Candyman

Helen Lyle embarks on her master's thesis project, exploring contemporary folklore with her friend Bernadette 'Bernie' Walsh. Their interest is piqued by urban legends, especially the sinister tale of Candyman, an entity said to appear when his name is spoken five times in front of a mirror.

Amid her research, Helen begins to suspect her husband, Trevor, of infidelity with a younger student. This doubt clouds their relationship, adding tension as her work delves deeper into disturbing folklore.

In a moment of dauntlessness, Clara dares her boyfriend to say Candyman's name in front of a mirror. The horror unfolds when she repeats the name five times, summoning Candyman, who brutally kills her.

While reviewing interviews alone at the university, Helen speaks to a cleaning woman named Henrietta Mosely. Henrietta reveals the horrifying history of murders linked to Candyman in Cabrini-Green, leading Helen to investigate further.

Determined to uncover the truth, Helen visits Cabrini-Green with Bernie. They stumble upon an old victim's apartment, discovering disturbing graffiti and an altar of candy, which deepens the mystery of Candyman.

During their visit, Helen and Bernie meet Anne-Marie McCoy, who is initially wary of them. However, she eventually shares her desire to protect her son from the dangers that lurk in Cabrini-Green.

Helen attends a dinner where folklore expert Philip Purcell speaks about Candyman's tragic past. His description of Candyman's enmity due to racism captivates her and prompts her to delve deeper into the legend.

While revisiting Cabrini-Green, Helen faces a hostile group of local youths. The situation escalates into violence, forcing her to flee, but she is rescued by Detective Frank Valento.

As Helen reflects on her harrowing experiences, she faces the reality of her privileged background. Her lack of awareness towards the suffering of Cabrini-Green residents becomes increasingly apparent.

Helen is visited by the eerie apparition of Candyman, who compels her to embrace her fate. His threat looms over her, adding to her growing sense of dread and confusion.

Awakening in Anne-Marie’s apartment, Helen finds herself bloodied and disoriented. She soon realizes the chaos caused by a brutal attack resulting in the horrific decapitation of Anne-Marie’s dog and the disappearance of her son.

Helen becomes embroiled in a series of unfortunate events, including wrongful accusations and escapes from hospital confinement. Her journey further entangles her within Candyman’s malevolent influence.

In a moment of desperation, Helen seeks out Trevor, only to find he has moved on without her. This confrontation reignites her determination to face Candyman and understand her connection to him.

In a climactic showdown, Helen sacrifices herself while trying to save Anne-Marie's son from a fiery death. This selfless act extinguishes Candyman, allowing her to redeem her legacy.

At Helen’s sparsely attended funeral, Cabrini-Green residents, including Anne-Marie and young Jake, pay their respects. Jake drops Candyman's hook into her grave, symbolizing that her story—and Candyman's influence—will persist.