Halloween Ends (2022) – A Final Reckoning with Michael Myers and Laurie Strode

Halloween Ends (2022) is the highly anticipated conclusion to the Halloween trilogy that began in 2018 with Halloween and continued with Halloween Kills (2021). Directed by David Gordon Green, this final chapter promises to wrap up the long-running battle between the iconic slasher villain Michael Myers and his mortal enemy, Laurie Strode. However, Halloween Ends takes a bold departure from the traditional Halloween formula, subverting expectations and exploring new narrative territory.

In this review, we’ll dive into the plot, characters, themes, and the reception of Halloween Ends, analyzing how this final installment delivers both a satisfying conclusion for long-time fans and a fresh take on the legendary slasher franchise. Whether you’re a die-hard Halloween fan or a newcomer to the series, Halloween Ends offers a dramatic and thought-provoking end to the saga.

Plot Summary – A Dark New Direction

Halloween Ends picks up four years after the events of Halloween Kills (2021). Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) is attempting to rebuild her life and find peace after the traumatic events of her past. She now lives with her granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak) and has written a memoir about her experiences with Michael Myers. Laurie is trying to move forward, but the shadow of Michael Myers looms large.

Meanwhile, Michael Myers, once thought to have been defeated, is nowhere to be found. His last known appearance was at the end of Halloween Kills, where he brutally slaughtered several people in Haddonfield. As the town tries to heal, a new character, Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell), enters the scene. Corey is a troubled young man who becomes involved with Allyson, but his life takes a dark turn as he becomes entangled in the evil that once possessed Michael Myers.

The central plot of Halloween Ends revolves around the growing tension between Laurie and Michael, but the film also explores how trauma, evil, and the influence of past violence can shape the lives of those who survive it. Corey’s descent into darkness becomes a key plot point, as he becomes a potential successor to Michael Myers’ evil, challenging the audience’s expectations of what the Halloween franchise has always represented.

The film builds toward a climactic confrontation between Laurie and Michael, but Halloween Ends ultimately challenges the nature of evil and how it perpetuates across generations. It’s not just a simple slasher film—Halloween Ends tries to provide a thematic conclusion, focusing on cycles of violence and the question of whether evil can truly be defeated or whether it always finds a way to continue.

Character Analysis – Laurie, Michael, and the Legacy of Evil

• Laurie Strode: Jamie Lee Curtis returns as Laurie Strode, the ultimate survivor of the Halloween series. In Halloween Ends, Laurie has evolved into a more reflective and somewhat reconciled character. The film allows Laurie to experience a different side of her personality—one that is no longer consumed by fear and rage. She is attempting to heal from her past trauma and has a closer, more loving relationship with her granddaughter Allyson. However, Laurie can’t escape the past, and Halloween Ends forces her to confront it one last time. Curtis delivers a performance that’s both cathartic and poignant, allowing Laurie to finally come to terms with her role as the eternal fighter against Michael Myers.

• Michael Myers: Michael, the masked killer, has always been the embodiment of evil in the Halloween series, an unstoppable force that leaves a trail of carnage in his wake. In Halloween Ends, his presence is more subdued, as the film explores the aftermath of his previous killings. However, the myth of Michael Myers still looms over Haddonfield, and his return is inevitable. While his role in the narrative is less central than expected, Halloween Ends examines the idea of what happens to a killer like Michael Myers when there is no one left to chase—his very existence becomes a symbol of the past that refuses to die.

• Corey Cunningham: A new character introduced in Halloween Ends, Corey Cunningham represents the idea of how evil can influence the next generation. Corey is initially a sympathetic character, a young man who accidentally caused the death of a child while babysitting, leading to his ostracization from the town. His emotional scars make him vulnerable to manipulation by Michael Myers, and his descent into darkness becomes one of the most intriguing aspects of the film. Corey’s relationship with Allyson provides a new dynamic, but as he becomes more consumed by evil, it mirrors Michael’s own journey in the earlier films. Corey’s transformation into a potential heir to Michael’s legacy challenges the idea of evil as something that is passed down or inherited.

• Allyson: Allyson, Laurie’s granddaughter, has been a central character in the previous installments, and in Halloween Ends, she is trying to find peace after the trauma of losing her family and friends. Her romantic involvement with Corey adds a layer of complexity to her character, as she becomes torn between her desire for normalcy and the violent chaos that haunts her family. Allyson’s role in the film is crucial, as she navigates her own trauma and comes to terms with the lingering threat of Michael Myers.

Themes – Trauma, Legacy, and the Nature of Evil

One of the most significant shifts in Halloween Ends is its thematic focus on trauma, the legacy of evil, and the psychological toll that violence takes on a community. The film attempts to explore the deeper psychological and emotional consequences of Michael Myers’ reign of terror on Haddonfield. Laurie’s character arc in particular reflects the struggle to overcome past trauma and break free from the cycle of violence.

• Trauma and Healing: Laurie’s journey in Halloween Ends represents an effort to heal and move forward from the devastation that Michael Myers caused in her life. However, the film acknowledges that trauma is not something that can be easily overcome, and Laurie’s attempt at peace is constantly threatened by the ghost of her past. The movie presents the idea that, while individuals can heal, the scars of violence and terror leave permanent marks on communities and families.

• The Legacy of Evil: One of the most compelling aspects of Halloween Ends is its exploration of how evil can be passed down or perpetuated. Corey’s transformation into a new form of evil suggests that Michael’s influence extends beyond his own actions. This raises important questions about the nature of evil—whether it’s a force that can be eradicated or whether it continues to infect and shape future generations.

• The Cycle of Violence: Halloween Ends is also a meditation on the cyclical nature of violence. The film suggests that while Michael Myers may have terrorized Haddonfield for decades, his evil is not an isolated event. Rather, it’s something that continues to affect the town long after the killer is gone. The film hints that violence and evil have a long-lasting effect on a community, and while people can try to move on, the scars of the past never truly fade.

Visuals and Direction – A Grimmer, More Reflective Tone

David Gordon Green’s direction in Halloween Ends takes a more subdued and reflective approach compared to the previous installments. While the film still contains its fair share of brutal violence and slasher moments, the tone is more contemplative, with longer moments of silence and introspection. The visuals reflect this darker, more somber mood, with dimly lit scenes and muted colors that evoke a sense of decay and loss.

The film’s pacing is slower, allowing for more character development and exploration of its themes. The violence, when it comes, is brutal and shocking, but it’s also less frequent than in the previous films, creating a sense of dread as the audience anticipates the final showdown between Laurie and Michael.

Conclusion – A Bold, Yet Divisive End to the Saga

Halloween Ends (2022) offers a bold and unconventional conclusion to the legendary Halloween franchise. The film’s departure from traditional slasher tropes and its focus on trauma, legacy, and the nature of evil make it a unique installment in the series. While some fans may feel disappointed by the shift in tone and the lesser focus on Michael Myers, others will appreciate the emotional depth and thematic exploration that Halloween Ends brings to the table.

Ultimately, Halloween Ends attempts to deliver a satisfying conclusion for Laurie Strode, Michael Myers, and the entire Halloween saga, though its darker, more introspective approach may not be for everyone. For those looking for a thoughtful, psychological ending to the long-running franchise, Halloween Ends delivers a fitting if controversial conclusion to the story of Michael Myers and his victims.