Good For Her
Francesca Monteverdi
Good For Her: The Most Compelling Final Girls in Horror and Thriller
Horror and thriller movies have given us some of the most memorable final girls—
protagonists who not only survive but often get sweet, sweet revenge. These characters
might walk a morally grey path, but that’s exactly what makes their stories so compelling.
Here’s a look at some of the most fascinating final girls who had us all saying, "Good for
her!"
1. Carrie White in Carrie (1976)
Plot: Stephen King's Carrie tells the story of Carrie White, a shy high school girl with
telekinetic powers who is relentlessly bullied by her peers and oppressed by her
fanatically religious mother.
Revenge and Retribution: After a cruel prank at prom pushes her over the edge, Carrie
uses her powers to unleash havoc on her tormentors. Sure, the destruction is extreme,
but seeing Carrie finally stand up to those who hurt her is both cathartic and tragic. Good
for her for reclaiming her power, even if it was in a firestorm of chaos.
2. Jennifer Check in Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Plot: In Jennifer’s Body, Jennifer Check, played by Megan Fox, becomes possessed by a
demon and starts preying on her male classmates after a botched sacrifice by an indie
rock band.
Revenge and Retribution: Jennifer flips the script on the predatory behavior she faces,
turning the tables on the boys in her school. Her best friend, Needy, eventually confronts
her, leading to a bittersweet showdown. Jennifer’s revenge is darkly satisfying as she
takes a bite out of the patriarchy—literally. Good for her for refusing to be a victim.
3. Dani Ardor in Midsommar (2019)
Plot: Midsommar follows Dani Ardor, who joins her boyfriend and his friends on a trip to a
rural Swedish village for a midsummer festival that quickly turns sinister.
Revenge and Retribution: Dani’s journey from grief-stricken girlfriend to empowered
May Queen is mesmerizing. The film ends with her choosing to sacrifice her toxic
boyfriend, and her smile as she watches him burn is both chilling and triumphant. Good
for her for finding a community that values her, even if their practices are, well, a bit
extreme.
4. Grace Le Domas in Ready or Not (2019)
Plot: Grace, played by Samara Weaving, marries into the wealthy Le Domas family, only
to discover she must survive a deadly game of hide and seek.
Revenge and Retribution: Grace’s fight for survival is a wild ride, culminating in her
taking down the entire sinister family. The final shot of her, bloodied but victorious, lighting
a cigarette as the mansion burns, is pure "Good for her" energy. Grace’s refusal to be a
pawn in the Le Domas’ twisted game is empowering and deliciously vengeful.
5. Cassie Thomas in Promising Young Woman (2020)
Plot: Promising Young Woman follows Cassie, who embarks on a mission to confront
those who played a role in her best friend’s assault and subsequent suicide.
Revenge and Retribution: Cassie’s meticulous takedown of those complicit in her
friend’s trauma is a masterclass in calculated revenge. Her actions are controversial and
morally complex, but her commitment to seeking justice for her friend makes us root for
her all the way. Good for her for holding people accountable, even if it costs her
everything.
6. Amy Dunne in Gone Girl (2014)
Plot: In Gone Girl, Amy Dunne goes missing, and her husband Nick becomes the prime
suspect. But the truth about Amy is far more twisted.
Revenge and Retribution: Amy’s elaborate plot to frame Nick for her murder after
discovering his infidelity is diabolical genius. She manipulates everyone to get her way,
and by the end, she’s got Nick right where she wants him. Amy’s meticulous revenge plan
is jaw-droppingly audacious. Good for her for taking control of her narrative, even if her
methods are utterly psychopathic.
7. Thomasin in The Witch (2015)
Plot: The Witch centers on a Puritan family in 1630s New England who encounter dark
forces in the woods.
Revenge and Retribution: After being blamed for the family's misfortunes and enduring
severe hardships, Thomasin turns to the very evil her family fears. She signs a pact with
the devil and joins a coven of witches. Thomasin’s transformation from victim to powerful
witch is a dark yet liberating arc. Good for her for breaking free from her oppressive
existence and finding her own power, no matter the cost.
8. Pearl in Pearl (2022)
Plot: Pearl serves as a prequel to X, following a young woman in 1918 who dreams of
stardom but is trapped on her family's isolated farm.
Revenge and Retribution: Pearl’s descent into madness is both tragic and terrifying. Her
retribution against those who stifle her dreams is brutal, but her relentless pursuit of her
own identity and desires makes her story compelling. Good for her for refusing to be
caged by societal and familial expectations, even if it leads her down a murderous path.
These final girls navigate their respective horrors with grit and determination, often taking
extreme measures to reclaim their agency. Whether their actions are morally grey or
downright sinister, their stories resonate because they embody a fierce fight for survival
and autonomy. Good for them for refusing to be victims and for making us cheer them on,
no matter how dark their journeys
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Posted Jul 22, 2024
"Good For Her: The Most Compelling Final Girls in Horror and Thriller" is a blogpost written for an online publication specialized in movies and TV.
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