Amityville: A New Generation

In the 1980s sequel, Amityville: A New Generation, photographer John Baxter's son, Adam, is struggling to find his place in life, caught between his mother, a free-spirited artist, and his businessman father, who wants him to follow in his footsteps. Adam Keyes, now a grown man, lives in a loft-style apartment on the outskirts of Skid Row, a stark contrast to his family's affluent lifestyle. One day, while taking photographs in the area, Adam stumbles upon a homeless man holding an antique mirror. The moment Adam sees it, he is inexplicably drawn to the mirror, captivated by its ornate frame and the dark, reflective glass. Intrigued, Adam attempts to purchase the mirror from the vendor, but the man refuses to sell it, claiming it's not for sale. Undeterred, Adam befriends the man and eventually convinces him to exchange the mirror for some cash and a promise that Adam will use the mirror for good, citing its supposed ability to bring him inspiration for his photography. However, his behavior towards the vendor was not the normal behavior of someone making small talk, it displayed an air of desperation, which the vendor was wise enough to notice. Once in possession of the mirror, Adam starts experiencing unsettling and erratic occurrences. He feels an intense, almost supernatural connection to the mirror, which he believes is granting him his deepest desires and sparking creativity in his photography. However, as the days pass, Adam's behavior becomes increasingly unhinged. He becomes paranoid and detached from reality, spending long hours gazing into the mirror, which appears to be absorbing his soul. As Adam's downward spiral intensifies, his relationships with his family suffer. His father becomes concerned about his mental health, while his mother tries to support him, but her free-spirited nature only seems to perpetuate Adam's obsession with the mirror. Adam's photography, initially inspired by the mirror, now reveals dark, disturbing themes, which further exacerbate his relationships with those around him. Adam's descent into madness is further fueled by the presence of the mirror, which seems to be exerting a malevolent influence over him. He becomes convinced that the mirror is imbuing him with supernatural powers, allowing him to see the world in ways no one else can. However, this sense of empowerment only serves to fuel his growing paranoia, and he becomes convinced that the mirror is plotting against him. As Adam's grip on reality falters, the mirror's presence becomes a constant reminder of his own darkness. He becomes trapped in a desperate cycle of self-destruction, convinced that the mirror is the key to unlocking his deepest desires, but ultimately, his downfall. Throughout the film, a sinister presence lurks in the background, echoing the cursed legacy of the Amityville house. A recurring theme in the Amityville franchise, this presence serves to underscore the idea that the mirror is more than just a simple antique artifact. It's a vessel for malevolent forces that are manipulating Adam, driving him further into the depths of madness. As the film reaches its climax, Adam's world begins to collapse around him. His relationships with his family are on the brink of disintegration, and his own sanity is hanging by a thread. In a desperate attempt to break free from the mirror's grasp, Adam makes a final, destructive gesture, sacrificing everything he holds dear in an effort to escape the mirror's influence. Ultimately, Adam's confrontation with the mirror ends in tragedy, underscoring the idea that some secrets are too terrible to uncover. The mirror, a seemingly innocuous possession, has become a catalyst for Adam's downward spiral, a constant reminder of the darkness that lurks within. The film concludes on a haunting note, suggesting that the mirror's influence has left Adam forever changed, trapped in a living nightmare from which he may never awaken.