Review of Halloween Ends (2022)

General Information

• Director: David Gordon Green
• Main Cast:
  • Jamie Lee Curtis (Laurie Strode)
  • Andi Matichak (Allyson Nelson)
  • James Jude Courtney (Michael Myers)
  • Rohan Campbell (Corey Cunningham)
  • Will Patton (Officer Frank Hawkins)
• Genre: Horror, Thriller
• Runtime: 111 minutes

Plot

Halloween Ends serves as the final chapter of the Halloween trilogy that began with Halloween (2018) and continued with Halloween Kills (2021). The film picks up a few years after the events of the previous movie, where Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) has come to terms with the aftermath of her violent encounters with Michael Myers. Living with her granddaughter Allyson, Laurie is working on writing her memoir and moving forward with her life.

However, the peace is disrupted when a new figure emerges—Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell), a troubled young man who becomes involved in a series of brutal killings after a tragic incident. As Laurie tries to protect her family, Michael Myers makes his inevitable return, leading to a final showdown between him and Laurie that will decide the fate of Haddonfield once and for all.

Highlights

1. Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode
   • Jamie Lee Curtis delivers a powerful and poignant performance as Laurie Strode, who has evolved from a traumatized survivor to a woman seeking closure. Her character has a deeper emotional arc in Halloween Ends, as she grapples with the past while attempting to break free from its grip. Curtis’ portrayal of Laurie offers both strength and vulnerability, adding a layer of depth to the character’s final journey.
2. James Jude Courtney as Michael Myers
   • James Jude Courtney returns as Michael Myers, maintaining his presence as a chilling and methodical killer. In Halloween Ends, Michael’s role is somewhat diminished compared to earlier films in the trilogy, as the story shifts focus, but when he does appear, his eerie and relentless nature is felt, keeping the tension high.
3. Thematic Depth
   • Halloween Ends attempts to explore more than just the horror genre, diving into themes of trauma, guilt, and the impact of violence on individuals and communities. Laurie’s personal growth, as well as the generational trauma experienced by Allyson and the people of Haddonfield, adds emotional weight to the narrative. This thematic shift offers something deeper than typical slasher fare, though it may not resonate with all fans of the series.
4. Corey Cunningham’s Character
   • Rohan Campbell’s portrayal of Corey Cunningham introduces a fresh and intriguing angle to the Halloween mythology. Corey’s descent into violence and the influence of Michael Myers on him add a layer of unpredictability to the story. His character serves as both a reflection of the town’s horrors and a counterpoint to Laurie’s journey.
5. Conclusion and Closure
   • Halloween Ends seeks to provide closure to the long-running saga of Michael Myers and Laurie Strode. While not all fans will agree with the choices made in the film’s conclusion, the final confrontation between Laurie and Michael is intense and emotionally charged, offering a fitting end to their story.

Criticisms

1. Pacing and Focus
   • One of the main criticisms of Halloween Ends is its pacing and narrative focus. The film deviates significantly from the slasher formula that fans of the franchise expect, choosing instead to explore more psychological and emotional elements. While this adds depth to the story, it also results in a slower build-up, especially in the first half, which may feel disconnected from the high-energy kills fans are accustomed to in the Halloween series.
2. Underutilization of Michael Myers
   • While Michael Myers remains a central figure in Halloween Ends, his screen time is less than what fans may have anticipated. The film introduces Corey as a co-lead, shifting the focus away from the iconic villain. This decision may alienate some viewers who were hoping for a more traditional showdown between Laurie and Michael throughout the film.
3. Tonally Disjointed
   • The tonal shift in Halloween Ends may be jarring for some viewers. The film’s exploration of trauma, mental health, and the consequences of violence, though commendable, often clashes with the expectations set by the earlier films in the trilogy, leading to a less cohesive experience for those expecting a more straightforward slasher finale.

Verdict

Halloween Ends offers a more contemplative and character-driven conclusion to the Halloween trilogy, focusing on themes of trauma and redemption. While Jamie Lee Curtis gives a strong and emotional performance, and Rohan Campbell’s Corey adds an interesting new dynamic, the film’s pacing, underuse of Michael Myers, and tonal shifts may leave some fans feeling disappointed. It’s a bold, if divisive, attempt to give the saga a meaningful conclusion, but it may not satisfy those looking for a more traditional Halloween slasher film.

Rating: 8.5/10