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Final Girls

Final Girls

By: Sarah Spurlock and Kellie Nicole Hill
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About this listen

 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.Copyright 2025 Sarah Spurlock and Kellie Nicole Hill Art
Episodes
  • Elvira from Elvira: Mistress of the Dark

    Elvira from Elvira: Mistress of the Dark
    Oct 29 2025

    This week, we’re worshipping at the altar of cleavage and camp with Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. She may not be your traditional Final Girl, but make no mistake, Elvira is horror’s ultimate Final Baddie. Armed with quick wit and zero tolerance for puritanical nonsense, she battles small-town hypocrisy and misogyny and slays while she does.

    We dig into Elvira’s iconic blend of sex positivity and self-possession and why this 1988 cult classic still stands out in 2025. Elvira outlasts the villains AND she roasts them alive with double entendres and drag-queen-level charisma.

    Elvira's Cookbook from Hell

    Listen to The Hesh Files (Eric's podcast)

    Listen to Dead Man's Mic podcast (about Halloween Horror Nights)

    Spoiler warning: We’re opening the spellbook and the movie vault. You’ve been warned.

    Theme by Max Anson

    Visit us at www.final-girls.com
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    1 hr
  • Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton from Heretic

    Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton from Heretic
    Oct 22 2025

    We’re entering the twisted trap of Heretic (2024), a psychological survival thriller that pits two Mormon missionaries against a villain who tests their belief in God and themselves. We dig into what makes Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton unlikely Final Girls: their young and indoctrinated moral rigidity, growing doubts, and eventual transformation from passive believers into active resistors. Plus: we unpack the film’s commentary on purity, obedience, and the dangers of not asking questions.

    Spoiler warning: We’re going full Book of Revelations on this one: expect plot details, intense themes, and some side-eye at organized religion.

    Kellie’s 31 Days of Shudder Originals minisode

    The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker

    Theme by Max Anson

    Visit us at www.final-girls.com
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Laurie from Halloween

    Laurie from Halloween
    Oct 15 2025

    She babysat, she survived, and she started it all. This week, we go back to where the slashing started (Haddonfield, 1978) to honor the OG Final Girl, Laurie Strode. Played with brilliance by Jamie Lee Curtis, Laurie is smart, watchful, responsible… and unknowingly marked. As her friends get picked off one by one, Laurie arms herself with knitting needles, coat hangers, and sheer willpower to face down the Boogeyman.

    We dig into the birth of the Final Girl trope, how Laurie’s character helped define it, and why her survival still resonates nearly 50 years later.

    Spoiler warning: We’re talking all things Halloween — expect major plot details, lots of love for Laurie, and some strong opinions about men in jumpsuits.

    Theme by Max Anson

    Visit us at www.final-girls.com
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    52 mins
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