Jack Weafer
Across Halloween, Scream and the Invisible Man, the role of the female protagonist has changed drastically. The three main characters show a range of agency given to each of them. This study will explore these three protagonists and the ways in which each of them are written, represented and shown on screen.
The objective for my project was to explore how female protagonists are represented within horror cinema and how these portrayals have evolved across different films and time periods. Through a thesis and video essay, focusing on the seperate films, I aimed to analyses each of the protagonists and the ways in which they are characterised through themes of fear, vulnerability and empowerment. The project sought to proivde clear insight into how horror films reflect the ever-changing attitudes towards women in society, as well as what the female characters are able to do to challenge or conform to traditional conventions. Ultimately, the project aimed to communicate the cultural significance and impact of female-led horror narratives and their lasting impacts on audiences and the horror genre.
The outcome of this project was the creation of both a written thesis and a video essay examining the representation of female protagonists in Halloween, Scream, and The Invisible Man. Through research and analysis, I developed a deeper understanding of how horror cinema portrays women. The project highlighted how female protagonists have evolved from traditional “final girl” stereotypes into more complex and empowered characters that reflect changing social attitudes and cultural concerns. Creating the video essay also strengthened my skills in visual storytelling, critical analysis, editing, and communicating academic ideas through a creative medium. Overall, the project allowed me to combine my interest in horror media with feminist film analysis to produce a focused and engaging exploration of the genre.
Passionate about horror cinema and visual storytelling, my work centres on the portrayal of women in horror films. Through a thesis and accompanying video essay analysing Halloween, Scream, and The Invisible Man, I explore how female protagonists navigate fear, power, and survival within the genre. My creative interests lie in horror media, feminist film criticism, and contemporary screen culture.
