Final Girls & Fatal Fates: THE WEEKLY SHIVER

Issue #6 | May 23, 2025 |

Author

Randy Stover
May 23, 2025

THE WEEKLY SHIVER

The horror fan's Friday ritual—news, recs, and the weirdest finds from across the Horrorverse.

Issue #21 | May 23, 2025 | Final Girls & Fatal Fates

FRESH CUTS 🩸

Final Destination: Bloodlines has ignited both box office success and real-world anxiety. The film's opening scene, featuring a catastrophic collapse of a tower resembling San Antonio's Tower of the Americas, has left locals unsettled. Despite this, the movie has grossed ₹32 crore in India during its first week, with creator Jeffrey Reddick expressing gratitude to fans for their support.

Fina Strazza, Tony-nominated actress, stars in Netflix's Fear Street: Prom Queen, portraying Tiffany Falconer. In an interview, Strazza reflects on the intense peer pressure depicted in the film, contrasting it with her own high school experience. The film is currently streaming on Netflix.

Bring Her Back, the latest film from the Philippou brothers (Talk to Me), is set to release on May 30. The movie explores themes of demonic possession and hidden connections to their previous work, promising a chilling experience for fans.

CREATOR SPOTLIGHT 👁️

Danny & Michael Philippou: Australian twin filmmakers known for their viral RackaRacka YouTube channel and breakout horror hit Talk to Me.

Their upcoming film, Bring Her Back, delves into dark narratives centered on young characters and demonic possession, with new characters and a distinct storyline. The directors emphasize practical effects and immersive actor preparations, fostering a safe environment during intense scenes.

"We want to create a shared universe that fans can explore, with hidden connections and lore that reward attentive viewers."

The Philippous hint at future interconnected stories in an expanding horror universe, including a potential sequel, Talk 2 Me.

DEEP DIVE 🔪

The Evolution of the Final Girl Trope

The "Final Girl" has been a staple in horror films, representing the last woman standing who confronts the killer. Over time, this trope has evolved from passive survivor to empowered protagonist.

Key points:

  • 1970s-1980s: Characters like Laurie Strode (Halloween) embodied innocence and resilience.

  • 1990s-2000s: Figures like Sidney Prescott (Scream) showcased resourcefulness and agency.

  • 2010s-Present: Modern interpretations, such as Erin in You're Next, depict proactive and combative heroines.

This evolution reflects changing societal views on gender roles and empowerment, offering audiences complex and relatable female leads.

HORROR HISTORY 👻

25 Years of Final Destination

Debuting in 2000, Final Destination introduced a novel concept: death as an inevitable force. The franchise's Rube Goldberg-esque death sequences captivated audiences, leading to multiple sequels.

Legacy impact:

  • Redefined the slasher genre by removing a tangible killer.

  • Influenced films to explore fate and predestination themes.

  • Popularized elaborate death scenes as a central attraction.

The series' latest installment, Bloodlines, continues this legacy, blending nostalgia with innovative storytelling.

MONSTER MANUAL 🧟

Demons: Embodiments of Inner Turmoil

Demons in horror often symbolize internal struggles, guilt, or suppressed desires. Their portrayals have shifted from religious entities to psychological manifestations.

Evolution:

  • Pre-2000s: Depicted as external evil forces (e.g., The Exorcist).

  • 2000s-2010s: Explored as metaphors for personal trauma (e.g., The Babadook).

  • 2020s: Represent complex psychological issues, blurring reality and delusion (e.g., Saint Maud).

These entities challenge characters to confront their deepest fears, offering a mirror to the audience's own anxieties.

WHAT TO WATCH 📺

NEW RELEASES

  • Final Destination: Bloodlines: A new chapter in the franchise that explores fate's inescapable grip. (Theaters)

  • Fear Street: Prom Queen: High school horror with a deadly twist. (Netflix)

  • Bloody Axe Wound: A slasher satire that struggles to hit the mark. (Shudder)

HIDDEN GEMS

  • The Ritual: A haunting tale of friendship and folklore. (Amazon Prime)

  • The Shrouds: A slow-burn horror that delves into grief and the supernatural. (Hulu)

LEAVING SOON

  • The Babadook: A psychological horror exploring motherhood and grief. Leaving Netflix on May 31.

READING LIST 📚

NEW RELEASES

  • Path of Totality (K.N. Gould): A supernatural horror exploring cosmic events.

  • You Need to Leave (Sarah Jules): The sequel to You Invited it In, delving deeper into supernatural terror.

  • Never Flinch (Stephen King): A psychological horror that challenges the boundaries of fear.

CLASSIC REVISITED

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson remains a seminal work in horror literature, exploring themes of isolation and the supernatural. Its enduring relevance speaks to the timeless nature of psychological terror.

GAME OVER 🎮

Directive 8020: Supermassive Games' upcoming title in The Dark Pictures Anthology series ventures into space horror. Set aboard a derelict spaceship, players must navigate choices that determine survival against an unknown entity. The game promises a blend of narrative depth and atmospheric dread.

HORROR HAPPENINGS 🎭

  • Texas Frightmare Weekend: Irving, TX, May 23–25. Meet horror legend Bruce Campbell and explore panels, screenings, and more.

  • HorrorConUK 2025: Rotherham, UK, May 17–18. A gathering for horror enthusiasts featuring guests, merchandise, and cosplay.

FINAL THOUGHT 💀

As horror continues to evolve, it reflects our deepest fears and societal anxieties. From the reimagining of classic tropes to the exploration of psychological terror, the genre remains a mirror to our collective psyche. Embracing both innovation and tradition, horror invites us to confront the unknown and find meaning in the macabre.