Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has enough of a new story to entice the next generation of comedy-horror aficionados, all while satisfying the fervent fans of Burton’s original with jump scares, a chemical-guzzling zombie Danny Devito and the inappropriate behaviour of both living and dead men (see: Rory’s ill-timed wedding proposal at Lydia’s dad’s funeral).

These threads culminate in a wonderfully wacky, though slightly rushed, final act at the altar. But it’s O’Hara’s performance as eccentric artist and grieving widow Delia that leaves a lasting impression.

As the less seasoned family member when it comes to encounters with gruesome spirits, Delia offers the film a fresh slice of honesty and hysterical living energy. And O’Hara lands laugh after laugh along the way (which isn’t surprising if you’re familiar with her dryly hilarious performance as a woman in a near-permanent state of despair on Schitt’s Creek).

From shrouding the family home in a black veil of mourning to inviting her family to participate in a visual exploration of grief through guttural screams and performing rituals at Charles’ graveside, Delia’s dramatics are endearingly self-indulgent.

She has moved beyond the traumatic events of the first film to sustain an energetic spirit that lightens the load of the heavier aspects of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, as Lydia remains haunted by her psychic abilities and the predatory demon that defined her teen years.

A humorous twist of fate lands Delia in the great beyond too, which is only the more delightful as she protests to anyone who will listen: “I’m not supposed to be here!”

In the end, the Deetz women are the true heart of this film, as they navigate the nuances of two generations of mother-daughter dynamics, all while tackling paranormal predators and a gaslighting new boyfriend – yes, we’re looking at you, Rory.

This juice won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it’s worth a watch for these three women alone.

Beetlejuice is in cinemas from 6 September

Images: Warner Brothers

“Why Catherine O’Hara is the life and soul of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”