Understanding the Dream Aspects of Beetlejuice 2’s Ending

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice marks a remarkable return to the eerie world of the title character, a bio-exorcist known for his mischief. However, the conclusion of the film raises intriguing questions, as it intertwines reality with dreams. Tim Burton, who is not typically associated with sequels, surprised fans with the announcement of this continuation, where he returns as the director. Set over three decades after the original film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice revisits classic characters Lydia (Winona Ryder) and Delia Deetz (Catherine O’Hara), who come back to Winter River following the death of Charles Deetz.

This time, Lydia is accompanied by her estranged teenage daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), who is grappling with the loss of her father, Richard. The storyline takes a dramatic turn when Astrid inadvertently finds herself in the Netherworld, prompting Lydia to reluctantly summon Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) to assist in rescuing her daughter. However, Beetlejuice’s help comes at a significant cost. The adventure unfolds across both realms, leaving audiences with a blend of chaotic moments soaked in Burton’s signature style, yet the ending leaves many confused, questioning which elements were genuine and which were merely dreams.

Astrid’s Wedding and the Dream Sequence

Reality vs. Fantasy: Decoding the Ending

Astrid and Vlad's wedding from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

In the climax of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, it is revealed that Beetlejuice’s attempt to marry Lydia is thwarted due to a void contract, liberating Lydia from his grasp. In a decisive moment, she invokes his name three times, sending him back to the Afterlife while he also deals with lingering threats, including his ex-wife Delores (Monica Bellucci) and Lydia’s gold-digging fiancé Rory (Justin Theroux). Now liberated, Lydia ends her paranormal talk show, Ghost House, to focus on rebuilding her relationship with Astrid, embarking on a journey to explore famously haunted locations around the globe.

The dream sequence is initiated as soon as Astrid marries the vampire boy from the castle, marking a significant turning point in the film. Their initial destination is Dracula’s castle in Transylvania, as everything leading to the castle is grounded in reality, while the dream begins with Astrid’s wedding. Elements such as Astrid giving birth to a terrifying baby Beetlejuice and Lydia waking up next to Beetlejuice are part of the surreal dream narrative. Importantly, when Lydia awakens for the second time, it signifies her return to reality, indicating that the more unsettling moments in the ending are merely figments of her imagination.

Tim Burton’s Dream Sequence Twist Explained

A Tailored Conclusion for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Lydia scared in bed from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

The use of a dream sequence at the conclusion of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice aligns perfectly with both the tone and narrative of the sequel. From the outset, Lydia wrestles with visions of Beetlejuice penetrating her reality, revealing his persistent attempts to connect with her. Even though Lydia seemingly defeats him by speaking his name thrice, Beetlejuice’s essence lingers on in the Afterlife. Therefore, this dream motif cleverly illustrates the ghost’s continued reach for Lydia.

Additionally, the film lightly touches on Lydia’s trauma stemming from her extraordinary encounters with Beetlejuice, suggesting a lasting impact. Despite emerging victorious against Beetlejuice, the underlying dread of his potential return remains operative. While the prospect of a third installment by Tim Burton is slim, fans can find solace in the notion that Lydia’s unsettling awakening next to Beetlejuice was purely a product of her imagination, allowing her and Astrid to move forward unhindered.

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