Poltergeist

Poltergeist

Year: 1982

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

Director: Tobe Hooper

Horror

A peaceful existence for the Bowen family is shattered when their youngest daughter, Maddy, begins communicating with a mysterious presence. Strange occurrences escalate, and when Maddy disappears, her parents, Eric and Amy, must enlist the help of paranormal experts. They soon discover a terrifying supernatural realm and confront malevolent spirits to rescue their child and restore balance to their home.

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Timeline – Poltergeist (1982)

Trace every key event in Poltergeist (1982) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Life in Cuesta Verde

The Freeling family enjoys a comfortable life in the suburban haven of Cuesta Verde, California. Steve Freeling, a successful real estate agent, balances his work with family time with his wife, Diane, and their three children.

Cuesta Verde, California
2

Carol Anne's Sleepwalking

Carol Anne begins sleepwalking and talking to an unresponsive television, signaling the onset of strange events in the family home. Her peculiar actions disrupt the family's otherwise peaceful existence.

The Freeling home
3

Tragic Loss of the Family Bird

The death of the family's pet bird marks a significant shift in their tranquility. The family holds a somber burial service, foreshadowing the darker events that are soon to unfold in their lives.

The Freeling yard
4

The Mysterious Event

During the night, Carol Anne awakens and speaks to the television, leading to a startling quake felt only by the Freelings. This moment marks the chilling realization that something otherworldly is afoot, as Carol Anne ominously proclaims, 'They're here.'

The Freeling home
5

Strange Occurrences at Breakfast

The family's breakfast is disrupted by bizarre incidents like shattering glasses and bending cutlery, creating an atmosphere of unease. Carol Anne's innocent response about 'the TV people' hints at the supernatural forces now invading their lives.

The Freeling kitchen
6

The Tree Attack

What seems like an ordinary night takes a terrifying turn when a storm awakens a sinister tree that grabs Robbie through the window. This event serves as a diversion for the malevolent forces seeking to capture Carol Anne.

The Freeling home
7

Carol Anne Disappears

In a terrifying turn of events, Carol Anne is pulled into another dimension through her closet. As Steve rescues Robbie, they realize with dread that Carol Anne is missing, prompting a frantic search throughout their home.

The Freeling home
8

Parapsychologists Arrive

Desperate for assistance, Steve brings in a team of parapsychologists led by Dr. Lesh, who witness strange manifestations in the Freeling home. They observe paranormal phenomena like floating toys and echoes of laughter, confirming the family's fears.

The Freeling home
9

The Disturbance Explained

The parapsychologists share their knowledge about the difference between a poltergeist and a haunting, providing the Freelings with important context for the chaos around them. They realize they need more help to confront the forces threatening their family.

The Freeling home
10

A Dark Revelation

Steve learns from his boss Teague that their housing community was built over an ancient burial ground. This shocking revelation deeply unsettles him, suggesting a connection between the disturbances and the spirits of the past.

Teague's office
11

Seeking a Medium

In their attempt to combat the paranormal chaos, the Freelings seek the help of Tangina Barrons, a psychic medium. Tangina informs them of Carol Anne's unique energy which has attracted confused spirits, raising the stakes of the family's ordeal.

The Freeling home
12

Diane Enters the Other Realm

Diane takes the courageous step of entering the other dimension through the closet to rescue Carol Anne. This act leads to an intense confrontation with the malicious entity known as the Beast, amplifying the family's trials.

The child's bedroom
13

The Clown Doll's Attack

As the family's supernatural struggle escalates, a menacing clown doll comes to life and attacks Robbie. This horrifying incident exemplifies the growing danger the family faces in their home, where every corner seems filled with terror.

The Freeling home
14

Climactic Confrontation

In a dramatic climax, Steve and Teague witness the full manifestation of the malevolent spirits as chaos erupts around them. Fueled by the realization of their moral failure in building over the burial ground, Steve confronts Teague, while the family desperately fights for survival.

The Freeling home
15

Escaping the Unexplained Horrors

The Freeling family narrowly escapes the malevolent entity's grasp as their home implodes, swallowed by the dimensions they can't comprehend. Left physically and emotionally scarred, they find refuge in a hotel, attempting to leave behind the cursed television that symbolized their haunted past.

Hotel

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 11:54

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Poltergeist Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Poltergeist

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Poltergeist

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