Poltergeist II: The Other Side 1986
Directed by
Brian Gibson
Made by
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Plot Summary
One year following the chilling events of Poltergeist, the neighborhood of Cuesta Verde is undergoing a significant transformation. The site where the Freelings’ home once stood is now being evacuated and converted into an archaeological paranormal dig. During this excavation, a ground crew unexpectedly uncovers an underground cave, a discovery that catches the attention of the psychic Tangina Barrons. She reaches out to her friend Taylor, an American Indian shaman, to investigate further. It becomes clear to Taylor that the malevolent entity, Kane—a demon masquerading as a preacher—has targeted Carol Anne and that urgent action is needed to protect her.
Meanwhile, the Freeling family, consisting of Steven, Diane, Robbie, and Carol Anne, has relocated to Phoenix, Arizona. They now reside with Diane’s mother, Jessica “Grandma Jess” Wilson. Unfortunately, Steven has fallen on hard times after losing his real estate license, forcing him to sell vacuum cleaners door-to-door while dealing with the stress of insurance claims for their lost home. Grandma Jess possesses remarkable clairvoyant abilities and reassures Diane and Carol Anne of their own similar gifts. In a poignant farewell, she passes away, leaving behind a comforting promise to always “be there” as needed.
As Taylor arrives, a malignant force begins to assault their home. With the family having removed all televisions from their residence, Kane’s minions are left to exploit an alternate entrance through Carol Anne’s toy phone. This initial assault is thwarted, prompting the family’s hurried escape. Taylor introduces himself and persuades them that fleeing is futile, reinforcing their return to a temporarily secure home.
In a startling encounter, Kane appears at the door demanding entry, but Steven stands firm against him. Impressed by Steven’s resolve, Taylor guides him to the desert and grants him the Power of Smoke, a spiritual force capable of repelling Kane. Later, Tangina visits the family to unpack Kane’s dark history as the Reverend Henry Kane, detailing how he lured his followers into the cave, ultimately sealing their fate. With his malevolence forming, Kane transforms into a monstrous Beast, cunning and relentless in his pursuit to destabilize the family.
Tragedy strikes one night when Steven drunkenly succumbs to possession by a worm infiltrated by Kane. In a harrowing moment, he attacks Diane, whose desperate declaration of love momentarily breaks the hold over him. The situation escalates when the creature manifests into a gigantic, tentacled horror. However, Steven manages to use the Power of Smoke to cast it away. The time has come for the Freelings to confront Kane deep within his own territory—the Other Side.
Returning to Cuesta Verde and descending into the cavern that held their haunted past, they face Kane head-on. In a dramatic struggle, Kane seizes Carol Anne, inadvertently bringing the family together in a bid to fight back. With a charmed Indian lance in hand, Steven delivers a fatal blow to Kane, banishing him to the afterlife. As the family nearly crosses into that realm themselves, the spirit of Grandma Jess intervenes, guiding Carol Anne back to her family. Finally, the Freelings emerge safely from their trials, expressing their gratitude to both Taylor and Tangina for their unwavering support.
Timeline
Cuesta Verde Transformation
One year after the events of *Poltergeist*, Cuesta Verde is undergoing a significant redevelopment. The location where the Freelings' home stood is being excavated for an archaeological paranormal dig, which draws the attention of psychic Tangina Barrons.
Discovery of the Cave
During the excavation process, a ground crew uncovers an underground cave. This unexpected discovery raises alarms and leads Tangina to contact her friend Taylor, an American Indian shaman, to investigate the cave's disturbances.
The Threat of Kane
Taylor realizes that the malevolent entity, Kane, a demon pretending to be a preacher, has targeted Carol Anne. Understanding the urgency of the situation, he sets out to take action to protect her from this imminent threat.
The Freelings Relocate
The Freeling family relocates to Phoenix, Arizona, moving in with Diane's mother, Grandma Jess. This transition comes after Steven's loss of his real estate license, forcing him to sell vacuum cleaners door-to-door to support the family.
Grandma Jess's Departure
Grandma Jess, who possesses clairvoyant abilities, reassures Diane and Carol Anne of their own gifts before she passes away. In her poignant farewell, she promises that she will always be there for them, providing comfort in a time of loss.
Kane's Assault Begins
As Taylor arrives in Phoenix, a malignant force begins to attack the Freeling home. Despite the family having removed televisions, Kane's minions find an alternative way to infiltrate through Carol Anne's toy phone, escalating the situation.
A Firm Standoff
Kane confronts the Freeling family at their home, demanding entry. Steven, showing bravery, stands his ground against Kane, impressing Taylor, who then takes him to the desert to teach him the **Power of Smoke**.
Understanding Kane's History
Tangina visits the family to reveal the dark past of Kane, originally known as Reverend Henry Kane. She recounts how he deceived his followers into the cave, leading to their tragic fate, and details his transformation into a monstrous Beast.
Steven's Possession
One fateful night, Steven falls victim to possession by a worm sent by Kane. In a moment of terror, he attacks Diane, but her heartfelt declaration of love temporarily frees him from Kane's control, revealing the gravity of the situation.
Battle with the Creature
As the situation escalates, a gigantic, tentacled creature materializes from Kane's influence. Steven uses the **Power of Smoke** to banish this horrifying entity, yet the family must confront Kane directly soon after.
Return to Cuesta Verde
The Freelings return to Cuesta Verde to confront their haunted past once more. They descend into the cave where Kane holds sway, ready to face the danger head-on and save Carol Anne, who he has taken captive.
Final Confrontation
In a climactic struggle, Kane seizes Carol Anne, which inadvertently unifies the family against him. With a charmed Indian lance, Steven strikes a fatal blow against Kane, effectively banishing him to the afterlife.
Grandma Jess's Intervention
Just as the Freelings are about to be pulled into the afterlife, the spirit of Grandma Jess intervenes. She guides Carol Anne back to her family, ensuring their reunion and safety from impending danger.
Gratitude and Escape
The Freeling family emerges from their terrifying ordeal, forever changed yet grateful. They express their sincere thanks to Taylor and Tangina for their support and guidance throughout their harrowing journey.
Characters
Steven Freeling (Craig T. Nelson)
Steven is a determined family man facing personal and supernatural challenges. His struggle to overcome the loss of his career and confront the ghostly threats showcases his growth from desperation to empowerment as he fights for his family.
Diane Freeling (JoBeth Williams)
Diane is a loving mother dealing with loss and the burden of her family's haunting experiences. Her compassion and strength shine through as she supports her family while facing the supernatural forces threatening them.
Carol Anne Freeling (Heather O'Rourke)
Carol Anne is the young girl at the center of the haunting, showcasing innocence threatened by dark forces. Her unique connection to the supernatural exemplifies the struggle between good and evil, making her a pivotal character.
Taylor (Will Sampson)
Taylor is a wise and powerful American Indian shaman who aids the Freeling family. His deep understanding of the spiritual realm and guidance provides crucial support as they confront the dark entity, Kane.
Kane (Julian Beck)
Kane is the central antagonist, a demonic force posing as a preacher. His malevolence is characterized by a relentless pursuit of Carol Anne, driving the film's tension and fear as he reveals the dangers lurking beyond the grave.
Setting
Time period
One year after the events of Poltergeist
This period marks a time of transformation and healing for the Freelings as they cope with the dramatic aftermath of their haunting. They struggle with new realities and face timeless themes of family, love, and dark forces.
Location
Cuesta Verde, Phoenix, Arizona
Cuesta Verde was once a suburban neighborhood but is now an archaeological site due to the events surrounding the Freelings' home. Phoenix, Arizona, is known for its desert climate and vibrant culture, providing a contrast to the supernatural occurrences the family faces.
Themes
👻
Supernatural
The film explores the presence of malevolent supernatural forces, primarily embodied by the character Kane. His relentless pursuit of Carol Anne showcases themes of fear, protection, and the battle against dark entities.
💔
Family Bonds
The connection between the Freelings is tested through trauma and adversity, highlighting the importance of love and support within a family. Their struggles bring them closer together, showcasing the resilience of familial relationships.
🔮
Spirituality
With characters like Grandma Jess, Tangina, and Taylor, the film delves into themes of spirituality and the power of belief. The protagonists utilize their clairvoyant abilities to combat evil, emphasizing the connection between the living and the spiritual world.
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