Fern

Fern "Vylette" Mayo is a main character in Jawbreaker.

> This is high school Detective Cruz. What's a friend anyway?
>
> Fern/Vylette to Detective Cruz

Fern Mayo is a character in the 1999 film "Jawbreaker," portrayed by Judy Greer. In the movie, Fern Mayo is initially depicted as a shy and awkward high school student who undergoes a significant transformation. When Fern discovers the truth about Liz's death after witnessing Courtney, Marcie, and Julie, staging the scene to look like a rape and murder, the girls offer to take her under their wing in exchange for her silence. She is then given a makeover, reemerging as the confident and stylish Vylette. The character's journey from Fern Mayo to Vylette is a central part of the film's narrative, showcasing the complexities of high school social dynamics and the impact of peer pressure and identity. Judy Greer's portrayal of Fern Mayo/Vylette in "Jawbreaker" has been widely recognized, and the character's evolution serves as a pivotal element in the exploration of teenage relationships and the consequences of conforming to societal expectations.

## Background

Before becoming Vylette, Fern's life was marked by social isolation, characterized by her status as an outcast at Reagan High School. She was a shy and timid girl who didn't seem to fit in anywhere at school. It's suggested that Fern might have had a crush on Liz, a popular and beloved member of The Flawless Four, particularly during her police interview as she adoringly she goes into detail about Liz's physical appearance: "She's got this shiny hair, you know? It's smells like apples... I'd sit there staring at her from behind. She has this cluster of beauty marks on the back of her neck. I know this sounds weird, but they were the most fascinating patterns." . It is also revealed that in the past, Fern was childhood friends with Julie, but their friendship faded overtime after Julie dumped her to be apart of The Flawless Four.

## Personality

Before her transformation into Vylette, Fern Mayo is portrayed as a shy, introverted, and socially awkward high school student. She is often overlooked and marginalized by her peers, lacking confidence and struggling to assert herself. After being transformed into Vylette by the popular clique, Fern undergoes a drastic change in personality. As Vylette, she becomes more confident, outgoing, and "out of control." She embraces her newfound popularity and revels in the attention she receives, displaying a more assertive and bold demeanor. However, after being exposed by Courtney and the clique, Fern experiences a significant shift in her personality. She becomes more determined, courageous, and willing to stand up for what is right. Her exposure leads to a newfound sense of empowerment and a willingness to confront the consequences of her actions. Throughout her journey, Fern's personality evolves from a timid and marginalized student to a confident and assertive individual willing to fight for justice and embrace her true self.

## Appearance

Before becoming Vylette, Fern Mayo's appearance reflects her shy and unassuming personality. She is typically seen wearing conservative, nondescript clothing, such as oversized sweaters and plain skirts, which contribute to her blending into the background. Her hairstyle is simple and unstyled, and she generally lacks makeup, maintaining a natural and unobtrusive look. In the beginning of the film, Fern wears a pair of yellow trousers, a light pink button up shirt, and a tan cardigan, all which are oversized and ill-fitting.This is a stark contrast from the rest of the girls who are decked out in glamor head to toe. Overall, she looks as much of an outcast as she is.

When Fern discovers the truth about Liz’s death, the girls offer to take her under their wing in exchange for her silence. In the makeover scene, Fern is given a brand new, seemingly more fashionable look. She is briefly shown wearing a luminous pink gown with a matching feather boa similar to Courtney's in that same scene. This foreshadows how Fern is about to become a clone of Courtney.

In the scene following her transformation into Vylette, Courtney, Marcie, and Fern are shown walking down the hallway once again in slow motion, an owe to the beginning of the film. Fern's appearance has undergone a drastic change, now sporting a more polished, fashion-forward aesthetic. Not only is Fern wearing the same color Liz was at the start of the film, but she is also imitating her style which was on the more effortless and carefree side in comparison to the other girls. This moment confirms that Fern has officially taken Liz’s spot in the group.

As Fern’s popularity grows she becomes more confident, this reflected in her clothing. Unlike her first day as Vylette, her clothing becomes louder and shows no subtlety or hint of her former shyness. She begins wearing more form-fitting outfits, often featuring bold colors and trendy designs, paticurly resembling Courtney. In addition, Vylette's hair is styled in a more sophisticated manner, and she wears makeup that accentuates her features, giving her a more striking and confident presence.

The transformation in her appearance aligns with her newfound confidence and popularity, as she adopts a more attention-grabbing and fashionable look. This shift in appearance serves as a visual representation of Fern's journey from a timid and overlooked student to a bold and assertive persona.

## Gallery

Catches the girls staging the crime sceneFern's (on the left) new lookFern (in the middle)Fern's new found popularityCourtney, Vylette, and MarcieFern and LizVylette's police interviewVylette and MarcieThe fall of VyletteFern and Julie at prom