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Plot summary & ending explained

The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020) Plot Summary, Ending Explained & Timeline

The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020) movie poster

The Babysitter: Killer Queen is a 2020 horror and comedy film directed by McG, running 1 hour 41 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 664 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 16 key events in order, 4 characters, where and when it is set, 3 themes and the ending explained. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for The Babysitter: Killer Queen.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
16
characters profiled
4
themes explained
3
The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 41m
Director
McG
Genres
Horror, Comedy
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
No spoilers

What Is The Babysitter: Killer Queen About?

The premise of The Babysitter: Killer Queen in 312 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.

In the sleepy heat of a suburban summer, Cole is finally trying to settle into the ordinary rhythm of junior year—homework, friendships, and the uneasy freedom that comes after a life‑shattering ordeal. Two years have passed since he faced a nightmarish adversary, and the town’s quiet streets seem to promise a brief reprieve. Yet the lingering shadows of his past linger like a whispered warning, and the very season that should bring sunshine instead feels charged with an invisible tension.

The world of the film balances the bright, carefree vibe of teen life with a dark, almost satirical horror aesthetic. Light‑hearted moments at school events, late‑night lake parties, and the simple thrill of a first‑kiss are constantly underscored by an uneasy feeling that something far more sinister is lurking just out of sight. The tone swings between sharp, witty banter and pulse‑pounding dread, creating a roller‑coaster of humor and horror that keeps the audience guessing which side of the smile will win out.

At the heart of the story is Cole’s struggle to protect the people he cares about while wrestling with the memory of a menace he thought he had vanquished. His relationships—particularly the fragile trust he tries to rebuild with his close friends and the tentative bond forming with a new classmate—serve as both his greatest strength and his most vulnerable point. As the summer unfolds, the promise of normalcy grows thinner, hinting that the evil he once defeated is far from dormant.

The film teases a renewed, vengeful threat that looms on the horizon, ready to test Cole’s resolve and force him back into a battle he hoped was over. With stakes higher than ever, the story sets the stage for a thrilling clash between youthful hope and an encroaching darkness, leaving viewers on edge as they wonder whether this summer will finally bring peace—or something far more terrifying.

Full plot

What Happens in The Babysitter: Killer Queen?

The complete story of The Babysitter: Killer Queen, from the first scene to the last, in 664 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 9 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Two years have passed since the chilling events of the first film, and now Cole, played by Judah Lewis, is navigating the challenges of junior year in high school. Despite his desperate attempts, he can only convince his closest friend, Emily Alyn Lind as Melanie, that a satanic cult, once led by his former babysitter, Samara Weaving as Bee, truly attempted to take his life. Just when things couldn’t seem bleaker, Cole discovers that his parents have enrolled him in a psychiatric school. In a daring escape, he teams up with Melanie, her new boyfriend Jimmy, and their friends Boom-Boom and Diego, seeking a reprieve at a lake party.

At the vibrant gathering, Cole catches sight of the new student Jenna Ortega as Phoebe, who mysteriously finds a childhood stuffed toy along with directions to the lake tucked in her locker. The atmosphere shifts drastically when, during a party game on a boat, tragedy strikes as Melanie brutally kills Boom-Boom. In a shocking revelation, Melanie confesses to Cole that she joined the cult to chase her dreams of fame, with both Jimmy and Diego revealed as fellow cult members. They require another innocent’s blood to continue their dark rituals, having already bloodyed Boom-Boom in their sacrifice.

The original cultists: Hana Mae Lee as Sonya, Bella Thorne as Allison, Robbie Amell as Max, and Andrew Bachelor as John reappear, resurrected for a sinister ritual that demands their participation before sunrise or risk death. As the chaos unfolds, Phoebe fortuitously arrives asking for gas for her jet ski, granting Cole a brief moment to escape the cult’s clutches.

On land, Cole shares his harrowing story with Phoebe, who surprisingly believes him, as the cultists pursue them relentlessly. The first confrontation with Sonya ends in a brutal accident, running her over with a stranger’s car. The stakes rise when they confront Allison and manage to trap her, leading to a violent showdown. Shortly after, as they attempt to sail away on a boat, Max makes a desperate move to latch on, only for Phoebe to ignite a blaze using silly string, while Cole brutally defends them with the boat’s propeller.

As the cultists Diego and Jimmy ignite into nothingness upon reconsidering their chase, Cole and Phoebe find refuge in Phoebe’s old family cabin, a location guided by a cryptic message she received. Inside the bunker, Phoebe unveils her tragic story—her parents died due to a car accident she caused. Cole supports her through this painful revelation, and their bond deepens as they share an intimate moment.

Meanwhile, Melanie, plotting to lure Cole out, fakes being intoxicated while speaking to Cole’s father, Ken Marino as Archie, who frantically searches for them. When chaos ensues, Cole and Phoebe come out armed, resulting in a series of accidents and confrontations that pit them against their former friends turned foes.

In a tension-filled climax, Cole faces Archie, while Melanie seeks revenge on Phoebe. After regaining his senses, Cole takes control by locking Archie out of the car, racing back to save Phoebe. At the lake, Melanie holds Phoebe hostage, but Cole steps forward, offering himself as the next sacrifice. The plot thickens with the arrival of Bee, revealed as Phoebe’s babysitter and responsible for the tragedy in her past. Flashbacks unveil Bee’s Faustian bargain to save Phoebe’s life.

As the cultists partake in the ritual, everything goes awry due to Cole’s lost innocence from his encounter with Phoebe. Their plan backfires spectacularly, leading to the disintegration of the cult members. Devastated yet reformed, Bee drinks the mixture, sacrificing herself to ensure that Cole and Phoebe triumph over the malevolence of the cult she originally aligned with.

In a poignant moment of reconciliation, Archie’s newfound belief in Cole’s experiences paves the way for their escape. As the dawn breaks, Cole and Phoebe seal their bond with a kiss, marking a hopeful transition. The film hints at lingering darkness with a mid-credits scene, revealing Bee’s demon book, ominously left untouched on the sand.

Timeline

The Babysitter: Killer Queen Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

16 key events in the order they happen, from “Two Years Later” to “A New Beginning”. 10 events name a place, across 6 locations.

  1. 1

    Two Years Later

    Two years have passed since the traumatic events of the first film. Now, Cole is facing the challenges of junior year in high school, struggling to move on from his past.

    When:Present Day Where:High School

  2. 2

    Warning Emily

    Cole tries desperately to convince his closest friend, Melanie, about the satanic cult that once threatened his life. He feels isolated as everyone else dismisses his fears, leaving him vulnerable.

  3. 3

    Enrolled in Psychiatric School

    Cole discovers that his parents have taken drastic measures by enrolling him in a psychiatric school. This adds to his feeling of despair as he fights to regain control over his life.

    Where:Psychiatric School

  4. 4

    Daring Escape

    In a bid for freedom, Cole escapes from the psychiatric school and teams up with Melanie and her friends. Together they head to a lake party, hoping for a normal night away from their worries.

    Where:Lake Party

  5. 5

    Meeting Phoebe

    At the vibrant lake gathering, Cole notices a new student, Phoebe, who finds a childhood toy and mysterious directions. This encounter sets off a series of dark events that will change their lives.

    Where:Lake

  6. 6

    Tragedy Strikes

    During a party game on a boat, chaos erupts when Melanie kills Boom-Boom in a shocking act. This reveals her true allegiance to the cult and escalates the already tense situation.

    Where:Boat

  7. 7

    Melanie’s Confession

    In a chilling moment, Melanie confesses to Cole that she joined the cult in pursuit of fame. She reveals that more blood is needed for the cult's dark rituals, marking a turning point in their friendship.

  8. 8

    Resurrection of Cultists

    The original cult members are resurrected for a sinister ritual that demands their participation before sunrise. The urgency and malevolence of their actions begin to escalate the danger Cole faces.

    Where:Lake

  9. 9

    Confrontation and Escape

    As chaos unfolds, Cole shares his story with Phoebe, who surprisingly believes him. They engage in their first confrontation with Sonya, leading to a dramatic accident that gives them a moment to flee.

  10. 10

    Showdown with Cultists

    Cole and Phoebe find themselves in a violent showdown against the cultists. They successfully trap Allison and face off against the others in a desperate fight for survival.

    Where:Lake

Show the other 6 events of The Babysitter: Killer Queen
  1. 11

    Finding Refuge

    After a harrowing escape, Cole and Phoebe manage to find refuge in Phoebe’s family cabin. Here, Phoebe reveals the tragic story of her parents' death, deepening their bond amidst the turmoil.

    Where:Phoebe’s Cabin

  2. 12

    Melanie's Manipulation

    Melanie lays a trap for Cole by pretending to be intoxicated. This act lures Cole's father into a dangerous situation, escalating the stakes as Cole and Phoebe fight to escape.

  3. 13

    Confrontation with Archie

    In a high-tension moment, Cole faces off against his father Archie while Melanie seeks revenge on Phoebe. The confrontation requires Cole to step up and make difficult decisions to save Phoebe.

  4. 14

    Sacrificial Offer

    In the climax, Cole offers himself as the next sacrifice to save Phoebe. This moment brings Bee back into the picture, revealing her connections and the sacrifices made in the past.

    Where:Lake

  5. 15

    Defeat of the Cultists

    As the cult’s dark ritual begins to unravel, Cole's lost innocence affects the outcome, leading to the destruction of the cult members. In a moment of redemption, Bee sacrifices herself to save Cole and Phoebe.

    When:At Dawn

  6. 16

    A New Beginning

    As dawn breaks, Cole and Phoebe share a hopeful kiss, signaling a new chapter in their lives. However, a mid-credits scene hints at lingering darkness with the presence of Bee's demon book.

    Where:Lake

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in The Babysitter: Killer Queen?

4 characters, among them Cole (Judah Lewis), Phoebe (Jenna Ortega) and Melanie (Emily Alyn Lind): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • Judah Lewis as Cole (Judah Lewis) in The Babysitter: Killer Queen

    Cole (Judah Lewis)

    Played by Judah Lewis

    Cole is a resilient teenager grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic experience from his childhood. Throughout the film, he strives to prove his sanity and protect his friends, showcasing bravery and loyalty amidst chaos. His development is marked by the acceptance of his past and the forging of a deeper connection with Phoebe.

    • 👦 Teenager
    • 🛡️ Hero
    • 🌪️ Brave
  • Jenna Ortega as Phoebe (Jenna Ortega) in The Babysitter: Killer Queen

    Phoebe (Jenna Ortega)

    Played by Jenna Ortega

    Phoebe is a new student who embodies strength and complexity, concealing her tragic past that intertwines with Cole's. Her belief in Cole's bizarre claims showcases her empathetic nature, and as she navigates dangers alongside him, she reveals her resilience and capacity for deep emotional connection.

    • 👩‍🎓 Newcomer
    • ❤️ Supportive
    • 🔍 Insightful
  • Emily Alyn Lind as Melanie (Emily Alyn Lind) in The Babysitter: Killer Queen

    Melanie (Emily Alyn Lind)

    Played by Emily Alyn Lind

    Melanie is a dual-natured character, initially appearing as a supportive friend but later revealing her ambition and loyalty to the cult. Her journey reflects the influence of fame and the lengths one might go to achieve it, culminating in a tragic decision that showcases the darker side of her character.

    • 👩‍🤝‍👩 Friend
    • 🎭 Ambitious
    • 💔 Tragic
  • Samara Weaving as Bee (Samara Weaving) in The Babysitter: Killer Queen

    Bee (Samara Weaving)

    Played by Samara Weaving

    Bee is a complex antagonist whose past ties with Cole deeply impact the narrative. Initially positioned as a protector, her darker allegiances complicate her character, revealing the sacrifices she makes for redemption and her connection to Phoebe.

    • 👩‍🏫 Babysitter
    • 🦹‍♀️ Antagonist
    • 🔄 Redemptive
Setting

Where and When Is The Babysitter: Killer Queen Set?

The Babysitter: Killer Queen is set in lake and family cabin (present day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

present day

Set in present day, the film captures the essence of contemporary teenage life, with a focus on high school challenges, friendships, and the pursuit of dreams. The characters navigate modern obstacles, including the influence of cult-like behavior amidst the pressures of adolescence.

Where

lake, family cabin

The lake serves as a vibrant backdrop for the movie, known for parties and gatherings, which becomes the site of chaos and revelation. Nearby, Phoebe's family cabin holds significant emotional weight, being a place of both refuge and haunting memories connected to her tragic past.

  • 🏞️ Nature
  • 🚤 Water
  • 🏡 Home
Themes

What Are the Themes of The Babysitter: Killer Queen?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Betrayal, Redemption and Identity.

  1. 01

    Betrayal

    Betrayal permeates the narrative, as friendships crumble under hidden motives and dark affiliations. Characters reveal their true selves, showcasing how trust can be manipulated for personal gain, often with deadly consequences.

  2. 02

    Redemption

    The theme of redemption surfaces through Cole's journey as he confronts his fears and the consequences of past actions. His relationship with Phoebe forms a key part of this theme, highlighting personal growth through shared trauma and sacrifice.

  3. 03

    Identity

    Exploring identity, characters grapple with their true selves versus the roles they play in the eyes of society and their peers. The cult's influence forces them to confront who they are and what they are willing to sacrifice, shedding light on the complexities of self-discovery.

Ending explained

How Does The Babysitter: Killer Queen End?

The last act of The Babysitter: Killer Queen and what it means, in 520 words. The ending lands as bittersweet. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.

The final act, in full

After the chaos of the ritual, those tied to its dark magic disappeared, likely returning to Hell forever, which is a relief from the demonic teenagers hunting Cole. Despite that, the ending feels bittersweet because Bee, who seemed to have orchestrated everything to tie up loose ends, only appears briefly to say a heartfelt goodbye to Cole and Phoebe. She seems genuinely happy to see them safe and to see Cole with someone who cares for him, indicating some degree of remorse or at least a desire for redemption. The book used to start the ritual, however, remains intact and fluttering in the breeze after everything else has vanished, suggesting it still exists and holds power—its fate uncertain, and it could be used again in the future.

In the aftermath, it seems like things are returning to normal—Cole’s father finally remembers what happened, and Cole appears to have found some peace, no longer labeled as crazy. However, the reality is more complicated. Cole’s social struggles likely haven’t disappeared; his reputation and the suspicions surrounding the ritual could lead to another investigation, especially since other bodies from the ritual are still out there. Phoebe, who survived because of Bee’s intervention, can corroborate his story, but without widespread belief, Cole might still face isolation and ridicule in high school, especially with Phoebe’s unconventional entry into his class. His chances of escaping this cycle until college seem slim, leaving open the possibility for future movies where the story might continue.

A surprising twist reveals that Bee, who appeared to be just a demon, was actually involved in a deeper, more complex deal. She used to babysit Phoebe, who was the daughter of people she was responsible for killing in a car crash—an accident Bee caused and then struck a deal with the devil to save Phoebe’s life. This adds a layer of tragic sacrifice to her character, hinting that she isn’t merely evil but a pawn in a larger, sinister game. Throughout the movie, Bee tries to recruit her friends for another ritual, which suggests she might still be working for the devil or a higher power, possibly aiming to accumulate more souls or find a way to come back. The final scene featuring the open, fluttering pages of the book leaves the door open for her return or for dark magic to resurface, especially since her actress’s return was kept secret.

In the end, the film is about confronting trauma and seeking closure. Cole finds some peace through a final moment with Bee, who, despite her dark past, appears to want to make amends in her own way, and through his father finally believing him. Phoebe, though emotional about her parents, finds comfort in her bond with Bee, who helped her survive. Both characters are now in a better place emotionally, ready to start anew, but they carry the scars of their ordeal. The ending suggests that while their trauma might never completely fade, they have gained the strength to move forward, hinting at potential new stories where darkness could reemerge, especially if the powerful book falls into the wrong hands again.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is The Babysitter: Killer Queen?

Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Dark
Pacing
Fast
Story
Moderate
Intensity
High
Ending
Bittersweet

A fast-paced, darkly comedic horror sequel that delivers high-energy chaos and gory confrontations, punctuated by a surprising emotional core of sacrifice and a bittersweet victory.

  • suspenseful
  • chaotic
  • campy
  • action-packed
  • tense
  • violent
  • satanic cult
  • teenage survival
  • coming of age
  • betrayal

Content notes: satanic ritual, human sacrifice, graphic violence, teen violence, car accident, hostage situation.

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Where to watch

Where to Watch The Babysitter: Killer Queen

Stream it on Netflix. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

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Read next

Movies Like The Babysitter: Killer Queen With a Plot Summary

6 films close to The Babysitter: Killer Queen in story and themes that have a full plot summary here: The Babysitter (2017) and Babysitter Wanted (2007) lead. 3 of them come with the ending explained.

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FAQ

The Babysitter: Killer Queen Plot Questions

6 quick answers about The Babysitter: Killer Queen, taken from the plot summary, ending explained, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is The Babysitter: Killer Queen about?

In the sleepy heat of a suburban summer, Cole is finally trying to settle into the ordinary rhythm of junior year—homework, friendships, and the uneasy freedom that comes after a life‑shattering ordeal.

Read the full plot summary

What happens at the end of The Babysitter: Killer Queen?

After the chaos of the ritual, those tied to its dark magic disappeared, likely returning to Hell forever, which is a relief from the demonic teenagers hunting Cole.

The ending explained

When and where does The Babysitter: Killer Queen take place?

The Babysitter: Killer Queen is set in lake and family cabin (present day). Set in present day, the film captures the essence of contemporary teenage life, with a focus on high school challenges, friendships, and the pursuit of dreams.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in The Babysitter: Killer Queen?

The story follows Cole (Judah Lewis) (played by Judah Lewis), Phoebe (Jenna Ortega) (played by Jenna Ortega), Melanie (Emily Alyn Lind) (played by Emily Alyn Lind) and Bee (Samara Weaving) (played by Samara Weaving).

All the characters

What are the main themes of The Babysitter: Killer Queen?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Betrayal, Redemption and Identity.

The themes explained

Who directed The Babysitter: Killer Queen?

The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020) was directed by McG and runs 1 hour 41 minutes.

McG’s films

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