Hobgoblins (1988) Spoiler-Free Summary – What It's About

In the dimly lit corridors of a forgotten movie studio, a hidden vault houses something far stranger than old reels or dusty props. When a shipment of mischievous hobgoblins slips free, the seemingly playful creatures begin to offer anyone who wishes a tantalizing glimpse of a deepest desire—only to twist that wish into a dangerous trap. The atmosphere crackles with a blend of low‑budget horror and off‑beat comedy, letting the absurdity of fantasy‑granting entities collide with the gritty reality of a night‑shift security post.

\(Dennis\), the lone guard who watches over the studio after dark, is the first to sense that something beyond the ordinary has been set loose. His routine patrol quickly becomes a pulse‑pounding race against a force that can turn imagination into peril. By his side is his skeptical girlfriend, whose sharp wit and practical outlook keep the pair grounded even as the studio’s shadows grow stranger.

Across the lot, a young aspiring musician named \(Kevin\) lands the night‑shift job in hopes of impressing his girlfriend, \(Amy\). Their small circle expands with \(Daphne\), whose bold confidence contrasts with the nerdy, good‑natured \(Kyle\), and \(Nick\), a steady‑hand boyfriend who adds a touch of bravado to the mix. As the clock ticks toward sunrise, the group finds themselves trapped in a surreal battleground where their own fantasies become both lure and liability.

The film teeters between tension and dark humor, using the eerie studio setting and the unpredictable nature of the hobgoblins to explore how desire can both empower and endanger. With each character bringing a distinct personality—and a hidden wish—to the night’s chaotic tableau, the story invites viewers to wonder what they would ask for if given the chance, and at what cost.