lastgirlstanding_poster2016Last Girl Standing
Directed by Benjamin R. Moody
Blue Goggles Films
March 4, 2016
Reviewed by Elaine Pascale

“The Final Girl” is a common trope in horror films, referring to the young woman who survives to confront the killer and, more importantly, survives to tell the tale.  The Final Girl is vulnerable, but unobtainable; she is often the survivor of a prior trauma—and one that typically ties into the backstory of the killer. According to Carol G. Clover (Men, Women and Chainsaws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film), who coined the term, the Final Girl is not the damsel in distress, at least not at the plot point when she is left to confront the killer.

Last Girl Standing, directed by Benjamin R. Moody, is an interesting take on the Final Girl. Camryn is the sole survivor of serial killer “The Hunter.” While all of her friends were brutally slain on a camping trip turned blood bath, Camryn was able to kill the Hunter. The story takes place five years later, and she is wracked with survivor’s guilt, cringing every time a co-worker compliments her with “you’re a life saver” when she agrees to stay late or handle a cranky customer.

It is at her job at the dry cleaners that she meets Nick, who introduces her to his group of artsy, educated, and attractive friends. Camryn has a difficult time settling into a social rhythm, as she believes that the Hunter is stalking her again. Is she dealing with PTSD or is she really in danger?

Last Girl Standing is an effective horror film. It is an interesting character study into the “what ever happened to” survivors in slasher films. The Hunter, while more of a specter than an actual character, is frightening. His mask, which is the head of some antlered animal, is so decrepit that you can practically smell the rot. The relationship between Camryn and the stock friend characters seems a bit sudden, but it helps to propel the plot. Like all slasher films, there is violence, but it is not gratuitous. The acting is decent, and there is a nice twist on the title for those who enjoy the Final Girl theme. Overall, Last Girl Standing is a good pick for horror fans.

 

About Elaine Pascale

Elaine Pascale had been writing her entire life. She lives on Cape Cod with her husband, son and daughter. Her writing has been published in several magazines and anthologies. She is the author of Blood Lights, and If Nothing Else, Eve, We’ve Enjoyed the Fruit. Elaine enjoys a robust full moon, chocolate, and collecting cats.

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