The Undecided Fate of Chris Higginbottom in Friday the 13th Part 3

At the conclusion of Friday the 13th Part 3, Chris Higginbottom, portrayed by Dana Kimmell, faces off against Jason Voorhees in a climactic showdown. Despite a series of terrifying encounters, Chris manages to fight back against Jason. In a pivotal moment, she drops him and stabs him with a pitchfork. However, the film ends with a twist as Chris has a nightmarish vision of Jason rising again, leaving the audience uncertain about her fate.

This ambiguous ending reinforces the franchise's theme of Jason's relentless nature and sets the stage for future installments. It also raises questions about the intentions behind the filmmakers' decision to include a second ending in the film.

The Original Ending: A More Depressing Vision

According to Steve Miner, the original ending of Friday the 13th Part 3 was deemed too depressing. The original ending, which was filmed before the ambiguous ending, depicted Chris dreaming that she returns to Higgins Haven, where Jason steps out of the front door and cuts her head off. The film then cuts to Chris being led out of the house, followed by an empty bar where Jason's body is missing.

While the original ending provides a more chilling conclusion, fans and critics alike have criticized the second ending. Here are some reasons why the second ending, featuring Mrs. Voorhees, makes no sense:

The ending with Mrs. Voorhees makes zero sense, particularly as it contradicts her husband's earlier demise. The scene where Chris is seen leaving the house in a canoe is nonsensical, as it conflicts with the previous sequence. The casual demeanor of the police officers while standing around a body that should be a priority makes no logical sense. Lack of indication that Jason is alive or in a vulnerable state, as the body is shown to be lifeless and ignored.

Chris's Survival: A Nightmarish Journey

After surviving the harrowing night at Higgins Haven, Chris delivers what she believes to be the killing blow to Jason Voorhees. She then escapes to a nearby canoe and falls asleep while drifting across Crystal Lake. During her sleep, she experiences two hallucinations. The first involves a fully alive Jason spotting her from a nearby house window, causing her to panic as she tries to speed up the canoe.

The second hallucination features a decayed Pamela Voorhees jumping out of the water and grabbing Chris. This scene is particularly nonsensical, as Chris has no knowledge of Pamela Voorhees or the proper events surrounding Jason's origin.

The Aftermath: A Psychologically Damaged Survivor

The final scene shows a nearly catatonic Chris being led by local law enforcement officers into a squad car. She begins screaming in abject terror, which is then replaced by a maniacal laugh, indicating psychological damage from her ordeal. Tragically, many filmmakers and critics suggest that Chris was likely institutionalized as a result of her trauma.

The enigmatic conclusion of Friday the 13th Part 3 has left a lasting impact on fans and critics, making it a pivotal moment in the genre. Whether this ambiguity was intentional or a result of production changes, it remains a fascinating aspect of the film's legacy.