Labyrinth 1986
Made by
TriStar Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Labyrinth (1986). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Sarah Williams, portrayed by Jennifer Connelly, is a teenager whose vivid imagination and passion for fantasy stories lead her to enact her favorite tale, Labyrinth. One day, while playing in the park near her home, she loses track of time and realizes she’s an hour late to babysit her baby stepbrother, Toby (Toby Froud). After an argument with her stepmother and feeling neglected by her father, Sarah is left alone with an irritable Toby. Frustrated that her stepmother allowed Toby to have her cherished teddy bear, Lancelot, she cries out for someone to rescue her from this unbearable situation.
In a moment of anger, Sarah inadvertently summons the Goblin King, Jareth, played by David Bowie, who snatches Toby away and presents Sarah with a daunting choice: she can either accept her dreams or venture into the ever-shifting maze of the Labyrinth for 13 hours to rescue her brother. Determined to save Toby, Sarah embarks on her quest.
Upon entering the Labyrinth, she meets a peculiar dwarf named Hoggle, voiced by Brian Henson, who warns her about the dangers ahead but initially proves unhelpful. After finding herself trapped in an oubliette, Hoggle eventually decides to assist her, defying Jareth’s orders to send her back. This act of rebellion angers Jareth, who punishes Sarah by stealing three hours of her precious time.
As Sarah navigates through various challenges, she encounters Ludo, a gentle giant who becomes her friend after she saves him from goblin tormentors. However, they soon become separated when Sarah stumbles upon the Firies—creatures eager to dismember her. Hoggle rescues her once again, but their bond remains precarious due to Jareth’s threats.
In a pivotal moment, Hoggle is forced to give Sarah a magical peach that clouds her memory, transporting her to a surreal ballroom dance with the Goblin King. Upon awakening in a junkyard, Sarah realizes that her adventures were not just a dream, reigniting her determination to save Toby. With her friends at her side, they battle through hordes of goblins to reach the castle, where time is of the essence.
As Sarah ascends a treacherous staircase that defies logic, she finally spots Toby being manipulated by the Goblin King. With their paths entwined yet obstructed by the king’s cunning, Sarah must act quickly. In a desperate leap, she jumps towards her brother, and despite the odds, her determination prevails.
In a dramatic climax, she confronts Jareth, reciting the victorious lines of her tale, ultimately banishing him and saving Toby. Returning home, Sarah finds her brother soundly asleep, a symbol of her triumphant journey. As she puts away tokens of her childhood fantasies, she sees the faces of her Labyrinth friends in the mirror, reassuring her that they will always be there when she needs them, reminding her of the magic she is capable of creating.
Timeline
Track the key events of Labyrinth (1986) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Sarah's Neglect
Sarah Williams, a teenager with a vivid imagination, feels neglected by her family. After an argument with her stepmother, she's left alone to babysit her baby stepbrother, Toby, who irritates her.
The Summoning
In a moment of frustration and anger, Sarah calls out for someone to rescue her from her boring reality. Unbeknownst to her, this plea accidentally summons the Goblin King, Jareth, who takes Toby away.
The Goblin King's Challenge
Jareth presents Sarah with a daunting choice: she can either accept her dreams or enter the Labyrinth to rescue Toby in just 13 hours. Determined to save her brother, Sarah bravely enters the maze.
Meeting Hoggle
As Sarah navigates the Labyrinth, she meets Hoggle, a dwarf who warns her of dangers ahead. Although he is initially unhelpful and hesitant, Sarah's resolve compels Hoggle to eventually assist her.
The Oubliette
Sarah finds herself trapped in an oubliette after a series of misadventures. Hoggle defies Jareth's orders to send her back, marking the start of their complicated friendship.
Time Theft
Jareth, angered by Hoggle's defiance, punishes Sarah by stealing three hours of her time. This setback adds urgency to her quest as she races against the clock.
Friendship with Ludo
While journeying through the maze, Sarah saves Ludo, a gentle giant, from goblin tormentors. Their friendship blossoms, although their paths will soon separate.
The Firies Encounter
Sarah stumbles upon the Firies, mischievous creatures eager to cause her harm. Hoggle rescues her once more, though their dynamic remains strained under Jareth's looming threats.
The Enchanted Peach
In a moment of betrayal, Hoggle gives Sarah a magical peach that clouds her memory, leading her to a surreal ballroom dance with Jareth. Awakening in a junkyard, she realizes her journey is far from over.
Regaining Focus
Upon waking up, Sarah understands that her experiences in the Labyrinth were reality, not a dream. This realization reignites her determination to save Toby and continue her quest.
Ascent to the Castle
With her friends by her side, Sarah battles hordes of goblins as she approaches the castle. Time is slipping away, and she must act quickly to rescue Toby.
Confrontation with Jareth
As Sarah ascends a staircase that defies logic, she finally spots her brother being manipulated by the Goblin King. The stakes are high as Sarah confronts Jareth in a desperate attempt to save Toby.
The Final Showdown
In a dramatic climax, Sarah recites the lines of her story, which empowers her to banish Jareth and save Toby. This moment symbolizes the culmination of her growth and courage.
Return Home
After rescuing Toby, Sarah returns home, finding him peacefully asleep. This moment signifies her victorious journey, embracing the magic she has within her.
Reflection and Growth
As Sarah puts away childhood tokens, she sees her Labyrinth friends' faces in the mirror. This moment reassures her that their magic and friendship are always with her.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Labyrinth (1986) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Sarah Williams
Sarah is a passionate and imaginative teenager who finds herself navigating a magical realm to save her baby brother. Her character represents the struggle between childhood and adulthood, showcasing her growth as she faces daunting challenges. Throughout her adventure, Sarah learns to confront her fears and take responsibility for her actions.
Jareth, the Goblin King
Jareth is the enigmatic antagonist of the story, possessing magical powers and a charming yet menacing demeanor. He embodies the challenges and temptations that come with adulthood, often manipulating situations to test Sarah’s resolve. Despite his villainous role, he is charismatic, showcasing a complex character that reflects the allure of fantasy.
Hoggle
Hoggle is a dwarf who initially presents as timid and untrustworthy, yet he gradually becomes one of Sarah's most loyal allies. His character development reflects the theme of friendship, as he must confront his own fears and loyalties in order to help Sarah. Hoggle's complexity adds depth to the narrative, displaying the struggle between self-preservation and assisting a friend.
Ludo
Ludo is a gentle giant who possesses a kindhearted nature, contrasting the more mischievous characters in the story. His physical strength and emotional depth make him an invaluable ally to Sarah, symbolizing the importance of kindness and compassion in overcoming obstacles. Ludo’s bond with Sarah becomes a cornerstone of her journey.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Labyrinth (1986), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events unfold in a magical realm that blurs the line between dream and reality. This surreal world is influenced by Sarah's imagination and manifests her deepest fears and desires throughout her quest.
Location
Labyrinth, Goblin King's castle
The Labyrinth is a mysterious, ever-changing maze filled with fantastical creatures and challenges that test the protagonist’s resolve. It serves as a battleground for Sarah as she navigates her journey to save her brother Toby from the Goblin King. The Goblin King's castle is a dark and imposing structure that represents the ultimate challenge Sarah must face.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Labyrinth (1986). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Fantasy
Labyrinth explores the theme of fantasy through Sarah's vivid imagination and her desire to escape the mundanity of her life. The fantastical elements come to life as she interacts with magical beings, ultimately discovering her own strength and courage. This journey emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and the power of imagination.
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Time
Time plays a crucial role in Sarah's journey, represented by Jareth's ability to manipulate it. The limited timeframe of 13 hours adds urgency to her quest, symbolizing the pressure of growing up and taking responsibility. The theme highlights the tension between childhood fantasies and the demands of adult life.
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Friendship
Sarah's relationships with characters like Hoggle and Ludo showcase the theme of friendship in the face of adversity. Their companionship is pivotal in her journey, emphasizing loyalty and support as essential components in overcoming challenges.
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