13 Totally WTF Horror Movie Plot Twists

2. "Angela" Is Actually Peter (And The Killer) - Sleepaway Camp

High Tension
United Film Distribution

Could anything really take the #1 spot away from the infamous 1983 cult classic Sleepaway Camp? What would otherwise be a shameless Friday the 13th knockoff remains iconic today thanks to its mind-melting final killer reveal.

The big twist announces that the shy, unassuming Angela (Felissa Rose) is not only the killer but also actually a boy, standing up to reveal a male anatomy, genitals and all, to survivors Susie (Susan Glaze) and Ronnie (Paul DeAngelo).

Though an opening prologue suggests that Angela's brother Peter was killed in a speedboat accident when they were children, the twist reveals that Angela was actually the one who died, and the kids' deranged Aunt Martha (Desiree Gould) forced Peter to dress as a girl and assume Angela's identity.

While the twist leads to a rather troubling bout of trans representation by contemporary standards, as a piece of storytelling it has shocked audiences for decades if only for how wildly unexpected it was.

Plus, who will ever forget Angela/Peter holding their mouth wide open and growling like a bear in the film's final shot? Haunting.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.