Labyrinth (1986) is one of those films that quietly sneaks into your childhood and then refuses to leave. Directed by Jim Henson and starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, it blends fairy-tale logic, surreal puppetry, and emotional coming-of-age themes into a cult classic that has aged far more gracefully than many of its contemporaries.
Below is a complete, spoiler-filled breakdown of the movie, written for viewers who want to truly understand what makes Labyrinth timeless.
Detailed Summary
Sarah’s Frustration and the Wish Gone Wrong
Sarah Williams is a teenage girl who feels trapped between childhood and adulthood. She escapes reality by reading fantasy books and rehearsing dramatic monologues, especially from her favorite story, Labyrinth. Her real-life responsibilities, including babysitting her baby stepbrother Toby, feel unfair and suffocating.
In a moment of anger and immaturity, Sarah wishes that the Goblin King would take Toby away. To her horror, the wish comes true. Jareth, ruler of the Labyrinth, appears and steals the baby, giving Sarah 13 hours to solve the Labyrinth and reclaim him.
This moment establishes the film’s emotional core: the consequences of words spoken in frustration.
Entering the Labyrinth
Sarah steps into the Labyrinth, a living maze filled with illusions, talking doors, riddles, and constantly shifting rules. Almost immediately, she learns that logic and honesty are essential for survival. The Labyrinth punishes arrogance and rewards humility.
She meets three key companions:
- Hoggle, a cowardly but well-meaning dwarf
- Sir Didymus, an overly honorable fox-knight
- Ludo, a gentle giant with the power to summon rocks
Each companion represents traits Sarah lacks or is learning to develop: empathy, loyalty, and emotional strength.
Jareth’s Manipulations
Throughout the journey, Jareth interferes in subtle ways. He offers Sarah shortcuts, distractions, and emotional temptations rather than brute force. His goal is not merely to stop her but to make her give up willingly.
The most dangerous trial is the ballroom dream sequence, where Sarah is lured into a fantasy of adulthood, romance, and power. Time nearly runs out as she forgets her mission, highlighting the seductive danger of escapism.
Betrayal and Growth
Hoggle betrays Sarah under pressure from Jareth, causing her to fall into a deadly trap. This moment is pivotal: Sarah experiences real emotional pain, not fantasy drama. Instead of collapsing, she chooses forgiveness and presses forward.
This marks her transition from a self-centered girl to a responsible young adult.
Movie Ending
Sarah reaches the center of the Labyrinth just in time. Toby is about to be permanently transformed into a goblin. Jareth confronts her and offers a final bargain: if Sarah will stay with him, he will return Toby and give her everything she desires.
This scene is crucial because Jareth’s power depends on Sarah’s belief in him. His authority exists only as long as she doubts herself.
Sarah finally understands the truth behind the Labyrinth and speaks the line she once rehearsed without understanding:
“You have no power over me.”
The illusion collapses. Jareth is defeated not through violence but through clarity and self-realization. Toby is returned home safely, and Sarah awakens in her bedroom, seemingly back to normal life.
However, the ending does not erase the fantasy. Sarah sees her Labyrinth friends in her mirror, reminding her that imagination is not something to abandon, but something to balance with responsibility. She has grown up without losing herself.
This ending answers the film’s core questions:
- Can you grow up without losing wonder?
- Can fantasy exist without controlling your life?
The answer is a quiet, confident yes.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No. Labyrinth does not include any post-credits or mid-credits scenes. The story ends definitively within the film itself.
Type of Movie
Labyrinth is a dark fantasy adventure with strong fairy-tale roots, blending musical elements, surreal humor, and a psychological coming-of-age story aimed at both children and adults.
Cast
- David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King
- Jennifer Connelly as Sarah Williams
- Toby Froud as Toby
- Brian Henson as Hoggle
- Ron Mueck and David Shaughnessy as Ludo
- Denise Bryer as The Worm
Film Music and Composer
The original score was composed by Trevor Jones, while the film’s iconic songs were written and performed by David Bowie. Songs like “Magic Dance” and “As the World Falls Down” are integral to the story, not just background music.
Filming Locations
Most of Labyrinth was filmed at Elstree Studios in England, using elaborate practical sets rather than real-world locations. This was essential to maintaining the dreamlike, artificial quality of the Labyrinth.
The lack of real locations reinforces the idea that the Labyrinth exists primarily as a mental and emotional landscape, not a physical one.
Awards and Nominations
While Labyrinth did not win major awards upon release, it received nominations for:
- Best Visual Effects
- Best Fantasy Film (later retrospective awards)
Its real success came years later through cult recognition and critical reevaluation.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Jim Henson insisted on practical effects and puppets, limiting CGI to almost nothing.
- David Bowie designed much of Jareth’s character himself, including the iconic costume.
- Jennifer Connelly was only 14 during filming and had limited experience with puppetry-heavy sets.
- Toby was played by Jim Henson’s son, Brian Froud’s child designed many creatures.
Inspirations and References
- Traditional European fairy tales
- Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are
- Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
- Classical myths involving journeys into the underworld
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Early drafts featured a darker ending where Sarah permanently leaves childhood behind. This was abandoned in favor of a more hopeful conclusion that balanced maturity and imagination.
Several Labyrinth obstacles were also cut to improve pacing.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film was accompanied by a novelization, but the movie itself is an original story. Later comic adaptations expanded Jareth’s backstory, something the film intentionally leaves ambiguous.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The shifting wall maze near the entrance
- The ballroom dream sequence
- Ludo summoning the rocks
- Sarah’s final confrontation with Jareth
Iconic Quotes
- “It’s only forever. Not long at all.”
- “You remind me of the babe.”
- “You have no power over me.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The Labyrinth model in Sarah’s room exactly matches the real maze
- Characters from the maze appear as figurines in her bedroom
- The Junk Lady carries objects symbolizing forgotten childhood memories
- Jareth is often seen watching Sarah before she notices him
Trivia
- David Bowie performed many scenes backward and had the footage reversed
- Over 50 puppeteers worked on the film simultaneously
- Jim Henson considered this one of his most personal projects
- The owl that appears at the start is Jareth in disguise
Why Watch?
If you enjoy films that respect imagination while challenging emotional growth, Labyrinth offers something rare. It is whimsical, unsettling, funny, and deeply human. Few fantasy films trust their audience as much.
Director’s Other Works (Movies)
- The Dark Crystal (1982)
- The Muppet Movie (1979)
- The Great Muppet Caper (1981)
- The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Dark Crystal (1982)
- NeverEnding Story (1984)
- Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
- MirrorMask (2005)
- Coraline (2009)
