The Resurrected

The Resurrected

Year: 1991

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: English

Director: Dan O'Bannon

HorrorThrillerScience FictionHorror the undead and monster classicsTerrifying haunted and supernatural horror

Death was once final, but now it marks only a new beginning. Wealthy scientist Charles Dexter Ward discovers an ancient diary and human remains, driving him into a gruesome quest for immortality that unleashes terrifying, bloody consequences.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Resurrected 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 & Setting – The Resurrected (1991)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Resurrected (1991). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 20th century

The events unfold in a contemporary New England setting, while a diary from 1771 links Charles to the necromantic legacy of Joseph Curwen. The fusion of modern investigation with ancient occult practices drives the tension. The timeline threads present-day discoveries with centuries-old secrets.

Location

Rhode Island, Pawtuxet Farmhouse, Carriage House, Catacombs beneath the farmhouse, Local psychiatric hospital

The story unfolds in a quiet Rhode Island town near Pawtuxet, centered on an old Curwen estate. Settings shift between a secluded carriage house, an abandoned ancestral farmhouse, and the catacombs beneath it where experiments were conducted. The narrative also moves to a nearby hospital where Charles is treated as his disturbing changes escalate.

🗺️ New England 🏚️ Haunted Estate

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:38

Main Characters – The Resurrected (1991)

Meet the key characters of The Resurrected (1991), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

John March (John Terry)

Private investigator hired by Claire Ward. He is methodical and skeptical, uncovering the diary, catacombs, and the true identity of Charles Ward as a potential undead ancestor. His pursuit of truth pulls him into danger as the mystery deepens.

🕵️‍♂️ Detective 🧭 Investigation

Claire Ward (Jane Sibbett)

Charles Ward's wife, increasingly unsettled by his strange behavior and isolation. She reveals family secrets, becomes embroiled in the search for answers, and learns she is pregnant, linking the future to the past.

👩 Wife 💡 Motivator

Charles Dexter Ward / Joseph Curwen (Chris Sarandon)

A respected Rhode Island chemical engineer whose odd hunger and mood shifts mask his identity as the centuries-old necromancer Joseph Curwen. His attempt to restore vitality through necromantic ritual unleashes a deadly, otherworldly conflict that culminates in a reanimation of bones and a cataclysmic clash.

⚗️ Chemistry 🧛 Necromancy

Ezra Ward (Charles K. Pitts)

Charles's fifth-great grandfather who chronicled the saga in a diary. The diary reveals the affair with Joseph Curwen's wife Eliza and the catacomb experiments, setting up the events that echo into the present.

📜 Diary 🧭 Ancestry

Eliza

Joseph Curwen's wife, whose pregnancy with his child ties the ancient story to the present. Her involvement is revealed through historical records that shape the bloodline's fate.

💍 Wife 👶 Progeny

Lonnie Peck (Robert Romanus)

John's assistant who helps explore the catacombs; he is killed by the creatures during the escape.

🧭 Assistant ⚔️ Danger

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:38

Major Themes – The Resurrected (1991)

Explore the central themes of The Resurrected (1991), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔮 Immortality

The pursuit of eternal life drives the plot, with necromantic rituals suggesting a method to conquer death. Charles/Curwen's experiments reveal how the boundary between life and death can be manipulated at a monstrous cost. The film questions whether immortality is worth sacrificing humanity and consent.

🧬 Bloodlines

A single family lineage ties Charles to Joseph Curwen across centuries, making ancestry a living threat. The diary and revelations hint that Joseph may be Charles's true progenitor, binding present danger to a haunted past. The theme explores inherited destinies and the power of legacy.

🕯️ Obsession

John March's relentless investigation draws him into a perilous obsession with truth and survival. Claire's fear and Charles's compulsion propel the drama, turning the house into a symbol of fixation. Obsession blurs the line between professional duty and personal peril.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:38

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 Resurrected

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

The Resurrected Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Resurrected, 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 Resurrected Summary

The Resurrected Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Resurrected with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Resurrected Timeline

More About The Resurrected

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

Explore More About Movie The Resurrected

The Resurrected (1991) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Resurrected (1991) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Resurrected (1991) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow