Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th

Year: 1980

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Sean S. Cunningham

Horror

A group of camp counselors reopening a seemingly abandoned summer camp near Crystal Lake find themselves targeted by a mysterious killer. The area has a dark and tragic history, and the counselors soon discover that the past isn't as buried as they thought. As they settle in, a sinister force begins to stalk and eliminate them, leading to a terrifying fight for survival against an unseen and relentless threat.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Friday the 13th (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Friday the 13th (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1957, 1958, 1979

The events of the film unfold across various years, notably 1957, when a tragic drowning incident occurs, and 1958, when two counselors are murdered. The primary narrative is set on Friday, June 13th, 1979, where horror and paranoia envelop the camp counselors, resulting in a series of brutal killings driven by revenge and madness.

Location

Camp Crystal Lake

Camp Crystal Lake is a summer camp surrounded by dense woods and a picturesque lake, known for its serene beauty. Historically, the camp has been the site of tragic events that mar its idyllic setting, making it a location of fear and horror. The area's secluded nature enhances the eerie atmosphere, especially during stormy nights.

🏕️ Camp 🌲 Forest

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:32

Main Characters – Friday the 13th (1980)

Meet the key characters of Friday the 13th (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Alice

Alice is portrayed as resourceful and resilient, becoming the sole survivor amidst the chaos at Camp Crystal Lake. Her character evolves from a carefree counselor to a determined fighter as she confronts the terrifying reality of the situation. Alice's bravery culminates in a desperate struggle for survival against the antagonist, Mrs. Voorhees.

👩‍🎓 Counselor ⚔️ Survivor

Mrs. Voorhees (Betsy Palmer)

Mrs. Voorhees is a complex antagonist driven by grief and madness, revealed to be the mother of drowned boy Jason. Her character embodies the themes of vengeance and insanity as she methodically seeks retribution against the camp counselors she blames for her son's demise. Her chilling demeanor and unwavering determination make her a formidable foe.

👩‍🦳 Mother 📿 Madwoman

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:32

Major Themes – Friday the 13th (1980)

Explore the central themes of Friday the 13th (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗡️ Revenge

The theme of revenge is prevalent throughout the film, primarily embodied by Mrs. Voorhees's pursuit of vengeance for her son's death. Her actions are fueled by an overwhelming desire to punish those she holds responsible for Jason's drowning. This quest for revenge ultimately drives the horror and violence that unfolds at Camp Crystal Lake.

🌧️ Isolation

Isolation is a key theme in the narrative, as the camp's remote location amplifies the counselors' vulnerability. As they become cut off from the outside world during a storm, their sense of safety is stripped away, leading to panic and paranoia. This theme underscores the helplessness that the characters experience as they confront an unseen killer.

👻 Horror

The film embodies the horror genre through its suspenseful atmosphere and shocking violence. The chilling events are intensified by the sense of foreboding represented by Ralph's warnings and the camp's dark history. The terror escalates as the unsuspecting counselors become prey, culminating in a gripping climax.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:32

Unlock the Full Story of Friday the 13th

Don't stop at just watching — explore Friday the 13th 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 Friday the 13th is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Friday the 13th Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Friday the 13th, 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.

Friday the 13th Summary

Friday the 13th Timeline

Track the full timeline of Friday the 13th with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Friday the 13th Timeline

More About Friday the 13th

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Friday the 13th: 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 Friday the 13th