A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
"A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge" follows Jesse Walsh, a teenager who moves into the infamous Elm Street house and becomes Freddy Krueger's vessel for re-entering the real world. The film's climax sees Jesse resisting Freddy's control with the help of his girlfriend Lisa, leading to Freddy's apparent defeat. However, the ambiguous final scene suggests Freddy's lingering presence. The movie is notable for its queer subtext, with Jesse's struggle against Freddy symbolizing repressed sexuality. While Freddy is temporarily vanquished, the ending leaves his ultimate fate uncertain, hinting at his inevitable return.
The Climactic Battle and Jesse's Resistance
The ending of A Nightmare on Elm Street 2 centers on Jesse's final confrontation with Freddy Krueger, who has been using Jesse's body as a conduit to manifest in the real world. Throughout the film, Jesse experiences violent nightmares and sleepwalking episodes, culminating in Freddy fully possessing him during a party at his girlfriend Lisa's house. In the climax, Jesse-now fully under Freddy's control-attacks Lisa's friends, but Lisa's love and refusal to fear him weaken Freddy's grip. Jesse manages to temporarily expel Freddy by calling out Lisa's name, demonstrating that emotional connection can counteract Freddy's power. This moment is pivotal, as it suggests that Freddy thrives on fear and isolation but falters in the face of love and solidarity.
Freddy's "Defeat" and the Ambiguous Ending
After Jesse breaks free, Freddy is seemingly destroyed when Lisa pulls him into the real world and sets him on fire-a callback to his original demise. However, the film's final shot undermines this victory: as Jesse and Lisa leave in a school bus, Freddy's gloved hand bursts through the door, laughing maniacally. This implies that Freddy is not truly gone and retains some connection to Jesse or the real world. Unlike the first film, where Freddy was defeated by Nancy rejecting him, this ending leaves his status unresolved. The bus scene creates a sense of lingering dread, reinforcing the idea that Freddy is an inescapable force of evil.
Unresolved Questions and Interpretations
- Is Freddy truly defeated?
- No, the ending suggests he's still a threat.
- Alternatively, this could be Jesse's lingering nightmare trauma.
- Why does Freddy target Jesse specifically?
- Jesse's repressed emotions (especially his hinted homosexuality) make him vulnerable.
- The Elm Street house itself might be cursed, drawing Freddy to its inhabitants.
- What is the significance of Lisa's role?
- Her love for Jesse disrupts Freddy's control, implying emotional bonds can weaken him.
- Alternatively, her survival could be setting her up as a final girl, though the sequel doesn't follow through.
Queer Subtext and Symbolism
The film is often analyzed for its heavy queer subtext, with Jesse's possession by Freddy interpreted as a metaphor for repressed sexuality. The horror of transformation - Jesse literally becoming Freddy-parallels the fear of embracing one's identity in a hostile environment. The ending, where Jesse is "saved" by Lisa's love, could be seen as a heteronormative resolution, but Freddy's return suggests unresolved tension. This reading adds depth to the film, making it more than just a slasher sequel but a psychological exploration of internalized fear.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and Film
While A Nightmare on Elm Street 2 is divisive among fans for straying from the dream-stalking formula, its ending is effective in its ambiguity. Freddy's return via the bus door is a great stinger, leaving the audience unsettled. The queer subtext, whether intentional or not, adds a fascinating layer that elevates the film beyond its flaws. However, the lack of a clear ruleset for Freddy's powers (e.g., how he possesses Jesse) weakens the lore. Overall, it's a flawed but intriguing entry that takes risks, even if they don't all pay off. The ending ensures Freddy remains an ever-present boogeyman, which is essential for the franchise's longevity.
Final Thought: The film's ending succeeds in maintaining Freddy's menace while leaving room for interpretation-both narratively and thematically. Whether viewed as a straightforward horror sequel or a deeper allegory, it remains a memorable, if uneven, chapter in the Nightmare saga.