Child’s Play (1988) is a horror film directed by Tom Holland, which has become an iconic entry in the slasher genre. The film introduces one of horror’s most notorious characters: Chucky, a seemingly innocent doll possessed by the soul of a serial killer.

The story begins with Charles Lee Ray (played by Brad Dourif), a notorious criminal known as the “Lakeshore Strangler,” who is mortally wounded in a police chase. Using a voodoo ritual, Charles transfers his soul into a “Good Guy” doll to escape death. This doll, now inhabited by Charles’ spirit, ends up in the hands of a young boy named Andy Barclay (played by Alex Vincent), who receives it as a birthday gift from his mother, Karen (played by Catherine Hicks).

Soon after, strange and violent events begin to occur, and Andy insists that his new doll, Chucky, is responsible. At first, no one believes him, but as the bodies start to pile up, Karen and others begin to realize that the doll is indeed alive and dangerous. Chucky reveals his true nature, seeking to transfer his soul into Andy’s body to regain his humanity.

Child’s Play is known for its innovative premise and the terrifying concept of an innocent child’s toy turning into a murderous entity. The film blends suspense, dark humor, and horror, making Chucky a memorable and enduring figure in popular culture. Brad Dourif’s chilling voice performance as Chucky adds to the doll’s menacing presence.

The success of Child’s Play spawned a long-running franchise, including multiple sequels, a television series, and a 2019 reboot. The original film remains a classic, celebrated for its originality and its ability to instill fear through an everyday object turned sinister.