The Final Girls (2015) – Movie Review
Synopsis
"The Final Girls," directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson, is a horror-comedy that cleverly plays with slasher film conventions while exploring themes of grief and nostalgia. The narrative follows Max Cartwright (Taissa Farmiga), a young woman still grappling with the death of her mother, a former scream queen who starred in the cult classic horror film "Camp Bloodbath." One night during a film tribute screening to honour her late mother, an unforeseen incident pulls Max and her friends – including Gertie (Alia Shawkat), Chris (Nicholas Braun), and Vicky (Angela Trimbur) – into the movie itself. Trapped within the universe of "Camp Bloodbath," they must use their knowledge of horror tropes to navigate their way through the deadly plot while facing the terrifying killer, Billy Murphy, who hunts them down with relentless fervour.
As they attempt to survive and outsmart the film’s narrative arc, Max confronts her feelings for Chris, solidifying an unexpected romance amidst chaos and danger. Meanwhile, she grapples with the essence of her relationship with her mother, as well as the reasons behind her choices in life. The film employs a self-aware, meta-commentary approach, reminiscent of classics like "Scream" while maintaining its own distinctive flair. As the characters navigate the absurdity of being in a horror flick while reckoning with their real-life fears, "The Final Girls" offers both thrilling sequences and poignant reflections.
List of Actors and Their Characters
- Taissa Farmiga as Max Cartwright
- Malin Åkerman as Amanda Cartwright
- Alexandra Daddario as Vicky
- Nina Dobrev as Lisa
- Angela Trimbur as Gertie
- Nicholas Braun as Chris
- Adam Devine as Duncan
- Thomas Middleditch as Patter
- Tatum O’Neal as Nancy (the camp counsellor)
- Bill Moseley as Billy Murphy (the killer)
Review
"The Final Girls" is a unique entry into the realm of horror-comedy films, and it showcases a level of charm that is often hard to pin down in contemporary cinema. The title itself winks at the horror genre, specifically referencing the trope of the "final girl" – the last surviving female character – while cleverly subverting expectations throughout the film’s runtime. The film’s approach to horror is not merely about eliciting screams, but rather punctuating moments of confrontation with humour that is sharper than a butcher’s knife.
One of the film’s standout aspects is its ability to blend emotion with slapstick humour, creating an atmosphere that oscillates between laughter and palpable tension. The interspersing of heartfelt moments – especially concerning Max’s relationship with her mother – adds depth that takes the film beyond a standard slasher parody. In doing so, it forces the audience to confront the emotional aftershocks of the death of a loved one, which resonates deeply with the more vivid horror established in the narrative.
Taissa Farmiga delivers a thoroughly engaging performance as Max, anchoring the film with relatability and emotional authenticity. Her journey from grief to empowerment is both touching and relatable, enabling the audience to sympathise with her plight. With her mother’s legacy looming large, we see various facets of her character develop throughout the film, showcasing her resilience in the face of adversity. Malin Åkerman shines in her role as Amanda Cartwright, presenting a character that is equal parts loving mother and iconic horror star. The chemistry between Farmiga and Åkerman is palpable, underscoring the emotional stakes.
The supporting cast of characters brings a diverse range of personalities that help to further the film’s comedic beats while also establishing a sense of camaraderie among the group. Each friend in the film embodies a trope familiar to slasher aficionados, from the nerdy boy-next-door (Nicholas Braun’s Chris) to the sarcastic class clown (Adam Devine’s Duncan). Their performances are not only humorous but also offer a glimpse into how these exaggerated roles interact with fear and survival.
The production design and cinematography deserve commendation as well. Captured beautifully, "Camp Bloodbath" reverberates with the aesthetic of 1980s slasher films, effectively immersing the audience in the vibe of the era. The authentic vintage feel of the camp grounds, paired with purposeful lighting that creates haunting shadows, adds to the film’s overall uncanny charm. It is a visually striking experience that marries the comedic elements with the creeping dread of horror.
One cannot overlook the soundtrack, which complements the film’s emotional beats while eliciting a sense of nostalgia. The use of classic hits from the ’80s heightens the film’s place in the decade it seeks to homage, while the effective score punctuates moments of tension and comedy alike.
"The Final Girls" is not merely a parody, nor does it fall into the trap of being a straightforward horror flick. Instead, it walks the fine line between homage and critique, delving into a labyrinth of tropes, cliches, and genre expectations with a fresh perspective. As characters repeatedly confront the absurdity of their situations – often commenting on why they shouldn’t venture into the woods or separate from the group – the screenplay showcases moments of sheer brilliance, reflecting a self-awareness that’s both refreshing and entertaining.
The film flows seamlessly from exposition to action, blending humour and horror with savvy craftsmanship. It encourages audiences to revel in the horrors of slasher films while also encouraging the notion that facing fears, no matter how absurd, is crucial for emotional growth.
However, despite its many strengths, "The Final Girls" doesn’t perfectly channel its cleverness throughout its entirety. At certain points, pacing issues arise, particularly in the second act. The film occasionally lingers too long on some jokes or melodrama, somewhat disrupting the otherwise steady rhythm established early on. In attempting to juxtapose levity with heartfelt moments, the execution falls short at times, resulting in a disjointed feel that momentarily pulls viewers from the experience.
Nevertheless, these minor shortcomings do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the film. "The Final Girls" remains endearing and thought-provoking while staying true to its horror roots. It encourages audiences to embrace their inner geek while relishing a good scare and some good laughs amidst the carnage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Final Girls" is a clever, well-constructed horror-comedy that adeptly explores the intersection of grief and genre tropes. With a stellar cast, heartfelt moments, humorous self-awareness, and brilliant visuals, it stands out as a must-watch for fans of both horror and comedy alike. Despite some pacing issues, the film delivers emotional resonance and entertaining scares, solidifying its place as a modern cult classic in its own right.
Score: 8.5/10