Final Girls
Film, TV & Pop Culture
About
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.
Episodes
- Beth from Evil Dead Rise
This episode of Final Girls discusses Beth from Evil Dead Rise (2023). The hosts explore her actions in the film and compare her to other characters in the horror genre, such as Ash and Mia.
- Jeryline from Demon Knight
The Final Girls podcast discusses Jeryline from the movie Demon Knight (1995). Jeryline is portrayed by Jada Pinkett. The episode highlights the film's practical effects and soundtrack.
- Linda from Send Help
The 'Final Girls' podcast analyzes Linda from Sam Raimi's 'Send Help' (2026), a character portrayed by Rachel McAdams. The hosts discuss Linda's journey of survival and revenge after she and her boss are stranded on a desert island.
- Molly and Debi from Idle Hands
This episode of Final Girls discusses the movie Idle Hands (1999), featuring the characters Molly and Debi. The episode covers the film's plot, which involves a demonic entity possessing a stoner named Anton.
- Suzy from Suspiria (1977)
This episode of Final Girls analyzes Suzy from the 1977 horror film, Suspiria. The discussion covers the film's themes of witchcraft, its plot, and overall dreamlike quality.
- Liz from Shaun of the Dead
This episode of the Final Girls podcast analyzes Liz from Shaun of the Dead (2004). It covers her relationship issues and her journey through a zombie apocalypse, with spoilers.
- Pearl from Pearl
This episode of Final Girls discusses the character Pearl from Ti West's 2022 film of the same name. The hosts examine the film's unsettling scenes and its potential as a cult classic, also noting perceived parallels to "The Wizard of Oz."
- Elisabeth Sparkle/Sue from The Substance
This episode of Final Girls dissects The Substance (2024), focusing on themes of aging, body dysmorphia, and the impact of the Hollywood patriarchy. The hosts, Elisabeth and Sue, discuss the film's portrayal of women's struggles with worth…
- Jay from It Follows
This episode discusses Jay from the film It Follows, examining her role as a Final Girl. The hosts analyze the character's reactive approach to the film's shapeshifting entity and the film's suspenseful atmosphere.
- Fern Mayo/Vylette from Jawbreaker
This episode of Final Girls analyzes Fern Mayo/Vylette from the 1999 film Jawbreaker, discussing her transformation and her role as a potential Final Girl. The hosts also touch on other characters like Julie and Courtney, and the movie's c…
- Ariel from Opus
This episode of Final Girls discusses the character Ariel from the 2025 A24 film Opus. The hosts analyze the story of a writer who finds herself in a challenging situation at a pop star's compound.
- Clarice from The Silence of the Lambs
This episode of Final Girls covers Clarice Starling from The Silence of the Lambs (1991). The podcast analyzes Clarice as a "Final Girl," highlighting her vulnerability, strength, and determination within the FBI academy. The episode inclu…
- Ally from Heart Eyes
This episode of the Final Girls podcast analyzes Ally from the movie Heart Eyes (2025). The discussion includes the film's combination of romance and horror, specific plot details, and the character Detective Devon Sawa.
- Maud from Saint Maud
This episode of Final Girls discusses Maud from the film Saint Maud, analyzing her internal and spiritual horror. It explores her desperation for meaning and the devastating consequences of her journey.
- Debbie from Killer Klowns from Outer Space
This episode of the Final Girls podcast explores the film Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988), discussing its visual effects, memorable kills, and the character of Debbie Stone. The hosts also examine the movie's cultural impact.
- Lisa from Lisa Frankenstein
This episode of the Final Girls podcast discusses the character Lisa from the 2024 film 'Lisa Frankenstein.' The hosts break down Lisa's story and lessons learned from the movie.
- Casey from Split
This episode of Final Girls Podcast celebrates one year by discussing Casey from M. Night Shyamalan's film Split. The hosts, joined by Reggie from Movie Postmortem Podcast, analyze Casey's final girl journey. The discussion also includes p…
- Frida from Blink Twice
This episode of Final Girls discusses the 2024 thriller-horror film Blink Twice, focusing on the character of Frida, played by Naomi Ackie. The plot involves a private island, a billionaire, and a group of unknown individuals.
- Erin from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
This episode discusses the 2003 remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, focusing on the character of Erin, played by Jessica Biel. It examines the remake's additions and omissions, and Erin's significance within the "Final Girls" canon.
- Jess from Black Christmas (1974)
This episode of Final Girls analyzes Jess from the 1974 film Black Christmas. Topics include bodily autonomy, feminism, sisterhood, and 1970s telephone infrastructure.
- Sienna from Terrifier 3
This episode of the Final Girls podcast discusses Sienna from Terrifier 3. The hosts examine Sienna's development through the film series, including her journey and resilience, with full spoilers for Terrifier 1-3.
- Tess from Barbarian
This episode of the "Final Girls" podcast analyzes Tess from the film "Barbarian" (2022). The discussion covers themes of gendered horror and male predators as depicted in the movie.
- Abby from Five Nights at Freddy's
This episode of Final Girls explores Abby from Five Nights at Freddy's. It covers her encounters with killer animatronics and her communication with the dead.
- FINAL DADDIES: The Creature from Frankenstein (2025)
This episode is a free preview of the Final Girls' Patreon series "Final Daddies." It analyzes Jacob Elordi's Creature from the 2025 Frankenstein remake, covering themes such as design, tragedy, and queer coding, and evaluates if the Monst…
- Jessica from Thanksgiving
This episode of Final Girls discusses the character Jessica from the film Thanksgiving (2023). Topics include Jessica's character arc, Black Friday, consumerism, social media, and American traditions as portrayed in the film.
- Carly from House of Wax
This episode of Final Girls discusses the character Carly from the 2005 film House of Wax. The hosts examine her transformation and the movie's cultural impact in the 2000s.
- Deena from Night of the Reaper
This episode of the Final Girls podcast discusses the film Night of the Reaper (2025). The film features Deena, a criminology major who encounters a masked killer during her fall break.
- Elvira from The Ugly Stepsister
This episode of Final Girls discusses the film The Ugly Stepsister (2025). The hosts analyze the movie's feminist body horror, societal pressures, and the pursuit of beauty.
- Elvira from Elvira: Mistress of the Dark
The Final Girls podcast analyzes Elvira, from the movie Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. The discussion focuses on Elvira's character, including her sex positivity, self-possession, and how she confronts hypocrisy and misogyny.
- Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton from Heretic
This episode of the Final Girls podcast discusses the film Heretic (2024). The hosts analyze the characters of Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton and themes such as purity and obedience within the movie.
- Laurie from Halloween
This episode explores Laurie Strode from Halloween (1978), focusing on her character's impact on the "Final Girl" trope and her lasting relevance. The discussion includes plot details and character analysis.
- Sarah's Minisode: Season of the Witch(y Movies)
In this minisode, Sarah explores her favorite fictional witches from both horror and non-horror TV and film. She discusses how these witches fight the patriarchy and work for a better world.
- Kellie's Minisode: 31 Shudder Originals for October
In this minisode, Kellie discusses 31 Shudder Originals. She presents one film for each night of October, making a guide for streaming during the month.
- Final Cats Minisode: Jonesy from Alien
This Final Girls minisode focuses on Jonesy, the orange tabby from the film Alien. The discussion centers on Jonesy's role as a survivor within the movie.
- Season Two Announcement
Final Girls announces its second season, which will launch just before Halloween. The hosts, Sarah and Kellie, tease new frights and analysis for the upcoming season.
- Dr. Ellie Sattler from Jurassic Park
This episode of Final Girls discusses Dr. Ellie Sattler from Jurassic Park. The hosts explore her character as a feminist force, her critiques of patriarchal attitudes, and her intelligence and assertiveness within the film's narrative. Th…
- Emerald from Nope
This episode of Final Girls spotlights Emerald Haywood from Jordan Peele’s film Nope. The discussion covers how Emerald challenges typical "Final Girl" expectations, touching on themes such as exploitation, visibility, legacy, and survival…
- Mia from Evil Dead (2013)
This episode of Final Girls discusses Mia from Evil Dead (2013). The hosts and guests analyze Mia's "Final Girl" arc, examining how her journey reframes addiction through a horror lens and explores the film's symbolism.
- Zephyr from Dangerous Animals
The "Final Girls" podcast analyzes the character Zephyr from the film "Dangerous Animals." The discussion focuses on Zephyr's transformation and the film's third-act battle.
- Melanie from The Birds
This episode of the Final Girls podcast analyzes Melanie Daniels from Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" (1963). The discussion covers the film's gender politics, character relationships, and its portrayal of nature and femininity.
- Carly from Mom and Dad
This episode of "Final Girls" analyzes the film "Mom and Dad" (2017), exploring the character Carly and the film's portrayal of generational tension and parental rage. The discussion includes the film's tonal shifts and the performances of…
- Crystal from The Hunt
This episode of Final Girls discusses Crystal from the film The Hunt (2020). The hosts analyze Crystal's character and the movie's themes of class warfare and political extremism.
- Claire from What Lies Beneath
This episode of the Final Girls podcast examines Claire Spencer from the film What Lies Beneath (2000). The discussion focuses on her character's experience with gaslighting, her encounters with ghosts, and the movie's use of Hitchcockian…
- BONUS: Heather from The Blair Witch Project
This episode of the Final Girls podcast features a discussion about Heather Donahue from The Blair Witch Project. The hosts explore her character and her standing as a Final Girl in horror. This episode was recorded live at GhoulieCon.
- Julie and Karla from I Still Know What You Did Last Summer
This episode of the Final Girls podcast analyzes the characters Julie and Karla from the movie "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer". The hosts discuss various aspects of the film including its plot, character dynamics, and reasons for i…
- Julie from I Know What You Did Last Summer
This episode of Final Girls analyzes Julie James from "I Know What You Did Last Summer." The discussion covers her character's evolution, the post-Scream slasher film era, and the movie's cultural impact.
- Senator Roan from The Purge: Election Year
This episode of Final Girls discusses Senator Charlie Roan from The Purge: Election Year, focusing on her character’s campaign to abolish the Purge and her role in the movie. The hosts also consider the character Frank Grillo.
- Tammy from 28 Weeks Later
This episode of Final Girls analyzes Tammy from "28 Weeks Later." The discussion covers her struggle to survive the Rage Virus outbreak and her role as both caretaker and survivor within the film.
- Dani from Midsommar
This episode of Final Girls discusses the film Midsommar (2019), analyzing the character Dani, the film's symbolism, and its aesthetic. The discussion includes guests Cory and Rossa from Broomsticks and Bloodshed.
- Jen from Revenge
This episode of the "Final Girls" podcast analyzes the film "Revenge" (2017), exploring the character Jen's journey and the movie's depiction of trauma, body horror, and survival. The discussion includes themes of rage, resilience, and the…