It features a mix of suspense, dark humor, and the trademark “Scream” twists, continuing the series’ tradition of blending horror with a knowing wink to its audience.