Blumhouse and Universal’s Black Christmas reinvents the 1974 cult classic with a daring reimagining of the slasher genre. While the original built its tension around the enigmatic presence of an unseen killer, the 2019 remake pivots toward a chilling battle against a sinister cult. Merging horror with a sharp critique of systemic abuse, the film centers on Riley, a survivor determined to reclaim her voice. As she takes a stand against fraternity-wielding dark, supernatural forces, Black Christmas transcends its slasher roots, unfolding into a powerful narrative of resilience, solidarity, and the fight to dismantle oppression.
Spoilers Ahead
Black Christmas (2019) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis:
“Black Christmas” opens with a scene where we see Lindsay has decided to go to her grandmother’s house instead of going back to the hostel during the time of Christmas. Soon we see a black figure chasing Lindsay and she begs for help from one door to another. After some time, the figure gets to her and kills her in that instance. Later we meet with Riley who is a victim of sexual assault in her college. But, no one actually believes her side of the story since the accused, Brian is a popular boy among the crowd.
Why Do the Girls Want Professor Gelson to Retire?
The girls at Hawthorne College, particularly the members of Mu Kappa Epsilon sorority, push for Professor Gelson’s retirement because of his outdated beliefs and refusal to adapt to progressive academic norms. Their actions reflect a deeper frustration with the patriarchal systems that dominate their college.
Professor Gelson’s refusal to teach books by female authors highlights his dismissive attitude toward gender equality. For Kris and her sorority sisters, this bias reinforces a broader issue of systemic sexism at Hawthorne College. The professor’s stance symbolizes an unwillingness to recognize diverse perspectives, fostering a learning environment where women feel undervalued.
Kris’s petitions, including one to remove the bust of Calvin Hawthorne, align with her efforts to challenge the oppressive traditions upheld by figures like Gelson. For Kris, Gelson’s retirement would be a symbolic victory in dismantling the college’s patriarchal foundations. It is not just about one professor; it is about challenging a system that marginalizes women and perpetuates outdated ideologies.
What does Riley Find Out about Rituals Inside Hawthorne?
Riley notices something strange during the talent show at the DKO fraternity. New pledges gather around Hawthorne’s bust, performing a mysterious ritual. This ritual appears to be a significant fraternity tradition, tied to their founder, Calvin Hawthorne. Its ominous undertone raises Riley’s suspicion, as it coincides with unsettling events surrounding the fraternity. As Riley navigates the fraternity’s atmosphere, she uncovers a deeper, disturbing pattern of behavior. The fraternity’s environment enables and perpetuates rape culture. Riley boldly calls this out during her performance with her sorority sisters, aiming to break the silence on the fraternity’s toxic practices.
The discovery of the ritual seems linked to other troubling events. Riley and her friends receive threatening messages from an account claiming to be Calvin Hawthorne. These messages mirror the harassment that Lindsey experienced before her death. Meanwhile, sorority sisters, including Helena and Fran, go missing or are killed, hinting at a sinister connection between the ritual and the escalating violence. Riley’s search for answers leads her to Gelson, where she uncovers a list of the MKE girls. This revelation ties the disappearances to a targeted agenda, further implicating the fraternity and its traditions. Riley’s investigation reveals the fraternity’s rituals are more than just tradition, they mask a dark, dangerous secret tied to Hawthorne’s legacy.
How does Riley Find Helena?
After a series of tragic events, including the deaths of Jesse and Marty, Riley becomes determined to uncover the truth. Despite Kris’s suggestion to go to the police, Riley insists on confronting the fraternity directly. She enlists Landon, a kind-hearted DKO member, to help her sneak into the fraternity house. Once inside the DKO house, Riley observes disturbing rituals taking place. The fraternity brothers coerce Landon into becoming a pledge, highlighting the cult-like nature of their practices. Undeterred, Riley ventures deeper into the house, determined to find Helena.
Riley eventually finds Helena tied up in one of the rooms. The sight confirms her worst fears, i.e., the fraternity is not only involved in sinister rituals but also targeting her friends. Before Riley can rescue Helena, a DKO member attacks her, rendering her unconscious. Riley’s relentless pursuit of answers leads her to a horrifying truth, but her bravery places her in grave danger. The discovery of Helena marks a turning point in the battle against the fraternity’s dark secrets.
Black Christmas (2019) Movie Ending Explained:
How Do Riley and the Sisters Put an End to the Cult?
Landon is compromised and she helps Riley to get caught. Riley’s resilience becomes critical when all hope seems lost. Trapped and facing betrayal from Landon under the influence of the black goo, she holds her ground. The timely arrival of Kris and the surviving sisters from the sororities gives her the support needed to fight back. Together, they form a united front against the fraternity’s dark forces, armed and determined.
Riley channels her anger and trauma into action as the group clashes with the fraternity. The confrontation escalates when Riley finally faces Brian, her rapist, and defeats him. This act of defiance underscores her determination to dismantle the power structures that enabled the fraternity’s evil. The battle reaches its climax when Riley takes decisive action against the Hawthorne bust, the source of the cult’s dark power. Her destruction of the bust severs the cult’s connection to the black magic fueling their influence.
Meanwhile, Kris sets Gelson, the cult’s leader, ablaze, ensuring he cannot harm anyone else. Riley locks the remaining frat members inside the burning house, symbolizing the complete eradication of the cult. As the house collapses in flames, Riley, Kris, and a restored Landon stand victorious, their unity and courage having overcome the darkness. Though the cult is defeated, the black goo’s survival hints at potential future threats. Yet, Riley’s actions inspire hope that even in the face of lingering danger, resilience and solidarity can triumph over evil.
