Basket Case

Dr. Julius Liflander, in his home/laboratory, experiences panic as he is startled by rustling trees outside. In his attempt to protect himself, he locks the door only to be confronted by a gigantic hand that attacks him, leading to a fatal confrontation.

Duane Bradley arrives in New York City after leaving his small town, Glen Falls. He checks into the shabby Hotel Broslin, where he faces ridicule from the manager, Anthony, but pays for his room regardless, establishing his determination.

Upon settling into room 7, Duane meets Josephine, an older employee who shares gossip about the previous tenant. Alone in his room, Duane reveals a large basket containing Belial, his grotesque companion, while he prepares to eat hamburgers.

As the night progresses, Belial, despite his grotesque appearance, attempts to communicate with Duane. However, Duane is too exhausted and uninterested in any interaction, highlighting the complex nature of their relationship.

Duane learns from Casey that Bryan 'Mickey' O'Donovan has been spying on him through the keyhole of his room. This moment intensifies the tension as Duane realizes his vulnerability in an unfamiliar city.

Duane visits Dr. Harold Needleman, accompanied by receptionist Sharon. Their conversation takes a personal turn when Duane asks for her phone number, revealing his desire for connection amid his troubled circumstances.

While attending a cinema, Duane's basket is stolen by a thief. When the thief opens the basket, he meets a gruesome fate at the hands of Belial, showcasing the danger lurking behind Duane's strange companion.

After the theft incident, Duane provides Belial with a television in an effort to maintain a semblance of normal life and connection, particularly with Sharon. However, Belial's jealousy leads to chaos, as he feels threatened by Duane’s interactions.

O'Donovan finds out where Duane keeps his money and initially leaves after checking. However, he returns to have a fatal confrontation with Belial in room 8, heightening the horror surrounding Duane's life.

Duane is approached by a detective who questions him about a fictitious dog in the room. Unbeknownst to the detective, Belial is hidden in the bathroom, adding another layer of tension to the unfolding events.

Seeking solace in a bar, Duane opens up to Casey about his traumatic childhood. He explains the death of their mother during childbirth and their turbulent upbringing, revealing the deep scars that haunt him and his brother, Belial.

Casey unknowingly comes face to face with Belial, triggering a horrifying scream that reverberates throughout the hotel. This encounter escalates the horror as guests awaken to the danger present in their midst.

Dr. Judith Kutter, a veterinarian, meets her end at the hands of Belial in a grisly encounter. This further amplifies the chaos and horror surrounding the characters, as the threat of Belial looms larger.

As Duane shares an intimate moment with Sharon, Belial's jealousy erupts, leading to a violent confrontation. Their battle culminates tragically, as both tumble from a window, signifying the end of their fraught relationship.