The Haunting of Sharon Tate

As August 1968 settled over the sun-drenched hills of Los Angeles, actress Sharon Tate recounted a harrowing nightmare to a journalist that left her haunted. In this vivid dream, she and her friend Jay Sebring, who was once her lover, faced the horrific scenario of having their throats cruelly slashed. Fast forward a year, and Sharon’s joy knew no bounds as she returned home from a six-month adventure in Europe where she filmed The Thirteen Chairs, now carrying the promise of a child. Her reunion with Jay was only the beginning, as her friend Abigail “Gibby” Folger, along with her boyfriend Wojciech Frykowski, rounded out their cozy group. Meanwhile, Sharon’s husband, Roman Polanski, was in Europe diligently working on his script for The Day of the Dolphin, assuring his expectant wife he would return in time for their baby’s arrival.

On that fateful night, as the stars sparkled overhead, Sharon disclosed her concerns to Jay about the possibility of Roman having an affair. Despite Jay’s comforting insight, Sharon remained steadfast in her determination to save their marriage for their child’s sake. The very next day, unease enveloped Sharon when she discovered that Steven Parent, a new caretaker, had set up his quarters in a trailer on the premises without her knowledge. When she inquired about the former caretaker, she received a chilling response: “He hasn’t been around in awhile.” Later that evening, amidst laughter and good spirits, Wojciech answered the door to find Charles Manson standing there, searching for music producer Terry Melcher, but Wojciech politely informed him of his mistake, sending Manson away.

The next morning brought an unsettling stroll with Abigail through the hills, where they stumbled upon two strange women and the lifeless body of Sharon’s beloved dog. This gruesome discovery sent a jolt through her, followed by the eerie find of Manson’s folk music recording left behind by Melcher, awakening memories of her nightmare and an ominous feeling of dread. Later, as concerns mounted, Sharon confided her feelings of suffocation due to Abigail and Wojciech’s extended visit, yearning for solitude. That night, Abigail spotted a mysterious figure watching her from outside the window, while Sharon was drawn into another disturbing nightmare where she, Jay, Abigail, and Wojciech were brutally murdered by those who would soon become sinister shadows in their lives: Tex Watson, Patricia Krenwinkel, and Susan Atkins.

As the threads of paranoia began weaving a darker tapestry, Sharon became increasingly convinced that Manson’s cult was orchestrating a lethal plot against her. Her fears, however, were dismissed as mere delusions by Abigail and Wojciech. Undaunted, Sharon sought help from Steven, who skillfully decoded a recorded conversation with Manson, revealing subliminal messages that ominously flashed “Helter Skelter.” This revelation only intensified her fears; her nightmares burgeoned, foreshadowing a dark fate. Believing time was running out, Steven dashed to start his car, only to find the cult’s followers encroaching upon them. In a frantic attempt to escape the lethal grip of danger, they fled on foot, with Tex pursuing them relentlessly.

Desperate to find safety, Sharon, Abigail, Steven, and Wojciech attempted to barricade their home, only to realize that their power had been cut. Just as Jay arrived, so did Tex, identifying himself as the devil incarnate, there to carry out “the devil’s business.” As chaos erupted, Tex and Susan forced the group into their living room, binding Steven and Wojciech. Seizing an opportunity, Sharon grabbed a penknife and fought back, liberating Jay in the process. In the subsequent turmoil, Abigail exacted vengeance, striking Susan with a deadly blow.

Retreating to Steven’s trailer, the group found Patricia on a hunt for Wojciech. She discovered him, and despite her sinister intentions, he resisted fiercely, leading to a violent confrontation in the bathtub. Although injured, Tex managed to track the group down just as they attempted to call for help using a CB radio. The suspense climaxed with a critical blow from Steven’s shovel, followed by Sharon’s desperate shot that put an end to Tex’s relentless pursuit.

As dawn broke, the beleaguered group emerged cautiously towards their home, leaving behind a scene of horror with Patricia’s lifeless body. Upon reaching the house, Sharon was horrified to uncover her own corpse alongside Jay, Wojciech, and Abigail. The chilling realization hit her: her “premonitions” were indeed memories. All were trapped in a post-mortal limbo, endlessly reliving their fate. With this profound understanding, Sharon, Jay, Abigail, Wojciech, and Steven, each clasping their lifeless unborn child, walked away from the house, resigned to their eternal reality.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 12:28