Final Girl (2015) Movie Review
A Stylish, Uneven Thriller with a Unique Twist
Final Girl (2015) is a psychological thriller directed by Tyler Shields, featuring a cast that includes Abigail Breslin, Wes Bentley, Alexander Ludwig, and Emma Paetz. The film offers a fresh take on the slasher genre by reimagining the traditional “final girl” trope with a modern, stylized approach. While it stands out for its visual flair and intriguing premise, Final Girl ultimately falls short due to its uneven execution and underdeveloped characters.
Plot Summary
The film centers on Veronica (Abigail Breslin), a teenage girl who has been trained from a young age by her father, William (Wes Bentley), to become a skilled hunter of serial killers. William is a former FBI agent who has instilled in Veronica the skills needed to survive and seek revenge against those who prey on others.
The plot unfolds when Veronica is recruited by William to confront a group of wealthy young men who have a twisted hobby of hunting young women in the woods for sport. These men, led by the charismatic and sinister Jameson (Alexander Ludwig), lure their victims to a remote location under the guise of a party or a camping trip, only to hunt them down for their own amusement.
Veronica, posing as a vulnerable and unsuspecting girl, becomes the target of this cruel game. However, she has a plan of her own: to turn the tables on her would-be hunters and seek vengeance for the countless victims who came before her.
Performance and Direction
Abigail Breslin delivers a solid performance as Veronica, embodying both the vulnerability and strength required for her role. Breslin’s portrayal captures the duality of her character, balancing the guise of innocence with the underlying determination and skill that makes her a formidable opponent.
Wes Bentley plays William, Veronica’s father and mentor. Bentley’s performance is intense and brooding, though his character’s motivations and backstory could have been more thoroughly explored. Bentley’s portrayal adds a layer of complexity to the film, but his character often feels like a missed opportunity for deeper development.
Alexander Ludwig as Jameson is charismatic yet menacing, bringing a sense of both charm and danger to the role. His performance adds to the film’s tension, though his character’s motivations and the group’s dynamics are not as fleshed out as they could be.
Director Tyler Shields brings a visually striking style to the film, using a blend of slow-motion sequences, vivid colors, and artful cinematography to create a distinct look. The film’s visual approach sets it apart from more conventional thrillers, contributing to its overall atmosphere. However, the stylistic choices sometimes overshadow the narrative, resulting in a film that feels more like a series of visually compelling scenes rather than a cohesive story.
Cinematography and Special Effects
The cinematography by Ryan Samul is one of the film’s standout features, capturing the eerie beauty of the forest setting and the tension of the hunt. The use of vibrant colors and artistic framing enhances the film’s aesthetic appeal, creating a visually engaging experience.
Special effects are used sparingly but effectively to heighten the film’s suspense. The practical effects and makeup used in the film are well-executed, contributing to the visceral impact of the horror elements. However, some of the action sequences and violence may come across as stylized rather than genuinely frightening.
Themes and Messages
Final Girl explores themes of survival, revenge, and the inversion of traditional horror tropes. The film subverts the typical “final girl” narrative by making Veronica an active hunter rather than a passive survivor. This shift adds an interesting dynamic to the genre, though it also highlights the film’s struggle to balance its stylistic ambitions with narrative depth.
The film also touches on themes of justice and morality, as Veronica’s quest for revenge raises questions about the nature of justice and whether it is ever truly served through violence. The contrast between Veronica’s calculated approach and the hunters’ sadistic pleasure provides a backdrop for examining these themes.
Critical Reception
Final Girl received mixed reviews from critics. The film was praised for its stylish visuals and Abigail Breslin’s performance, but it was criticized for its uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters. The film’s attempt to innovate within the slasher genre was noted, but it was often seen as lacking the depth and coherence needed to fully realize its potential.
Streaming Availability
For viewers in America, Final Girl is available for streaming on the following platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rental or purchase.
- Apple TV: Available for rental or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rental or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rental or purchase.
- Hulu: Available with a subscription.
Conclusion
Final Girl (2015) offers a visually striking and unconventional take on the slasher genre, with a compelling performance by Abigail Breslin and a unique stylistic approach. However, the film’s uneven execution and underdeveloped characters detract from its overall impact. While it provides an interesting twist on the “final girl” trope and showcases impressive cinematography, it may not fully satisfy viewers seeking a more cohesive and engaging thriller.
For those interested in a visually distinctive and unconventional horror film, Final Girl is worth a watch. It is readily available on various streaming platforms, offering an accessible viewing experience for fans of the genre.
