Psycho II (1983)
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After being released from a mental institution, Norman Bates returns to his childhood home, only to find himself haunted by a mysterious figure.
The story
Set 22 years after the events of the original film, Norman Bates is released from a mental institution despite the protests of Lila Loomis. Against medical advice, he moves back into his old home behind the Bates Motel to attempt a normal life. While working at a nearby diner, he offers a place to stay to a waitress named Mary Samuels. However, Norman's peace is short-lived as he begins receiving disturbing phone calls and notes from 'Mother,' and a series of murders begins to occur around him, threatening his fragile stability.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Norman Bates returns to his old home behind the Bates Motel after being released from a mental institution. He begins working in a diner and takes in a waitress, Mary Samuels. Norman's life is disrupted by phone calls and notes from 'Mother,' and he suspects the motel's new manager, Warren Toomey, of harassment. After Toomey is murdered by a figure in a black dress, Norman finds his mother's bedroom restored to its original state. Mary, who is actually Lila Loomis's daughter, has been conspiring with Lila to drive Norman insane by mimicking 'Mother.' They successfully drive him into a state of fear, but Mary begins to feel guilty. Dr. Raymond discovers the women's involvement, but Mary accidentally kills him while trying to protect Norman. A shadowy figure kills Lila, and Norman, hearing 'Mother' on the phone, snaps. Mary tries to stop him but is shot by police, who believe she is the killer. Finally, Norman's biological mother, Emma Spool, reveals herself as the true murderer who had been killing anyone who harmed Norman. Norman kills her and, in a state of psychosis, begins speaking in her voice as the 'Mother' personality takes over.
- First release year
- 1983
- Runtime (minutes)
- 113
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Richard Franklin
- Writers
- Tom Holland · writer
- Cast and characters
- Anthony Perkins · Norman Bates; Vera Miles · Lila Crane Loomis; Meg Tilly · Mary Samuels Loomis; Robert Loggia · Dr. Bill Raymond; Dennis Franz · Warren Toomey; Hugh Gillin · Sheriff John Hunt; Robert Alan Browne · Ralph Statler; Claudia Bryar · Emma Spool
- Genres
- psychological slasher; mystery; psychological thriller; slasher
- Themes
- sanity vs. insanity; motherhood; identity; repressed past
- Tone and mood
- suspenseful; darkly-comic; atmospheric
- Premise and plot tags
- sequel; slasher; psychological horror; mystery
- Franchise connections
- Psycho
- Content notes
- murder
- Reception
- The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with some praising its atmosphere and performances while others criticized its plot and treatment of characters.
- Production trivia
- The film was intended as a made-for-cable production.; The Bates house set was still standing from 1960.; The final shot of Norman standing in front of the house was used as a Christmas card for various crew members.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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