Grindhouse Double Feature: Abernathy, Zoë, and Kim from Death Proof
🌟 Final Girls Double Feature (Part 2)! 🌟Next up: Death Proof (2007)Abernathy, Zoë, and Kim aren’t just surviving—they’re taking the wheel and fighting back. In Death Proof, Quentin Tarantino flips the Final Girl trope on its head, giving us three fearless women who don’t just escape the killer—they absolutely wreck him. This week, we break down the badassery, the brilliant stunt work, and why this trio’s friendship and fury make them some of the most satisfying Final Girls in horror history.Spoiler Warning: Buckle up—Death Proof spoilers (and serious girl power) ahead!Loving Final Girls? Leave us a rating or review—it fuels our need for speed and survival.Theme by Max AnsonVisit us at www.final-girls.com
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1:08:39
Grindhouse Double Feature: Cherry from Planet Terror
🌟 Final Girls Double Feature! 🌟First up: Planet Terror (2007)Cherry Darling might have started the night as a go-go dancer with a broken heart, but by the end of Planet Terror, she’s packing heat and leading the charge against a zombie outbreak. This week, we dive into Cherry’s wild, blood-soaked Final Girl arc, the sheer camp of Robert Rodriguez’s grindhouse vision, and how Rose McGowan’s performance—and later activism—turned fiction into something far more powerful. We explore how Planet Terror became part of McGowan’s real-life journey of reclaiming her power from Harvey Weinstein and how she emerged as one of the faces of the #MeToo movement.Spoiler Warning: Things get gory fast—Planet Terror spoilers ahead!If you’re digging Final Girls, a rating or review helps us keep the grindhouse vibes alive and well.Theme by Max AnsonVisit us at www.final-girls.com
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55:36
Cecilia from The Invisible Man (2020)
You can’t fight what you can’t see, unless you’ve already survived the worst. In The Invisible Man (2020), Cecilia Kass escapes an abusive relationship… only to be haunted by a presence that no one else believes exists. This week, we dive into Cecilia’s chilling Final Girl journey, unpacking how the film turns gaslighting into a literal monster, explores the differences between seeing and unseeing, and puts control and autonomy back into the hands of its heroine. We also explore the film’s unflinching portrayal of domestic abuse, isolation, and disbelief—and how Cecilia’s transformation feels real and unsettling, even from behind the safety and comfort of the screen.Spoiler Warning: The truth is visible, especially when it comes to The Invisible Man. This episode contains spoilers. Listen at your own risk.If you’re into Final Girls, a quick rating or review helps more horror fans find the show and reminds the algorithm we do exist.Theme by Max AnsonVisit us at www.final-girls.com
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57:58
Dana from The Cabin in the Woods
In The Cabin in the Woods, Dana thinks she’s headed for a weekend of fun with friends, but ends up in a bloody, mind-bending fight for survival where the real horror is who's pulling the strings. This week, we dig into Dana’s role as the archetypal Final Girl in a world that literally demands sacrifice, exploring how the film deconstructs horror tropes and leaves you with plenty of belly laughs along the way.We also talk gods, conspiracy, stoner prophets, and the stakes of Dana’s decision in the final moments.Here is the referenced episode of Who's There: A Podcast About Horror Fans.Spoiler Warning: The ancient ones demand blood and spoilers, so consider this your warning before you descend into the cabin’s basement.Love Final Girls? Leave us a rating or review—it helps more horror nerds find the pod, and might just spare us from global annihilation.Theme by Max Anson Visit us at www.final-girls.com
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1:01:33
Ripley from Alien
In space, no one can hear you scream—but Ripley makes damn sure they hear her survive. In Alien (1979), Sigourney Weaver redefined what a Final Girl could be: smart, resourceful, emotionally grounded, and completely unafraid to torch a xenomorph when it comes down to it. This week, we board the Nostromo and break down Ripley’s iconic status, how she shattered the gender norms of horror, and why her legacy still looms large over the Final Girls canon.We also explore the film’s themes of bodily autonomy, corporate exploitation, and fear of the unknown—and why Ripley remains the gold standard for survival when the monster isn't just in the shadows, but inside the system.Content Note: There is a discussion about sexual violence as a major theme in this film.Spoiler Warning: There are some things lurking in the vents—like Alien spoilers. Listen at your own risk.If you’re loving Final Girls, a quick rating or review helps other horror fans find the pod—and it means we don’t have to send a distress signal to deep space.Theme by Max Anson
Final Girls is a dynamic podcast that dives deep into the world of horror by examining one iconic final girl per episode. Co-hosted by Kellie and Sarah—both UC Davis alumni with strong academic backgrounds—each installment dissects the tropes, triumphs, and challenges of these resilient characters. Drawing from Kellie’s expertise in Human-Computer Interaction and Film, and Sarah’s insights from History and Political Science, the show brings a unique blend of sharp analysis and genuine passion to every discussion.
Each episode explores the final girl's journey in detail, from the creative escape scenes that have become cult favorites to the narrative complexities that define their battles against overwhelming odds. Final Girls celebrates the spirit of women who fight back, inviting listeners to rethink classic horror tropes and appreciate the empowering narratives that make these characters enduring cultural icons.
This podcast is not only a must-listen for horror enthusiasts but also for anyone interested in the intersection of storytelling, gender, and cultural critique.
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