Abstract
This chapter delves into the evolution of the Final Girl in horror cinema, departing from traditional frameworks like those presented by Clover. With the infusion of feminist perspectives, particularly from Irigaray, the portrayal of the Final Girl has shifted from Clover’s passive survivor to a symbol of feminism’s dynamic agency.
Central to this transformation is the notion of transgression — a once-stigmatised quality that empowers characters like Sarah Fier in the Fear Street trilogy. Transgression becomes a force that defies societal norms and oppressive influences, leading to empowerment and survival. The feminist gaze further enhances this empowerment, enabling characters to uncover hidden truths beneath surface appearances. The redefined Final Girl extends her empowerment beyond herself, drawing strength from intra-female relationships and shared knowledge of female heritage. These connections transcend superficial bonds, fostering collective empowerment and challenging the conventional narratives that have historically confined women.
By embracing Irigaray's ideas and analysing characters like Sarah Fier, this chapter introduces a new perspective for the Final Girl — one that transcends film text and welcomes an era of reimagined representation, understanding, and triumph.
Central to this transformation is the notion of transgression — a once-stigmatised quality that empowers characters like Sarah Fier in the Fear Street trilogy. Transgression becomes a force that defies societal norms and oppressive influences, leading to empowerment and survival. The feminist gaze further enhances this empowerment, enabling characters to uncover hidden truths beneath surface appearances. The redefined Final Girl extends her empowerment beyond herself, drawing strength from intra-female relationships and shared knowledge of female heritage. These connections transcend superficial bonds, fostering collective empowerment and challenging the conventional narratives that have historically confined women.
By embracing Irigaray's ideas and analysing characters like Sarah Fier, this chapter introduces a new perspective for the Final Girl — one that transcends film text and welcomes an era of reimagined representation, understanding, and triumph.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Heroic Girls as Figures of Resistance and Futurity in Popular Culture |
| Editors | Simon Bacon |
| Publisher | Routledge |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Publication status | Published - 9 Apr 2024 |