Slasher Conventions

Slasher films typically involve a psychopathic serial killer, sometimes wearing a mask of some sort, who kill adolescent victims in a random, unprovoked manner, usually many at a time.

 A slasher film also has the 'final girl' character who live to tell the story; Anti-heroic characterisation of the villain by following their efforts rather than the victims' and thus this idolisation of the villain creates an anti-hero.


The Final Girl:
The final girl is usually a virgin and innocent how starts to build confidence throughout the film. She usually wears clothes that would seem unattractive and she is most likely not blond. She is the last character to be alive in the film.


The Monster/Killer:
the identity of the killer is usually hidden either be a mask or creative lighting techniques to keep audience guessing and on edge about who the killer is and to hide the killer's identity which is most likely to be revealed at the end of the film. The weapon of the antagonist is most likely to be a hand held weapon such as a knife or a chainsaw, and most likely jagged. Killer is also most likely to be male. Most commonly, the reason behind the killer's actions is a childhood trauma which explains the killer's choice of victims and the choice of weapon, this is done so that the audience understand and pity the killer. As this sub-genre developed, some stated to argue that the star of the film is the killer and not 'The Final Girl'.


The Location:
The location is usually a suburban town. This generates fear into the audience because it is relatable and that home is supposed to be a safe lace. The location is usually low in population because it creates a sense of isolation. The killer also sometimes destroys victims' means of escape for example, a car, so that he can kill his victims easier.  

The Lighting:
Lighting is usually dark and is used to create shadows to establish the feeling of mystery and fear. This is one of the most important conventions of this genre.

There is the first girl who die and is there to set the film and establish the killer.

There is also a benefactor who gives hope for the final girl and the audience and who giver information about the monster/killer or how to kill it and may even give a weapon to kill it with.