Something Wicked This Way Comes

Something Wicked This Way Comes 1983

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983). 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.


In the charming town of Green Town, Illinois, two inquisitive friends, Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade, experience an unexpected journey after being released early from detention for the minor offense of “whispering in class.” Will is a more reserved and contemplative soul while Jim embraces a free-spirited and slightly rebellious nature. Born just minutes apart on Halloween, these boys are neighbors, with Will living harmoniously with his devoted parents, Charles and his mother, while Jim is raised by a single mother after his father disappeared from the picture. Their mundane lives take a turn when they are introduced to a charismatic yet mysterious salesman named Tom Fury, who promises that his lightning rods can offer protection from an approaching storm.

As the boys engage with their day-to-day activities, they become increasingly enchanted by the arrival of Mr. Dark, a captivating figure whose carnival appears in their town overnight, inducing a dreamlike allure. The townsfolk seem hypnotized by the various attractions, including an unsettling bartender named Ed, whose missing limbs shockingly reappear in a mirror, and their teacher, Miss Foley, who desperately seeks to relive her youthful days. Intrigued by a grand carousel that stands off-limits to the public, Will and Jim approach it, only to be met with suspicion from Mr. Dark himself, setting a tone filled with foreboding.

Their adventure escalates as they witness Mr. Dark employing dark magic via the carousel on his frail assistant, Mr. Cooger, causing him to regress into his youth. Disturbed yet powerless, Will and Jim seek guidance from Miss Foley, only to find her entangled with Cooger, who is masquerading as her nephew. Forced to escape, they feel the weight of helplessness against Mr. Dark’s malevolence.

As night envelops the town, tensions flare between the boys, ignited by Jim’s jealousy regarding Will’s age. Their quarrel is disrupted when they witness Tom Fury being tormented by Mr. Dark, who is intent on extracting secrets about the impending storm. The sinister Dust Witch, an assistant to Mr. Dark, attempts to tempt Fury, who remains steadfast in his silence. Sensing the grave peril, Will and Jim flee, only to confront a horde of spiders as darkness prevails.

Fortuitously, the lightning rod gifted to Jim by Tom Fury earlier reveals its power, protecting them from the arachnid menace. As the night slowly dissipates, they ponder the enigmatic forces of Mr. Dark’s carnival and the unsettling events that continues to unfold.

As dawn breaks, Mr. Dark, accompanied by townspeople transformed into carnival-goers, orchestrates a dark procession through the streets. Initially unaware of the ominous undertones, Will and Jim soon realize that this parade is essentially a manhunt targeted at them. In the meantime, Charles, feeling increasingly distressed, confronts Mr. Dark, using his wit to thwart the carnival’s plans momentarily.

Seeking refuge within the local library, Charles reveals to Will and Jim that this is not their first encounter with the carnival, sharing the dark legacy of his own past, where his father faced Mr. Dark but ultimately fell short in the struggle.

Undeterred, Mr. Dark invades the library, offering a tempting bargain to Charles: give up your youth for the boys’ release. Remaining resolute, Charles rejects the offer, only for Mr. Dark to render him unconscious and abduct Will and Jim.

Upon regaining consciousness, Charles finds himself before a violent storm, its ominous clouds looming over Green Town. He rushes to the carnival grounds, where he encounters Jim’s mother, who is grappling with Mr. Dark’s influence, albeit briefly.

Inside the hall of mirrors, Charles confronts Mr. Dark, who taunts him relentlessly about his age. Just when despair seems to claim victory, Will tentatively expresses his unwavering loyalty to his father, channeling this love into a powerful force that ultimately drives away the Dust Witch and liberates Fury.

As Mr. Dark strives to exploit the carousel’s powers to fulfill his nefarious ambitions, Will and Charles intervene just in time, saving Jim as a powerful bolt of lightning strikes, shattering the carousel. With Mr. Dark’s powers waning and his essence beginning to decay, the trio escapes from the now chaotic carnival, which spirals upward into a storm-laden sky.

Returning to the safety of their hometown, Will, Jim, and Charles revel in their hard-fought victory with a spontaneous dance, their movements synchronizing in triumphant joy as the threat of darkness finally fades away.

Timeline

Track the key events of Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Will and Jim's Release from Detention

In the charming town of Green Town, Illinois, friends Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade are unexpectedly released from detention for whispering in class. This sets the stage for their adventure, marking the beginning of their journey just after school.

Afternoon Green Town

Meeting Tom Fury

The boys encounter Tom Fury, a mysterious salesman who introduces them to his lightning rods that promise protection from an approaching storm. This mysterious encounter ignites their curiosity and foreshadows the magical events to come.

Late Afternoon Green Town

Arrival of Mr. Dark's Carnival

A captivating carnival appears overnight in Green Town, led by the enigmatic Mr. Dark. The townsfolk are hypnotized by various attractions, setting a darker tone as Will and Jim feel a mixture of intrigue and foreboding.

Evening Green Town

Discovery of the Grand Carousel

Will and Jim discover a stunning yet off-limits carousel at the carnival. Their curiosity leads them to a confrontation with Mr. Dark, who senses their interest and feels threatened by their presence.

Night Carnival Grounds

Mr. Dark's Dark Magic

The boys witness Mr. Dark using dark magic on his assistant, Mr. Cooger, forcing him to regress into youth via the carousel. This horrifying display shows the depth of Mr. Dark's powers and the perils they face.

Night Carnival Grounds

Jealousy and Conflict Between Friends

Tensions arise between Will and Jim due to Jim's jealousy of Will's age. Their argument is interrupted when they see Tom Fury being tormented by Mr. Dark, which impels them to put aside their differences and focus on the threat.

Night Carnival Grounds

The Dust Witch's Temptation

The Dust Witch, Mr. Dark's assistant, attempts to manipulate Tom Fury into revealing secrets about the storm. Despite the pressure, Fury remains unwavering, showcasing the strength of his character in dark times.

Night Carnival Grounds

Escape from the Spiders

As darkness deepens, Will and Jim find themselves surrounded by a horde of spiders unleashed by Mr. Dark. However, the lightning rod gifted to Jim provides unexpected protection, allowing them to escape the perilous encounter.

Late Night Carnival Grounds

Mr. Dark’s Dark Procession

At dawn, Mr. Dark leads a dark procession through the town, rallying the enchanted townspeople. Will and Jim soon realize that this parade is a hunt targeted at them, elevating the stakes of their impending confrontation.

Dawn Green Town

Charles Confronts Mr. Dark

Charles, feeling the urgency of the situation, confronts Mr. Dark in a desperate attempt to protect Will and Jim. He cleverly uses his intellect to momentarily thwart the sinister plans of the carnival.

Dawn Library

Revelation of the Dark Legacy

Inside the library, Charles shares his painful history with Will and Jim, revealing that this battle with Mr. Dark is not new to their family. His father's past failure against Mr. Dark adds weight to their current struggle.

Dawn Library

The Unfortunate Abduction

In a shocking turn of events, Mr. Dark abducts Will and Jim after he renders Charles unconscious. This grave moment leaves Charles devastated and motivates him to mount a rescue after having witnessed the boys' fears.

Dawn Library

Charles Confronts Mr. Dark Again

Charles faces Mr. Dark inside the hall of mirrors, struggling against the chaos surrounding him. Although taunted, he draws strength from his love for his son, which ultimately defies the evil influence of Mr. Dark.

Morning Hall of Mirrors

Destruction of the Carousel

Just as Mr. Dark tries to unleash the carousel's powers, the intervention of Will and Charles, coupled with a powerful strike of lightning, destroys the carousel. This act signifies the waning of Mr. Dark's powers and the boys' triumph.

Morning Carnival Grounds

Return to Normalcy

After the chaotic events, Will, Jim, and Charles return to their hometown, celebrating their victory over Mr. Dark. Their spontaneous dance embodies the joy and relief now that the threat of darkness has finally dissipated.

Morning Green Town

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Will Halloway

Will is a contemplative and introspective boy who values his close-knit family. Despite being younger than Jim, he often exhibits wisdom beyond his years, navigating the challenges of adolescence with cautious bravery. His deep loyalty to his father and friend drives him to confront the dangers posed by Mr. Dark's carnival.

👦 Youth 🌟 Loyalty

Jim Nightshade

Jim is a free-spirited and adventurous boy, often seen as rebellious in comparison to Will. His urge to explore the unknown leads him into the captivating yet perilous world of the carnival. Despite his jealousy and impulsive nature, Jim's longing for excitement symbolizes the desire for independence in the face of looming darkness.

🌪️ Adventure 😒 Jealousy

Charles Halloway

Charles is Will's devoted father, a man grappling with the passage of time and his own lost youth. His intellect and wit are key in offering guidance to the boys as they navigate the carnival's threats. Driven by love for his son, Charles exemplifies the struggles of parental responsibility against darker temptations.

👨‍👦 Parent 💡 Wisdom

Mr. Dark

Mr. Dark is the charismatic and sinister antagonist who seeks to exploit the vulnerabilities of the townsfolk and the boys. His manipulative nature combined with dark magic embodies the theme of malevolence. Mr. Dark's pursuit of power makes him an imposing force within the narrative.

🎪 Villain 🌑 Malevolence

Setting

Uncover the settings of Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983), 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

Halloween

The events of the movie unfold around Halloween, a time often associated with mystery, magic, and the supernatural. This period heightens the sense of foreboding and wonder as the characters navigate encounters with dark forces that challenge the very fabric of their lives. The duality of celebration and peril resonates deeply, particularly for the boys born on this fateful day.

Location

Green Town, Illinois

Green Town is a charming Midwestern town known for its close-knit community and idyllic surroundings. However, this serene backdrop is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious carnival, bringing with it an unsettling air of enchantment and danger. The town's familiar landscapes morph into a battleground for the boys as they confront the malevolent forces at play.

🏡 Hometown 🎠 Carnival

Themes

Explore the core themes of Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🌌

Friendship

The bond between Will and Jim is central to the narrative, showcasing the power of friendship in confronting adversity. Their contrasting personalities highlight the challenges and support found within their relationship as they embark on a perilous journey. Ultimately, it is their loyalty and understanding that enables them to overcome the trials they face.

Courage

The theme of courage manifests through the characters' willingness to confront their fears and the sinister forces at play. Despite feelings of helplessness, Will and Charles display resilience in their actions against Mr. Dark. Their bravery, encouraged by love and determination, transforms into a powerful force that fights against despair.

🌀

Darkness vs. Light

The battle between good and evil is embodied in the struggle against Mr. Dark and his manipulative carnival. This theme explores the juxtaposition of darkness and light, illustrated by the boys' determination to protect their youth and innocence. The ultimate triumph over malevolence underscores the enduring hope that light can prevail over darkness.

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