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Amityville II: The Possession (1982) Plot Summary & Timeline

Amityville II: The Possession (1982) movie poster

Amityville II: The Possession is a 1982 horror film directed by Damiano Damiani, running 1 hour 44 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 589 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 3 characters, where and when it is set and 2 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Amityville II: The Possession.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
3
themes explained
2
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Amityville II: The Possession (1982) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 44m
Director
Damiano Damiani
Genre
Horror
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Amityville II: The Possession About?

The premise of Amityville II: The Possession in 255 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the quiet suburb of Amityville, a newly‑renovated house at 112 Ocean Avenue looms like a silent promise of fresh starts. The Montelli family—father Anthony, his wife Dolores, and their five children—arrive eager to leave behind a past scarred by tragedy. The home, with its spacious rooms and sprawling yard, feels both a sanctuary and a whispered warning, its very walls humming with a subtle, unsettled energy that the newcomers can’t quite name.

Within those walls, the family’s ordinary rhythms begin to fray. Anthony struggles to assert control, his temper flaring in ways that unsettle his wife and children. Dolores, desperate to keep the household together, turns to increasingly fervent religious rituals, seeking comfort in prayer and symbols that seem to clash with the house’s quiet menace. Their oldest son, Sonny, starts experiencing unsettling visions and a growing sense of powerlessness, while the younger siblings—Patricia, Mark, and Jan—sense an odd shift in the atmosphere, as if the house itself were watching.

When the local priest, Father Frank Adamsky, arrives to bless the new home, his presence adds another layer of tension. The ceremony, meant to calm and protect, instead hints at deeper forces at play, leaving both the family and the cleric uneasy. The film’s tone is thick with claustrophobic dread, blending the ordinary pressures of family life with an undercurrent of something far darker prowling just beyond sight. As the Montellis settle in, the audience is left to wonder how long the fragile balance between domestic normalcy and an unseen, oppressive presence can hold.

Full plot

What Happens in Amityville II: The Possession?

The complete story of Amityville II: The Possession, from the first scene to the last, in 589 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.

Spoilers ahead

As the Montelli family moves into their new residence at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, an unsettling atmosphere settles over them. Comprising Anthony and his wife Dolores, along with their children Sonny, Patricia, Mark, and Jan, they remain blissfully unaware of the sinister force lurking within their new home. Strange events begin to unfold: doors creak open at night, and a chilling message scrawls itself across the wall of Jan’s room, bearing the unmistakable mark of darkness.

Tensions mount as Anthony’s temper flares. He wrongly blames his children for the eerie happenings while Dolores struggles to maintain harmony within the household. The arrival of Father Frank Adamsky, who comes to bless their home, escalates the situation further. A confrontation between him and Anthony, filled with heated arguments and resulting in a physical altercation, leaves the family fractured. The usually steadfast priest is left in shock, departing with a torn Bible and shaken faith.

As time goes by, the Montelli family’s foundation crumbles. Anthony’s demeanor becomes increasingly unstable, shifting from a strict father to a violent force, compelling Dolores to tread carefully to ensure the safety of their younger children. In the midst of this turmoil, Sonny’s growing curiosity leads him to investigate a disturbing sound in the basement. This fateful decision culminates in his possession by the very evil that has been haunting them all along.

As the once-close family spirals into chaos, Patricia becomes enmeshed in a grotesque game of make-believe with Sonny, who is now under demonic influence. Their disturbing actions are just one manifestation of the dark powers gripping their home, leaving the surviving family members questioning their freedom from this malevolent presence.

As the demonic force further ensnares Sonny, his facial expressions morph into unsettling, sinister forms. Despite his efforts to protect his loved ones from the burgeoning evil within, he finds himself entirely dominated. On his birthday, Sonny isolates himself, but Patricia feels compelled to check on him. Her hollow expressions of concern fall on deaf ears as Sonny’s demonic episodes push him to the brink of violence, culminating in a brutal confrontation that sends Patricia fleeing in tears. She finds herself unable to connect with the oblivious Adamsky, who dismisses her worries.

As darkness envelops the night, the evil within Sonny commands him to unleash a wave of savagery upon his family. He complies, resulting in the tragic deaths of Jan, Mark, and ultimately, Patricia, after a relentless pursuit. The following day, authorities arrive to collect the bodies and arrest Sonny. The horrific truth begins to surface, but Sonny’s memories of the grisly events remain shrouded in confusion, leading Adamsky to conclude that he’s dealing with a case of possession.

With the Catholic Church unwilling to authorize an exorcism, Adamsky takes matters into his own hands. He springs Sonny from police custody and leads him to the church. However, when faced with sacred symbols at the doors, Sonny’s evil resurfaces, resulting in an escape and a subsequent attack. Refusing to give up, Adamsky follows him back home and conducts a makeshift exorcism, liberating Sonny from the clutches of darkness.

As authorities close in, Adamsky pleads with Father Tom to take Sonny into protective care before the police re-arrest him, leaving both their fates unknown. The foreboding specter of the demon hints at having transferred its dark influence onto the unsuspecting priest. In the aftermath, the once-ominous house is put on the market, setting the stage for the next dark chapter in its history, soon to be inhabited by the Lutz family.

Timeline

Amityville II: The Possession Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Family Moves In” to “House Put on the Market”. 7 events name a place, across 4 locations.

  1. 1

    Family Moves In

    The Montelli family moves into their new home at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York. They are filled with hope and excitement, unaware of the sinister forces that are about to disrupt their lives.

    Where:112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, New York

  2. 2

    Strange Occurrences Begin

    Almost immediately after settling in, the family experiences unsettling phenomena, such as doors creaking open at night and mysterious messages appearing in Jan's room. These early signs of a malevolent presence begin to sow discord within the family unit.

    Where:Montelli residence

  3. 3

    Tensions Rise Between Parents

    As strange events escalate, Anthony's temper flares, leading him to wrongly blame his children for the happenings in their home. Dolores, trying to keep the peace, finds herself caught in the middle of Anthony's growing aggression and the family's ensuing chaos.

  4. 4

    Father Frank Adamsky Arrives

    In an effort to rid the home of its dark presence, Father Frank Adamsky is called to bless the house. However, his visit only serves to heighten the tension between him and Anthony, culminating in an explosive argument that leaves the priest shaken.

    Where:Montelli residence

  5. 5

    Anthony's Descent into Violence

    As the family struggles to cope, Anthony's stability deteriorates, transforming him from a strict father into a violent figure. This shift forces Dolores to walk on eggshells around him to protect the younger children from his wrath.

  6. 6

    Sonny Investigates the Basement

    Driven by curiosity, Sonny descends into the dark confines of the basement, where he encounters the unknown. This fateful decision leads to his possession by the evil force that has plagued the family, marking a significant turn in their nightmare.

    Where:Basement of 112 Ocean Avenue

  7. 7

    Grotesque Game of Make-Believe

    With Sonny now under demonic influence, Patricia finds herself embroiled in a disturbing game of make-believe with him. Their increasingly bizarre behaviors signal the deepening grip of the malevolent force on the family.

  8. 8

    Sonny's Birthday Isolation

    On his birthday, Sonny isolates himself from his family, wrestling with the dark entity within. Patricia, concerned for her brother, attempts to reach out, but her efforts fall flat as Sonny's condition deteriorates further.

  9. 9

    Violent Confrontation

    Sonny's struggle with the demonic force culminates in a terrifying confrontation with Patricia. This brutal clash results in Patricia's flight from the scene, leaving her frightened and desperate for help, while Sonny remains entrapped in darkness.

  10. 10

    Tragic Deaths Occur

    Under the influence of the evil entity, Sonny is compelled to commit horrific acts against his family. This dark climax sees the tragic deaths of Jan, Mark, and Patricia, sending shockwaves through what remains of the family.

Show the other 5 events of Amityville II: The Possession
  1. 11

    Authorities Arrive

    In the aftermath of the tragedy, authorities arrive to manage the horrific scene, collecting the bodies and arresting Sonny. Confusion shrouds Sonny's memories of the events, complicating the investigation into the family's grim fate.

    Where:112 Ocean Avenue

  2. 12

    Church's Reluctance

    Despite the growing concern, the Catholic Church refuses to authorize an exorcism for Sonny. Father Adamsky, determined to help him, takes matters into his own hands, highlighting the desperation of the situation.

  3. 13

    Makeshift Exorcism

    Father Adamsky manages to spring Sonny from police custody and conducts a makeshift exorcism at their home. This act of faith serves as a last-ditch effort to liberate Sonny from the clutches of darkness that have taken over him.

    Where:Montelli residence

  4. 14

    Plea for Protection

    As authorities close in on the horrifying events, Adamsky urgently pleads with Father Tom for Sonny's protection from re-arrest. The dire situation leaves both men's fates uncertain as they brace for the inevitable consequences that lie ahead.

  5. 15

    House Put on the Market

    In the wake of the horrific events, the once-ominous house is listed for sale, signaling the end of the Montelli family's dark chapter. However, the lingering specter of evil suggests that the house will continue to haunt future occupants.

    Where:112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, New York

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Amityville II: The Possession?

3 characters, among them Anthony Montelli, Sonny Montelli and Father Frank Adamsky: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • AM

    Anthony Montelli

    Anthony is a strict and often volatile father whose unraveling temper becomes increasingly dangerous as the supernatural events escalate. His inability to cope with the stress causes him to lash out at his children and wife, leading to a tragic spiral of violence and horror. His descent into madness serves as a poignant reflection of the destructive impact of the malevolent forces at play.

    • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Father
    • 😡 Violence
    • 💔 Tragedy
  • SM

    Sonny Montelli

    Sonny is a curious and innocent boy who becomes the unwilling vessel for dark powers, marking a profound shift from childlike wonder to a vessel of horror. His journey into possession is both tragic and alarming, deeply affecting the dynamics of his family as he manifests increasingly violent and sinister behaviors. His struggle illustrates the overarching battle between good and evil within the narrative.

    • 👶 Innocence
    • ⚔️ Conflict
    • 😱 Horror
  • Andrew Prine as Father Frank Adamsky in Amityville II: The Possession

    Father Frank Adamsky

    Played by Andrew Prine

    Father Adamsky is the priest who attempts to save the Montelli family from the malevolent forces at play. His faith is tested as he confronts the darkness within Sonny and the household, showcasing a blend of courage and vulnerability. His journey reflects the struggle of an individual against overwhelming evil, culminating in a desperate and dangerous attempt to perform an exorcism.

    • ⛪ Religion
    • ⚔️ Courage
    • 😰 Conflict
Setting

Where and When Is Amityville II: The Possession Set?

Amityville II: The Possession is set in 112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville and New York. Here is why the place matters to the story.

Where

112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, New York

The film is set at the infamous 112 Ocean Avenue, a house in Amityville, New York, known for its dark history and paranormal events. This suburban neighborhood is a quiet community that becomes a site of horror as a family experiences terrifying supernatural occurrences. The home itself, with its distinctive architecture, becomes a character in its own right, trapping its inhabitants in a cycle of fear and madness.

  • 🏘️ House
  • 🌊 Ocean
  • 🕵️ Investigation
Themes

What Are the Themes of Amityville II: The Possession?

2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Family Disintegration and Possession.

  1. 01

    Family Disintegration

    The theme of family disintegration is central to the narrative as the Montelli family's bonds crumble under the strain of supernatural influences. The once loving relationships deteriorate into mistrust and violence, highlighting how external forces can invade and destruct familial harmony. The transformation of individual family members reflects the traumatic impact that darkness can have on personal connections.

  2. 02

    Possession

    Possession serves as a key theme, illustrated by Sonny's gradual transformation under the influence of an evil entity. This theme explores the loss of control over one's own mind and body, manifesting in terrifying actions that lead to tragic consequences. The movie examines the boundaries between the spiritual and the physical, questioning the extent to which evil can corrupt and possess the innocent.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Amityville II: The Possession?

Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Dark
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
High
Ending
Bleak

A relentlessly dark and oppressive horror film that steadily builds a sense of claustrophobic dread as a family is torn apart by a malevolent force, culminating in tragedy and a bleakly ambiguous resolution.

  • oppressive
  • sinister
  • claustrophobic
  • anxious
  • nightmarish
  • tragic
  • demonic possession
  • dysfunctional family
  • haunted house
  • religious struggle

Content notes: family murder, domestic abuse, demonic possession, incestuous themes, child death.

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FAQ

Amityville II: The Possession Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Amityville II: The Possession, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Amityville II: The Possession about?

In the quiet suburb of Amityville, a newly‑renovated house at 112 Ocean Avenue looms like a silent promise of fresh starts. The Montelli family—father Anthony, his wife Dolores, and their five children—arrive eager to leave behind a past scarred by tragedy.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Amityville II: The Possession take place?

Amityville II: The Possession is set in 112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville and New York. The film is set at the infamous 112 Ocean Avenue, a house in Amityville, New York, known for its dark history and paranormal events.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Amityville II: The Possession?

The story follows Anthony Montelli, Sonny Montelli and Father Frank Adamsky (played by Andrew Prine).

All the characters

What are the main themes of Amityville II: The Possession?

The summary picks out 2 themes: Family Disintegration and Possession.

The themes explained

Who directed Amityville II: The Possession?

Amityville II: The Possession (1982) was directed by Damiano Damiani and runs 1 hour 44 minutes.

Damiano Damiani’s films

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