Surprising Twists in Final Girl Horror Movies: Behind the Mask and Wolf Creek

When it comes to horror movies, the Final Girl trope has been a consistent and recognizable element. However, some films take a dark turn and subvert this trope to create unexpected and thrilling twists. In this article, we'll explore two such movies: Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon and Wolf Creek, which offer surprising and intricate narratives around the concept of the final girl.

Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon

Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon is a pseudo-documentary film that weaves a chilling narrative around the character of Leslie Vernon, a real-life serial killer who allows a young journalist to document his descent into violence. Leslie's meticulous planning and his choice of 'final girl' reveal layers of complexity not often seen in the Final Girl trope.

Plot Overview

Set in the fictional world of Leslie Vernon, the journalist is granted access to a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation for a night of slaughter. Leslie reveals his plan to select and kill a group of teenagers at his family's farmhouse. His 'final girl' is chosen for her supposed purity, aligning with the expectations of the horror genre. However, the twist comes when Leslie's plans turn out to be a deception. The 'final girl' Kelly Curtis, initially chosen for her seemingly virtuous qualities, is revealed to be sexually active. Kelly attempts to escape but is killed, making way for the young journalist, who secretly maintains her innocence, to take on the role of the final girl.

Twist Analysis

As the night of the killings progresses, viewers are presented with unexpected revelations. Kelly Curtis, seemingly the last hope, is not the final girl. In a shocking twist, the young journalist, who has been playing the part all along, is revealed to be the true final girl. This twist not only demystifies the final girl but also adds a layer of moral complexity to the film's narrative.

Wolf Creek: Unforeseen Destinies

Wolf Creek is another film that challenges traditional horror tropes. Set in Australia, the movie follows three backpackers who are stalked and terrorized by a psychotic killer named Mick. The film takes an unusual approach by initially focusing on the male backpacker, Ben, rather than the women, a decision that adds suspense and unpredictability to the narrative.

Plot Overview

The three backpackers, Ben, Kristy, and Liz, are forced to hide in a remote area known as Wolf Creek National Park. The story weaves a chilling tale of survival and horror. The killer, Mick, offers help to the group but ultimately turns into a malevolent force, kidnapping and torturing them. The film's narrative deviates significantly from the classic slasher narrative, offering a more complex and unsettling experience.

Twist Analysis

The twist in Wolf Creek is multifaceted. Initially, Kristy is assumed to be the final girl, but the narrative takes an unexpected turn when she is revealed to be Mick's target. The film further subverts expectations by refusing to identify a final girl at all. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that there is no true final girl, presenting a nihilistic and grim view of survival.

Additional Twist

The film concludes with another surprising twist, introducing a male final figure, Ben. Unlike the typical final girl who outsmarts the killer, Ben's survival is incidental and unremarkable. He manages to escape by unlatching himself from a cross and is eventually found by other survivors, showcasing a final boy rather than a final girl.

Conclusion

These two films, Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon and Wolf Creek, demonstrate the versatility and subversion potential in the horror genre. They challenge audiences to rethink the tropes of the final girl, offering complex and unexpected narratives. These films not only provide thrilling scares but also provoke thought about the psychological and moral implications of horror storytelling.

Related Keywords

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Key Takeaways

The Final Girl trope is often subverted in horror movies to create unexpected twists. Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon and Wolf Creek offer unique narratives that challenge traditional horror tropes. These films provide complex and thought-provoking horror experiences that go beyond simple survival stories.