From sinister sandworms to the unhinged antics of deranged demons, Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” masterfully intertwines horror and dark humor in this long-anticipated sequel to the cult classic “Beetlejuice.”
The film features an all-star cast, with Oscar nominee Winona Ryder reprising her iconic role as Lydia Deetz, alongside actor Michael Keaton as the mischievous Beetlejuice. Catherine O’Hara returns as Delia Deetz, while Emmy nominee Jenna Ortega joins the ensemble as Astrid Deetz, Lydia’s unruly daughter.
The narrative takes a dark turn following an unforeseen family tragedy that brings three generations of the Deetz family back to their ancestral estate in Winter River. Despite her success as a television host, Lydia remains haunted by the lingering phantom of Beetlejuice. Her world is once again upended when Astrid, her defiant and curious daughter, uncovers a forgotten model of the town tucked away in the attic. This discovery unwittingly triggers the re-opening of a portal to the Afterlife, setting off a dangerous collision between the realms of the living and the dead. With chaos brewing on both sides, the ominous threat of Beetlejuice grows ever closer, his return inevitable as the power of his name waits to be spoken three times.
As life and death hang precariously over the Deetz family, the film’s eerie backdrop crescendos when Astrid encounters Jeremy (portrayed by Arthur Conti) amid the unpredictable events surrounding Charles Deetz’s funeral.
The film skillfully pivots between Beetlejuice’s witty, grotesque humor and the somber gravity of the funeral. Also seen is the mending of relationships woven throughout the film, creating heartfelt, moving moments for the viewers.
Throughout the movie, there are subtle nods to the original such as the eerie music that punctuates the opening credits, Lydia’s iconic red dress and the meticulously crafted model of Winter River in the attic, complete with the Maitlands and the ominous red bridge.
Audiences are taken on a wild ride of visceral emotions—from unbelievable disgust to laugh-out-loud silliness—making “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” a rich, multi-layered experience that was well worth the 36-year wait.
Burton’s morbid vision, combined with the nostalgic pull of the original film, creates a sequel that both honors and expands the bizarre world of Beetlejuice.
