The Director's Motivation Behind Altering the Ending of 'The Final Girls': A Breakdown
The Final Girls director's bold decision to change the slasher comedy's ending surprises and captivates audiences Led by Taissa Farmiga and Malin Åkerman, this unique and hilarious film takes an unexpected turn that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats
Article Summary
Test screenings played a crucial role in shaping the ending of The Final Girls by revealing that audiences wanted to see the entire friend group survive.
In the original ending of the movie, only two characters managed to live, leaving the rest of the group dead. However, the deaths of the remaining individuals left the audience devastated. The film's extraordinary meta concept and sincere storytelling are what raise The Final Girls to a superior level, transforming it into more than just a smart horror comedy.
In 2015, Todd Strauss-Schulson brought unsuspecting teenagers into an '80s slasher world in his comedy horror movie, The Final Girls. Today, the film still captivates audiences with its dedicated fanbase. While Strauss-Schulson has worked on other projects, such as A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas and Isn't It Romantic, The Final Girls remains his most memorable work. Behind-the-scenes, there are numerous intriguing stories and rumors that have fueled the film's trivia. One interesting detail involves the original ending of the movie, which was changed for a specific reason. In an interview with Perri Nemiroff for the Scary Perri Horror Series at Landmark Theatres, Strauss-Schulson revealed the initial vision for the final moments of the film and why it was ultimately discarded.
Test screenings played a crucial role in influencing the change in the ending. According to Strauss-Schulson, they only conducted one test and discovered that the audience had developed a strong attachment to the group of friends in the movie. As a result, they decided to reshoot the ending. Originally, everyone in the film was supposed to die, and only Max (played by Taissa Farmiga) and Alexander Ludwig's characters would survive. The two remaining characters would then find themselves trapped in the sequel together, continuing the story.
Who’s in the Cast of The Final Girls?
However, during the test screening, the filmmaker discovered that the rest of the group had been brutally killed, leaving audiences devastated. This is a testament to the exceptional writing of M.A. Fortin and Joshua John Miller, as well as the outstanding performances by the actors. The fact that only two characters survived was met with strong disapproval from the audience. Strauss-Schulson stated, "What we learned is, 'Oh wait, so everyone really died? That's so sad. We wanna see them back together again,'" in reference to the feedback received from test audiences. For those curious about the alternate ending of the movie, Nemiroff revealed that it can be found in the "deleted scenes" section of the bonus features.
Rent or buy 'The Final Girls,' a sentimental horror comedy featuring a fun and recognizable cast. Vera Farmiga leads as Max Cartwright, with Malin Åkerman playing her mother and star of the fictional slasher flick, Camp Bloodbath. Other ensemble members include Nina Dobrev, Adam DeVine, Alia Shawkat, Chloe Bridges, Thomas Middleditch, and Angela Trimbur. This film is available for rental or purchase in the U.S.
Watch Nemiroff's full interview with Strauss-Schulson below:
Image via Stage 6 Films
The Final Girls presents a brilliant core concept; a group of friends enter an 80s horror movie and must navigate their way through to survive. The meta elements of the story are truly ingenious, but what sets The Final Girls apart is the profound emotional depth it encompasses. Taissa Farmiga takes on the role of Max, the daughter of Amanda Cartwright (Malin Akerman), one of the iconic stars of the 80s cult classic, Camp Bloodbath. After Amanda's tragic demise in a car accident, Max reluctantly agrees to attend a Camp Bloodbath screening as a tribute. However, during the screening, the theater catches fire and in a desperate attempt to escape, Max and her friends find themselves entering the very movie they were watching. Unbeknownst to them, stepping through the movie screen has transported them right into the heart of Camp Bloodbath.
Release Date: October 9, 2015
Director: Todd Strauss-Schulson
Cast: Taissa Farmiga, Malin Akerman, Nina Dobrev, Adam Devine, Alia Shawkat, Thomas Middleditch, Alexander Ludwig
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 92 Minutes
Main Genre: Horror
Additional Genres: Comedy
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I appreciate the director's decision to alter the ending of 'The Final Girls'. The original ending, where only two characters survive, would have left the audience feeling devastated and unsatisfied.
The new ending, where all the friends survive, is more uplifting and satisfying. It also leaves the possibility open for a sequel, which I would love to see.
Overall, I think the director made the right choice in changing the ending of the film. It is a more satisfying and enjoyable ending that leaves the audience feeling happy and hopeful.
