“Final Girl” by CHVRCHES, Thursday, October 17, 2024

The "Final Girl" trope in horror movies, coined by film theorist Carol J. Clover in her 1992 book Men, Women, and Chain Saws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film, refers to the last female character left alive at the end of the film, who confronts and often defeats the killer or monster. This character has become a significant archetype in slasher and horror films. The trope originated in the 1970s and became especially popular in the 1980s with movies like Halloween (1978), Friday the 13th (1980), and A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). When crafting their concept album Screen Violence, inspired by horror films, CHVRCHES’ songwriter and frontwoman Lauren Mayberry explores the trope, setting it in real life rather than a work of fiction in the song “Final Girl.” The song is a pivotal track on Screen Violence with the band selling Final Girl shirts and Mayberry wearing the t-shirt in concerts as pictured in the lyric photo.

DOES SHE LOOK LIKE ME? There are several key features to the “Final Girl” trope. First, she is the sole survivor or among the last few survivors of the killer's spree, usually managing to outwit or kill the antagonist in the climax. Next, traditionally, the Final Girl is depicted as more "innocent" or morally virtuous compared to her peers, especially in contrast to other characters who may engage in reckless behavior like drinking, drug use, or promiscuity. This has led to critiques that the trope enforces conservative values. Third, she shows a transformation in the film. Throughout the movie, the Final Girl often evolves from a vulnerable, frightened character to a strong, resourceful, and proactive one, displaying both intelligence and courage. Fourth, she often shows masculine traits. Some interpretations suggest the Final Girl exhibits masculine qualities, like wielding weapons or taking on a protector role, which helps her survive in situations where others fail. Carol J. Clover's analysis in her 1992 book highlighted how the Final Girl often acts as a point of identification for both male and female viewers. She argued that the trope subverts traditional gender roles because the audience, regardless of gender, is encouraged to empathize with the female character's experience as she transitions from victim to hero. Finally, the Final Girl often has a psychological link with the killer. In many cases, the Final Girl has a deeper connection to the killer, whether it’s personal knowledge, an indirect relationship, or a symbolic link. This adds emotional weight to their final confrontation.

I WONDER IF I SHOULD’VE CHANGED MY ACCENT. In CHVRCHES’ “Final Girl,” lead singer Lauren Mayberry talks about expectations placed upon women and reflects on her own decisions as a woman in music. Comparing the music industry to a horror film in which women have an expiration date, Mayberry, in the chorus, questions whether she should “quit, maybe go get married.” She says, “I wonder if I should’ve changed my accent.” Chvrches is a Scottish band and Mayberry speaks with a Scottish accent. Her singing voice doesn’t have regional markings, though. Many times public figures are pressured to sound more refined, not showing their regional dialect in their voices, whether it is a posh British or a TV American accent. Is Mayberry’s regret that she doesn’t sound Scottish or that she should sound less Scottish? Then she wonders if she should have “tried to make [herself] more attractive.” It’s a common question people wonder about themselves but in the context of “Final Girl,” the question of attractiveness is key to outlasting the others in a horror film. The music business has traditionally held a double standard, only signing beautiful women to contracts when men often don’t have to look as good to front a band. The chorus resolves with  “Only time will tell.” The music business pushes most people out of it before they can become veterans, but it seems that Mayberry wants to sustain a music career. She’s in it for the long run, but surviving the killer takes wit, charm, looks, charisma, and talent. If you can’t hold on to it, you won’t be the final girl. 

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