Devil Returns

An abandoned building serves as the initial site of the assault, a bleak urban location that mirrors Mei-hsun's fractured state. A temple is used later for exorcism rituals, contrasting sacred ritual with the film's grim events. The story also passes through Mei-hsun's home and the nanny's residence, scenes that heighten the sense of domestic unease and surveillance.

💀 Trauma

Mei-hsun's assault leaves lasting psychological scars, with recurring nightmares and intrusive visions of the attacker. She carries guilt and fear about the unborn child, convinced it may be evil. The film uses Mei-hsun's perspective to explore how trauma distorts memory and relationships. Her struggle to reclaim control drives much of the narrative's emotional tension.

👶 Supernatural

The baby born after the attack is depicted as supernatural, tormenting Mei-hsun when unseen by others. An exorcism is sought to rid the child of the evil force she believes inhabits it, culminating in a temple ceremony where the baby's head spins and objects break. The pregnancy and the infant become a hinge between ordinary life and horror, blurring maternal devotion with fear. The film implies that the supernatural presence extends beyond physical harm to the mother's psyche.

🗡️ Revenge

The killer returns from beyond to exact vengeance, escalating violence against Mei-hsun's circle, including the nanny and a friend. The attackers' murders create a cycle of fear and desperation, forcing Mei-hsun to confront the threat against her family. The final confrontation shows human law and ritual expelling the undead presence, combining wine-drenched and gunshot methods to banish the killer.

🏛️ Exorcism

The temple exorcism is depicted as a scheduled ritual that temporarily alleviates the evil influence and returns the baby to normal behavior. The ceremony features a dramatic display – the head spinning and objects breaking – underscoring the tension between sacred rites and the horror that plagues Mei-hsun. However, the relief is only temporary, highlighting the inescapable fear that the threat may return. The scene contrasts ritual authority with the film's ongoing sense of danger, illustrating how belief and fear intersect in times of crisis.