Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice

Year: 1988

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Director: Tim Burton

FantasyComedy

When a young couple dies and becomes trapped in their beloved home, they try to scare away the obtrusive new owners, the Deetzes. Their attempts backfire, inadvertently summoning Beetlejuice, a troublesome and chaotic ghost. Beetlejuice then inserts himself into the lives of the Deetzes and their teenage daughter, Lydia, creating escalating mayhem and comedic situations. The spirits must find a way to rid themselves of Beetlejuice before he ruins everything.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Beetlejuice (1988)

Trace every key event in Beetlejuice (1988) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction of Barbara and Adam

In a quiet New England town, we meet Barbara and Adam Maitland, a couple who have chosen to enjoy a staycation in their home. The couple leads a tranquil life, enjoying the comforts of their surroundings, which sets the stage for the disruptions that are about to follow.

New England
2

Realtor Pressures to Sell

The Maitlands' peaceful life is interrupted when their realtor, Jane, persistently pressures them to sell their house. She insists that it is too large for just the two of them, which causes tension between the couple and the realtor's aggressive intentions.

3

Tragic Accident

While attempting to avoid a dog in the road, Barbara and Adam tragically plunge into a river and drown. This unexpected and tragic turn of events leads to the couple becoming unaware spirits in their own home.

River
4

Return to Home

Oblivious to their fate, Adam and Barbara return to their home as if nothing happened. Confused by the abrupt transition, they begin to realize something is amiss when they notice odd occurrences around them.

Maitland's House
5

Discovery of the Handbook

As Adam ventures outside and disappears for two hours, he learns from Barbara that he was exploring a bizarre desert planet. Barbara reveals a book she found titled *Handbook for the Recently Deceased*, hinting at their new existence.

6

Deetz Family Moves In

The Maitlands' house is sold to the Deetz family from New York, consisting of Charles, Delia, and their daughter Lydia. Charles seeks a peaceful escape, while Delia wishes to refashion the house to reflect her own sophisticated style.

Maitland's House
7

Failed Haunting Attempts

Adam and Barbara attempt to haunt the Deetz family but find their efforts fruitless as the Deetzes remain oblivious to their presence. Frustrated, they retreat to the attic, longing for a way to make themselves known.

Attic
8

Introduction of Beetlejuice

While sequestered in the attic, the Maitlands stumble upon an old advertisement featuring Beetlejuice, a raucous spirit specializing in scaring the living. Intrigued by his promises, they consider summoning him in desperation.

9

Consultation with Juno

Adam and Barbara enter an otherworldly waiting room filled with spirits and meet their case worker, Juno. She scolds them for their lack of haunting skills and warns them against bringing Beetlejuice into their plans.

Otherworldly Waiting Room
10

Barbara Finds Beetlejuice's Grave

While inspecting a model of the town in the attic, Barbara discovers a glowing grave linked to Beetlejuice. Upon chanting his name three times, they inadvertently summon him, regretting their decision as he proves to be unpredictable.

Attic
11

Dinner Party Chaos

During a fancy dinner party hosted by Delia, the Maitlands attempt to scare the Deetz family using supernatural antics. Instead of fear, their antics only add to the spectacle, amusing the guests rather than achieving their desired outcome.

Dining Room
12

Beetlejuice's Rampage

Things spiral out of control when Beetlejuice transforms into a serpent, causing chaos during the party by throwing Otho down the stairs. This abrupt violence shakes the Deetz family and leads to further complications.

Deetz's House
13

Lydia's Desperation

Lydia, feeling overwhelmed, writes a suicide note and nearly succumbs to Beetlejuice's manipulation. The Maitlands intervene, deciding against frightening the living and instead choosing to protect Lydia from harm.

Maitland's House
14

The Séance Backfires

In a desperate attempt to communicate with the Maitlands, Otho and Charles conduct a séance using the wedding clothes of Barbara and Adam. This summoning inadvertently causes the Maitlands to begin disintegrating into their former corpses.

Attic
15

Final Confrontation

The climax occurs as Adam and Barbara confront Beetlejuice in a fierce struggle to save Lydia from his clutches. Through teamwork and quick thinking, they manage to defeat him, securing Lydia's safety and their own identities.

Maitland's House
16

A New Coexistence

In a harmonious resolution, both the Maitlands and the Deetz family learn to coexist in the house. Lydia embraces her new life, finding joy in the blend of the living and the spirit world, marking the end of their chaotic journey.

Maitland's House

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:24

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Beetlejuice

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