Supernatural horror films, especially ones that focus on possession, are often dark in tone and focus heavily on the battle of good vs. evil. A great example of this can be seen in The Exorcist, a film about two priests facing off against a dangerous demon to save the soul of a small girl. However, while most of these stories continue to remain in a darker tone, Jennifer's Body breaks the mold by offering a dark comedy/horror film that introduces a type of demon that isn't explored much in cinema.
Most demonic horror films typically feature multiple demons, like in The Exorcism of Emily Rose. However, others have a more direct connection to the Devil, as evidenced by films like The Omen. Meanwhile, movies like The Exorcist give demons names, more agency and a place in a larger spiritual narrative, but what type of demon takes over Jennifer in Jennifer's Body?
What Is Jennifer’s Body About?
Jennifer's Body is told through flashbacks by Anita "Needy" Lesnicki, who was friends with Jennifer Check, a popular cheerleader who was close with Needy. After a spontaneous fire breaks out at a small concert the two were attending, Jennifer is taken by a band to a different location. The next time Needy sees her, Jennifer is covered in blood and tries to attack her. However, Jennifer eventually comes to her senses, but not long after, deaths begin to happen around their school.
Eventually, Needy learns that Jennifer is possessed and tries her best to eliminate the invading entity and save her friend. However, that proves to be more difficult as Jennifer has powers of her own and is nearly unstoppable. By the film's conclusion, Needy seemingly defeats Jennifer but is given powers herself, which she uses to get revenge on the band that changed her friend.
What Demon Possesses Megan Fox’s Jennifer?
As more men are found dead around Needy's school, she begins to research why Jennifer is acting so strange and concludes that a succubus has taken her over. These particular demons need to seduce men and feed on their flesh and soul to remain strong. This is why Jennifer is often shown feeding on men after she kills them. If she doesn't eat, she becomes weaker, making it easier for her to be killed. The ritual the band performs on her, which includes stabbing her in the stomach repeatedly, is also the cause for why the succubus now inhabits Jennifer's body.
Aside from these traits, she also has superhuman abilities that make her nearly impossible to kill at full strength. To match her elongated jaw and razor-sharp teeth, Jennifer also has superhuman strength and speed and can levitate. When used together, she becomes an animalistic predator who lures in unsuspecting victims and overpowers them to nourish herself. By focusing on a different type of demon, Jennifer's Body stands out as a demonic horror film that dared to be different while still being scary.