‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’: Delia Deetz and The Portrayal of Grief Through Catherine O’Hara
This article contains spoilers for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Tim Burton’s 1988 film Beetlejuice is an undeniable cult classic. The out-of-this-world film has connected different generations and “spooky stuff” enthusiasts around the globe, fostering lasting connections. While the newly released sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, encounters a few bumps along the way, it’s heartwarming to see familiar faces and explore their journeys. As we reconnect with Lydia (Winona Ryder), now a mother with the same enduring fascination for the afterlife, we also get to see the eccentric Delia (Catherine O’Hara) mourning her husband and Lydia’s father. Though the sequel primarily focuses on other storylines, O’Hara’s brilliant performance highlights themes of grief and hope, reflecting on the delicate balance between life and death.
The quirky and over-the-top sequel opens with the preparations for Charles’ funeral, featuring three generations of women: Lydia, her skeptical daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega), and the ever-dramatic Delia. They all return to Winter River and the iconic house on the hill, which is now draped in a translucent black veil to signify Delia’s sorrow. The house once again hosts the family, but also funeral guests, and Lydia’s dubious boyfriend, Rory (Justin Theroux).
While the main storyline plays out, Delia’s dramatic journey through grief is particularly intriguing. Rather than succumbing to despair, she channels her pain into an artistic expression that’s quintessential “Delia” by creating a “grief collective”. She begins with a series of photos that portray grief, but her expression doesn’t stop there. On Halloween night, when the veil between life and death is said to be thinnest, she plans a recorded ceremony to honor her late husband. However, during this event, she accidentally meets a fatal end when bitten by poisonous snakes she believed were defanged. Untimely passing allows her to experience the Netherworld firsthand and even seek Betelguise’s help to rescue Lydia and Astrid from Rory and Astrid’s ghostly boyfriend, Jeremy (Arthur Conti).
Throughout this journey, Delia seems to have come to terms with the death of her husband and perhaps even her own death as a natural part of life. In the beginning, we can see that, despite her deep longing for Charles while preparing for the funeral, her past experiences and Lydia’s unconventional career have broadened her perspective on death. So much so, that even after all the chaos and her role in saving Astrid and Lydia, Delia understands she must return to the Netherworld. Ultimately, she finds peace in reuniting with Charles on their way to the bus taking them to the Afterlife.
In both the original and sequel films, O’Hara’s performance is truly unmatched, making Delia one of the most memorable and well-developed supporting characters. While her voracious and conceited nature is more pronounced in the original, the sequel offers a more nuanced portrayal, particularly in her interactions with Lydia. Their evolving dynamics reveal a newfound friendship, although Delia’s dramatic flair remains intact as she teasingly addresses Lydia’s challenges with Astrid, highlighting a strangely karmic vibe here.
O’Hara is truly an intergenerational talent. While some fans recognize her from A Nightmare Before Christmas and Home Alone, younger audiences often associate her with the unforgettable Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek. No matter the project, she gives her all, every time she appears on screen. As Beetlejuice Beetlejuice proves, her portrayal of Delia Deetz remains iconic, from her lip-syncing Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O” to her participation in the dance number set to Richard Harris’s 1968 psychedelic hit, “MacArthur Park”. As her character navigates the meanders of grief, life, and death, we can’t help but be captivated by her performance and can’t wait to see what she does next.
Categorized:Editorials
