Revisiting Horror: A Look at “The Final Girls”
In our “Scary Movies” section, we delve into horror films that, for various reasons, didn’t quite make it to the mainstream cinema spotlight.
“The Final Girls” presents a unique premise: Max (Taissa Farmiga), who was single-handedly raised by her mother, Amanda (Malin Åkerman), a struggling actress forever known for her role in the B-movie slasher “Camp Bloodbath,” is invited to a screening of the film on the anniversary of her mother’s death. During the screening, a fire breaks out, and Max and her friends attempt to escape through the screen, only to find themselves trapped… in “Camp Bloodbath,” where Max encounters her mother again, albeit as her on-screen persona, Nancy.
.jpg “Scene from ‘The Final Girls’”)
Interestingly, 2015 saw the release of two films with strikingly similar titles: “Final Girl” and “The Final Girls,” both featuring Alexander Ludwig in a leading role.
A Missed Opportunity for Horror Aficionados?
“The Final Girls” initially promised to be a witty and cinephile-friendly treat for horror aficionados, akin to a blend of “Pleasantville,” the satirical mischief of “The Cabin in the Woods,” and the postmodern awareness of “Scream.” Imagine a group of contemporary teens suddenly finding themselves in an 80s slasher film, complete with its fashion, sexism, absurdity, and gore. The premise seemed ripe for an endless stream of references, quotes, and playful jabs at a beloved genre.
.jpg “Scene from ‘The Final Girls’”)
The film was originally intended for an R rating, but despite the director’s objections, producers pushed for a more “toned-down” PG-13 version.
Unfortunately, the creators of “The Final Girls” seem to have only scratched the surface of their chosen theme, lacking the spark and enthusiasm needed to truly explore its potential. They primarily focus on mocking blatant chauvinism, common genre tropes like “sex equals death,” and the main villain’s childhood flashbacks. The trailers suggested a far more inventive and engaging experience, while “The Final Girls” often feels like it’s treading water.
.jpg “Scene from ‘The Final Girls’”)
A Heartwarming Core
However, it’s too soon to dismiss the film entirely. “The Final Girls” unexpectedly evolves into a charming, heartfelt, and nostalgic story about the bond between a mother and daughter – a poignant tribute to those who have lost parents too soon. The focus shifts from the maniacal killer dispatching victims to Max’s attempts to see her lost mother in Nancy and save her from the unfortunate fate dictated by the plot.
Farmiga and Åkerman deliver outstanding performances in this emotional arc. Farmiga effectively conveys the sense of loss and emptiness, while Åkerman radiates an ethereal, warm light in key moments. The supporting cast is also well-chosen, with special mention going to the stunningly beautiful Nina Dobrev and the hilariously funny Adam DeVine, who truly shines in the final outtakes montage. The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring Kim Carnes’s unforgettable “Bette Davis Eyes” as the main characters’ theme song, Warrant’s “Cherry Pie” accompanying a striptease scene, and Bananarama’s timeless “Cruel Summer” adorning the aforementioned outtakes. If the film had delved deeper into genre conventions and thoroughly subverted them, it could have been truly exceptional.