The Burning

The Burning

Year: 1981

Runtime: 91 min

Language: Norwegian

Director: Tony Maylam

Horror

In the shadowy woods of upstate New York, a malevolent force awakens. Scarred and vengeful, a former summer camp caretaker seeks retribution against the group of unsuspecting teens who left him disfigured and seeking revenge, setting off a deadly game of cat and mouse at a seemingly idyllic summer retreat.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Burning 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!

The Burning (1981) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Read the complete plot breakdown of The Burning (1981), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

At Camp Blackfoot, five young campers plot to scare their caretaker, Cropsy. As they venture to his cabin with a box, one boy sneaks inside, sets a fire, and soon a horrifying incident unfolds. Cropsy awakens to a creepy skull with lit candles in its eye sockets, leading to a panic that ignites a devastating fire, causing him to flee, his body engulfed in flames, eventually plunging into a lake.

Fast forward to one week later, at St. Catherine’s hospital, an intern witnesses a distressing scene when Cropsy, now gravely injured and disfigured from the fire, grabs an orderly in an act of sheer terror. Five years pass, and Cropsy returns to the city, shrouded in darkness, attempting to hide his burnt and scarred face. His sinister intentions come to light when a terrified prostitute attempts to escape him but meets a gruesome fate at his hands.

Meanwhile, at Camp Stonewater, a mixture of fun and chaos unfolds among the campers. Karen, a camper, shares her feelings about Eddy with her counselor Michelle, revealing her apprehensions toward his tough demeanor. The atmosphere turns sinister when Sally discovers she’s not alone in the shower, leading to a series of misunderstandings where Alfred becomes a target of bullying.

As the campers enjoy their activities, Cropsy keeps a watchful eye, lurking within the shadows and plotting revenge. One fateful evening, on the lake, Todd, Glazer, and others engage in prank wars while others sneak off for a more intimate rendezvous. The storyline thickens as Karen encounters horrific danger from Cropsy, who attacks her mercilessly.

The following day, tension arises with missing canoes and panic ensues as the head counselor decides a raft ride is necessary to restore order. As the group paddles upstream, they stumble upon a grisly surprise that sends chills down their spines—Cropsy emerges, unleashing carnage with his garden shears, claiming multiple victims in a shocking and violent spree.

Unbeknownst to them, Glazer and Sally retreat to a remote corner of the woods, only to find themselves next on Cropsy’s terrifying list. Alfred, who witnessed everything, tries to alert Todd, but the horror doesn’t stop there. As Alfred evades Cropsy, Todd takes it upon himself to rescue him, armed with an ax and desperate to confront the shadowy figure that has instilled fear in their lives.

The campers’ attempts to seek help culminate in a chase through the woods, leading Todd and Alfred to an abandoned copper mine where the final showdown occurs. With a flick of fate, the past collides with the present as Todd realizes his connection to the events leading to Cropsy’s wrath. In an intense confrontation, the stakes are raised as the flames of revenge ignite. The story concludes with a somber reflection on the legend of Cropsy as campers gather around a fire, sharing the chilling tale of survival and horror.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 12:10

Similar Movies to The Burning
Discover movies like The Burning 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.