Poltergeist (1982)

Synopsis

The movie Poltergeist (1982) is a supernatural horror film directed by Tobe Hooper and written by Steven Spielberg, Michael Grais, and Mark Victor. The story follows the Freeling family, who live in a suburban development in California. Strange things start happening in their house, such as furniture moving on its own and objects being thrown around. The youngest daughter, Carol Anne, begins communicating with the spirits through the television set. The family seeks the help of parapsychologists to investigate the strange occurrences in their home. The parapsychologists determine that indeed, it is a poltergeist they are experiencing.

As the haunting intensifies, the family becomes increasingly desperate to get rid of the spirits. The spirits abduct Carol Anne, and the family seeks the help of a psychic medium named Tangina Barrons. Tangina explains that Carol Anne is not lost, but has been taken to another dimension by the spirits. She leads the family in a rescue mission to retrieve Carol Anne from the other side.

The movie’s climax takes place in the Freeling’s home, which has become a portal to the other dimension. The family battles the spirits and manages to rescue Carol Anne. However, the house is destroyed in the process, and the family is forced to move away.

Cast

JoBeth Williams as Diane Freeling
Craig T. Nelson as Steve Freeling
Heather O’Rourke as Carol Anne Freeling
Oliver Robins as Robbie Freeling
Zelda Rubinstein as Tangina Barrons

Trivia

The movie was produced by Steven Spielberg, who also co-wrote the screenplay.
The movie’s tagline, “They’re here,” has become a famous catchphrase.
The movie was nominated for three Academy Awards.
The movie’s special effects were created by Industrial Light & Magic, the company founded by George Lucas.