Here's a breakdown of the plot:
* The Freeling family: The film centers around the Freelings, a seemingly normal family living in Cuesta Verde, a new suburban development.
* Strange occurrences: The family begins experiencing strange occurrences like flickering lights, objects moving on their own, and the television static displaying ghostly images.
* The presence: The family discovers their home is haunted by a powerful poltergeist that targets their youngest daughter, Carol Anne.
* Communication: The poltergeist, through Carol Anne, communicates its desire to take her to "the other side."
* Seeking help: The family seeks help from parapsychologists, including the cynical Dr. Lesh, and a spiritualist medium, Tangina Barrons, who helps them understand the situation.
* Confrontation: The climax involves a terrifying confrontation with the poltergeist, as the family tries to save Carol Anne from being taken away.
* The final reveal: The film ends with a chilling revelation about the origins of the haunting and the true nature of the poltergeist.
Themes:
* The dangers of unchecked development: The film explores the theme of suburban sprawl and the potential consequences of disrupting natural environments.
* Fear of the unknown: The film taps into our primal fears of the supernatural and the unknown, emphasizing the helplessness we can feel in the face of the unseen.
* Family bonds: The film emphasizes the importance of family and the lengths to which parents will go to protect their children.
"Poltergeist" was a critical and commercial success, becoming one of the most iconic horror films of the 1980s. It spawned several sequels and remains a chilling and unforgettable cinematic experience.