Beyond the Door

Beyond the Door

Year: 1974

Runtime: 109 mins

Language: Italian

Directors: Ovidio G. Assonitis, Roberto D’Ettorre Piazzoli

HorrorHorror the undead and monster classicsTerrifying haunted and supernatural horrorGothic and eerie haunting horrorChallenging or sexual themes & twists

Evil grows beyond the door! Jessica Barrett, a wife and mother of two, begins exhibiting demonic possession symptoms while pregnant with her third child. Desperate for help, she turns to her husband and doctor, but a mysterious stranger appears offering answers. The film follows her terrifying struggle to uncover the truth.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Beyond the Door yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Beyond the Door (1974)

Trace every key event in Beyond the Door (1974) 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

Jessica reveals she is pregnant

Jessica tells her husband Robert, a music executive, in their San Francisco home that she is pregnant. The couple already has two young children, Ken and Gail, making the news shocking to both of them. The revelation sets the stage for a troubling pregnancy that will soon take a dark turn.

early in pregnancy San Francisco
2

Ken's birthday party and immediate illness

A few days later, during Ken's birthday party, Jessica becomes violently ill and vomits in the bathroom. They consult Dr. George Staton, who reveals Jessica is actually about three months pregnant. The discovery contradicts Jessica's belief of being weeks along.

during Ken's birthday party Barrett household
3

Rapid pregnancy progress and hauntings begin

Over the course of her pregnancy, Jessica experiences brutal mood swings and apparent hallucinations. She is awakened by disembodied wheezing, levitates, and the household experiences poltergeist-like phenomena. The escalating symptoms indicate the pregnancy is unfolding at an unbelievable rate.

over the course of pregnancy Barrett household
4

George suggests Barbara’s support

George confides in Robert that Jessica's pregnancy is progressing unbelievably fast. He arranges for Jessica to spend time with his wife Barbara in the hope she will confide in someone trusted. The arrangement is meant to provide emotional support during a terrifying situation.

shortly after initial concerns Dr. George Staton's home
5

Abortion debate and turning point

Jessica asks for an abortion, but her stance shifts when George agrees to an abortion should the pregnancy threaten her health. She accuses George of murder for even considering it, revealing a volatile moral landscape surrounding the unborn child. The tension deepens as the couple debates the pregnancy's fate.

early in pregnancy Barrett household
6

Supernatural takeover of the home

As Robert is away, the Barrett house becomes a hotbed of supernatural activity that terrorizes Gail and Ken. Jessica's behavior grows increasingly monstrous, including inhuman head twists, wheezing, and violent vomiting that resemble possession. The home is no longer a safe place.

mid-pregnancy Barrett household
7

Dimitri arrives with a chilling plan

A mysterious man named Dimitri contacts Robert and instructs him to sequester Jessica in the house and keep visitors away. He claims the child will be born, and the isolation begins. The stranger's presence hints at a malevolent plot behind the pregnancy.

before isolation begins Barrett home / telephone contact
8

Straitjacket and creeping possession

Jessica's condition worsens with fever and stomach ailments, rendering her bedridden. Under Dimitri's instructions, George restrains her in a straitjacket to prevent violent outbursts. She alternates between pleading for help and cursing George in a deep, demonic voice.

late pregnancy Barrett household
9

Medical tests reveal nothing; possession intensifies

George arranges medical tests, including brain scans, but none show neurological problems. Meanwhile Jessica's episodes intensify, blurring the line between illness and possession as she speaks and acts in a malevolent voice.

late pregnancy Barrett household
10

Dimitri exposed as a Satanic conspirator

Robert learns that Dimitri is not only a mysterious lover from Jessica's past but also a Satanist who engineered the birth of the Antichrist. The revelation explains the bizarre events as part of a ritualistic plot for his own amusement. The stakes become chillingly clear.

revelation moment Barrett residence
11

Confrontation ends in tragedy

In a violent confrontation, the demonic entity within Jessica turns on Dimitri and murders him, then departs Jessica's body. She immediately gives birth to a stillborn child, signaling the deadly cost of the ritual. The supernatural hold on the household seems to end briefly as tragedy settles in.

immediately after confrontation Barrett residence
12

Ken’s green-eyed omen on a boat ride

Some time later, Jessica joins Robert and the children on a boat ride in the San Francisco Bay. Ken opens a gift — a red toy car identical to the model Dimitri crashed — and his eyes glow green, implying he is the actual Antichrist. The twist hints that the next generation will carry the ominous legacy.

some time later San Francisco Bay

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:14

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Beyond the Door

Don't stop at just watching — explore Beyond the Door in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Beyond the Door is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Beyond the Door Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Beyond the Door, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Beyond the Door Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Beyond the Door

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Beyond the Door. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Beyond the Door

More About Beyond the Door

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Beyond the Door: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Beyond the Door

Similar Movies to Beyond the Door

Discover movies like Beyond the Door that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.