In a neighborhood in Chicago, the urban legend of a sharp-clawed killer haunts the residents. Helen Lyle, a graduate student in anthropology, finds herself intrigued by the story surrounding this vengeful spirit that appears if its name is mentioned five times in a mirror. Driven by her desire to uncover the truth behind the myth, Helen begins to investigate further, diving into a world of terror that defies all logic.
Her search leads her to an impoverished area, where stories of pain and violence intertwine with the figure of this dark entity known as Candyman, a figure that comes from a horrific past. By gathering testimonies and exploring his impact on the community, Helen confronts not only the legend but also her own fears and traumas. As she delves deeper into her research, she starts experiencing strange and chilling phenomena that challenge her sanity.
The line between reality and fiction blurs when Candyman begins to manifest in her life, demanding a terrifying price for Helen's curiosity. Obsession turns to terror when she realizes that her connection to him is more personal than she ever imagined. In a haunting climax, her choices lead her to an inevitable confrontation with horror, revealing that sometimes, legends are more than just simple ghost stories.