The Kiss 1988

Sisters separated in the Congo; Felice departs with the talisman

In 1963, sisters Hilary and Felice Dunbar are separated during a journey in the Belgian Congo. Felice is sent away on a train with her aunt, who bears a cursed serpent-shaped talisman. During the voyage, the talisman seems to awaken the aunt's violence, and she kisses Felice as blood spills from her mouth. The train's conductor later discovers the aunt's deformed corpse, and Felice continues on with the talisman.

Aunt's death reveals the talisman’s hold

Hours after the attack, the train's conductor discovers the aunt's lifeless, deformed body on the train. Felice has survived the encounter and continues onward with the talisman in hand. The talisman's presence hints at a bigger supernatural burden that will haunt Felice for years.

Twenty-five years later: Felice's call disrupts Albany life

Twenty-five years pass, and in Albany, New York, Hilary Dunbar lives with her architect husband Jack and their daughter Amy. Hilary receives an unexpected phone call from her estranged sister Felice, now a globe-trotting model. The sisters briefly reconnect over the phone, but Hilary refuses to meet Felice, unsettling the quiet suburban life.

Hilary's fatal car accident

Hilary's hesitation to meet Felice abruptly ends when she leaves for an errand and is killed in a gruesome freak car accident. She lingers near a gun shop, contemplating pistols in the storefront window, before the tragedy strikes. The sudden loss shatters the family’s stability and foreshadows Felice's return.

Felice arrives in Albany and stays with the Hallorans

Five months after Hilary's death, Felice arrives in Albany and begins staying with Jack and Amy. Jack invites her into the home, and Amy grows wary of the enigmatic visitor who seems determined to insinuate herself into the family. Brenda, the nurse neighbor, also finds Felice’s presence unsettling.

Mall encounter: Heather’s escalator accident

Amy and her friend Heather go shopping at the local mall. On the escalator, Heather's lipstick slips as she retrieves it, and her necklace becomes caught in the grate. Amy tries to help but cannot free her in time, and Heather is badly mangled by the escalator, though she survives.

Amy uncovers Felice’s talisman and artifacts

Amy discovers Felice's talisman among her belongings, along with other artifacts including Heather's bloodied sunglasses. Suspicion grows that Felice harbors something sinister, especially as Felice makes romantic advances toward Jack. Tensions rise as Amy wrestles with fear and doubt about her sister's intentions.

Wild cat attacks and Terry’s confrontation with Felice

That night, Jack is attacked by a wild cat that escapes through the kitchen window. Amy finds solace in her friend Terry, who becomes suspicious of Felice. Terry confronts Felice at her hotel after witnessing her ritualistic behavior, and he is subsequently killed in a car related incident following the confrontation.

Priest confronts Felice; spontaneous combustion

Amy seeks guidance from a local priest, who reveals troubling family histories connected to Felice. Felice interrupts the meeting; the priest flees and later attempts to meet Jack at his office, but is killed by spontaneous combustion caused by Felice’s powers inside an elevator.

Brenda uncovers Felice’s blood in the lab

Brenda informs Jack that she had Felice's blood analyzed and that it resembles that of a corpse. Jack immediately returns from a business trip to confront the situation and protect his family. The unsettling discovery deepens the sense that Felice's curse is very real.

Felice reveals Amy is the bloodline; Jack targeted

Felice confronts Jack, explaining that Amy is her bloodline and that the curse must be passed on to Amy to survive. She attempts to secure Amy by seducing Jack, while Amy escapes with Brenda. The revelation reframes the danger from Felice to Amy herself.

Backyard pursuit and the therianthropic cat

Felice’s pursuit continues as Amy and Brenda attempt to flee through the yard. A wild cat—Felice's therianthropic manifestation—attacks, but Brenda manages to kill the creature. Felice presses her attack on Amy, forcing a desperate confrontation.

Climax in the pool: Amy fights back

The struggle leads to a dangerous clash by the swimming pool. Amy manages to impale Felice with electric gardening shears, and the three struggle amid the water. The cursed parasite fights to possess Amy as the fight intensifies.