The Ghost Dance

The Ghost Dance

Year: 1982

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: Peter F. Buffa

HorrorThriller

When you disturb the dead, you must pay the price. The spirit of a long-dead warrior possesses the body of an Indian medicine man and turns him into a homicidal maniac.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Ghost Dance 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!

Timeline – The Ghost Dance (1982)

Trace every key event in The Ghost Dance (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

Unearthing Nahalla's Spirit

The archeological dig in the Arizona desert uncovers the long-dead shaman Nahalla. Dr. Kay Foster, an archeologist and anthropology professor, leads the excavation as eerie signs indicate the spirit's awakening. The discovery sets off a chain of disturbing events linked to Nahalla's dark history.

Day Arizona desert archeological dig site
2

Nahalla Possesses Aranjo

After Aranjo steals a Kachina doll from Nahalla's grave and performs a ritual, Nahalla's spirit takes control of Aranjo. With the body now possessed, Nahalla begins a murderous rampage. The possession shifts the danger from the dig site to the wider community.

Night Aranjo's location near the dig site/museum access
3

Truck Crash at the Dig Site

Nahalla's influence triggers chaos as a truck rolls into the archeological dig site, seriously injuring a worker. The incident raises the alarm about supernatural interference on the project. Investigators start to suspect that the danger is more than a simple accident.

Day Archaeological dig site
4

Aranjo Kills at the Museum

Aranjo infiltrates the local museum after hours and murders two colleagues of Kay, Carol and Rick Haley. The killings demonstrate Nahalla's vendetta extending beyond the dig site. The museum becomes the new epicenter of fear for Kay and her team.

Night Local museum
5

Stalking Kay and Tom

Aranjo begins to stalk Kay and her boyfriend, Tom Eagle, lurking outside Kay's house at night. The threat grows personal as the entity targets those closest to Kay. The couple becomes increasingly anxious and cautious.

Night Kay Foster's house
6

Investigating Nahalla's History

Kay and her peers dig into Nahalla's past and uncover that he arrived in the region in the 1890s with an Anglo wife and formed a Ghost Dance–inspired cult. The discovery links Nahalla's violent legacy to the present danger. Their research sheds light on why Nahalla's spirit endures.

Evening University library / research lab
7

Paul Examines Nahalla's Remains

In the museum's medical laboratory, Paul and Kay study the mummified remains of Nahalla for clues. After Kay leaves, the possessed Aranjo confronts Paul and stabs him to death. The brutal act marks a sharp escalation as researchers become direct targets.

Night Museum medical laboratory
8

Kay Encounters Aranjo on the Desert Road

Kay experiences a terrifying encounter with the possessed Aranjo on a desert road and seeks help. Tom dismisses the event as a stress-induced hallucination, highlighting the clash between belief and disbelief. The episode reinforces the sense that the danger is real and escalating.

Night Desert road
9

Melissa's Identity Resurfaces

Back in the archives, Kay uncovers a photo of Melissa Stuart, the woman Nahalla kidnapped, and she bears a striking resemblance to Melissa. The discovery deepens the mystery and links Kay personally to the haunting. The revelation pushes the investigation toward a confrontation with the past.

Morning University library
10

Ocacio Joins the Effort

Tom brings Kay to Ocacio, a local medicine man who agrees to help and plans to visit the dig site for rites. Ocacio's knowledge offers a path to confront Nahalla, hinging on ritual with the Kachina doll. The alliance introduces a glimmer of a possible resolution to the haunting.

Morning Ocacio's location / on the way to the dig site
11

The Dig Site Ritual and Control

Ocacio travels to the dig site to perform a ritual using the Kachina doll to control Aranjo. A possessed Kay stumbles into the scene and tries to stab Tom but is knocked unconscious. The ritual setup leads to a climactic confrontation between the possessed and the living.

Dawn Dig site outskirts
12

Ocacio is Killed and Aranjo Burns

Aranjo stabs Ocacio to death, and Ocacio drops the Kachina doll into an open fire, causing Nahalla's body to spontaneously combust. The immediate threat appears neutralized, but the ritual comes at a deadly price. Tom and Kay prepare for the final stand back at the museum.

Dawn Near dig site / desert outskirts
13

Final Standoff at the Museum

Tom and Kay return to the museum and douse Nahalla's mummified corpse in alcohol, attempting to end the haunting. Just before dawn, Kay reveals she is still possessed by Melissa, turning the moment into a final, terrifying confrontation. Kay wields a scalpel, leaving the outcome unresolved.

Pre-dawn Museum laboratory

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:55

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Ghost Dance

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Ghost Dance 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 The Ghost Dance is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Ghost Dance Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Ghost Dance, 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.

The Ghost Dance Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Ghost Dance

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Ghost Dance. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Ghost Dance

More About The Ghost Dance

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Ghost Dance: 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 The Ghost Dance

Similar Movies to The Ghost Dance

Discover movies like The Ghost Dance 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.