Cujo

Cujo

Year: 1983

Runtime: 93 min

Language: english

Director: Lewis Teague

ThrillerHorror

After a St. Bernard named Cujo is bitten by a bat, he undergoes a horrifying transformation, becoming a violent and unpredictable killer. A mother and her young son find themselves isolated and terrorized when Cujo turns his rage upon them. Trapped and desperate, they must fight to survive against the monstrous dog in a terrifying ordeal that puts their courage and resilience to the ultimate test.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Cujo 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!

Cujo (1983) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Cujo (1983), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Donna Trenton, portrayed by Dee Wallace, is a housewife whose world has been turned upside down after her husband, Vic, finds out about her affair. Meanwhile, young Brett Camber, son of mechanic Joe Camber, has a loyal companion in his St. Bernard named Cujo. Tragedy strikes when Cujo is bitten by a rabid bat while chasing a rabbit into a cave, leading to a severe personality change. As the dog succumbs to the illness, Brett and his mother, Mrs. Camber, set off to visit family in Connecticut, using winnings from the lottery.

However, their plans take a dark turn when Donna and her young son, Tad, set out to the Camber residence to fix their car. This is when they encounter the now-violent Cujo, who has lost all semblance of his former gentleness. The dog initially attacks their neighbor, Gary Parvier, who bravely tries to fend off the aggressive canine. Sadly, despite his efforts, Gary falls victim to Cujo’s ferocity.

When Joe Camber arrives to check on Gary, he discovers the aftermath of Cujo’s rampage, and before he can react further, he also becomes a target of the rabid dog. As tragedy unfolds, Donna and Tad’s car faces mechanical failure, leaving them vulnerable to the stalking Cujo. They find themselves trapped, unable to escape the relentless assaults of the massive dog, all the while Vic is away on a business trip.

Vic returns home to chaos, the result of attacks by Steve Kemp, the man with whom Donna had an affair, who had vandalized their home. When he becomes aware that Donna and Tad are missing, he alerts the Sheriff, who sets out to find them. However, Donna is fighting for survival in a deadly standoff against Cujo. The unbearable heat forces her to make dire decisions, as she realizes that remaining in the car may lead to their demise from heatstroke or dehydration.

In a tense sequence, the local Sheriff arrives only to be ambushed by Cujo, leading to yet another tragic outcome as the dog prevails against him. Armed with only her courage and a determination to save her son, Donna manages a daring escape to retrieve a baseball bat when she sees Cujo distracted. After an intense confrontation, she fights back with all her strength, eventually managing to fatally wound Cujo.

Even after Cujo’s initial defeat, he attempts a last-ditch attack through the kitchen window, but with the Sheriff’s revolver in hand, Donna is ready. She shoots Cujo before he can reach them. As Vic approaches the Camber home, he is filled with dread but is relieved to see Donna emerge carrying Tad, as the film builds to its gripping conclusion.

Last Updated: November 02, 2024 at 11:41

Unlock the Full Story of Cujo

Don't stop at just watching — explore Cujo 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 Cujo is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Cujo Timeline

Track the full timeline of Cujo with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Cujo Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Cujo

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Cujo

More About Cujo

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Cujo: 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 Cujo

Similar Movies to Cujo

Discover movies like Cujo 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.