Movie Review: Halloween Ends (2022)
Synopsis
“Halloween Ends,” the conclusion to the modern iteration of the Halloween franchise, picks up four years after the harrowing events of “Halloween Kills.” The town of Haddonfield is struggling to reclaim its sense of normalcy, but the shadow of Michael Myers still looms large. Laurie Strode, portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis, is attempting to move on with her life, seeking closure and peace in the aftermath of her perpetual battle with the masked psychopath.
The film primarily follows a new character, Corey Cunningham, played by Rohan Campbell, who inadvertently becomes embroiled in the terrifying legacy of Michael Myers. After a tragic incident that shattered his life, Corey finds himself an outsider in his own town. He becomes the target of bullying, leading him down a dark path that intersects with Laurie and her granddaughter, Allyson (Andi Matichak), who is trying to navigate her grief and forge a new identity.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that Michael’s influence is insidious and pervasive, infecting the very soul of Haddonfield and its residents. The film explores themes of trauma, fear, and the cycle of violence, leading to an inevitable confrontation between Laurie and the embodiment of evil that has haunted her family for decades. With an atmosphere steeped in dread and a psychological undercurrent, “Halloween Ends” seeks to not only conclude the story of Michael Myers and Laurie Strode but also provide a chilling commentary on the shape of fear in society.
Cast and Characters
- Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode
- Andi Matichak as Allyson Nelson
- Rohan Campbell as Corey Cunningham
- Will Patton as Officer Frank Hawkins
- Kyle Richards as Lindsey Wallace
- Judy Greer as Karen Nelson
- Nick Castle as The Shape (Michael Myers)
- James Jude Courtney as The Shape (Michael Myers)
- Omar J. Dorsey as Sheriff Barker
- Vanessa Estelle Williams as Dr. Marion Chambers
Review
“Halloween Ends” is a film heavily laden with expectations, both as a finale to a storied franchise and as a continuation of the character arcs developed over the past several films. Directed by David Gordon Green and co-written with Danny McBride, the film endeavours to elevate the horror genre into a space where it can serve as a social commentary while simultaneously thrilling the audience with its scares and bloodshed.
From the outset, the decision to shift focus towards Corey Cunningham—a character who initially seems to be an extension of Laurie Strode’s traumatic legacy—proves both ambitious and polarising. Rohan Campbell’s portrayal of Corey offers a fresh, albeit tragic, perspective on the ramifications of Michael Myers’ influence on Haddonfield’s inhabitants. His slow descent into darkness serves not only as a haunting allegory about the nature of evil but also as a natural evolution of the narrative which, in its early moments, focuses heavily on the idea of trauma and its aftermath.
The film’s ambition becomes its double-edged sword. “Halloween Ends” oscillates between being a personal character study and a traditional slasher flick, creating a somewhat disjointed narrative that may frustrate long-time fans seeking a straightforward confrontation between Laurie and Michael. Instead, “Halloween Ends” challenges viewers to reflect on how fear can corrupt and transform individuals and communities. Corey’s journey is reflective of this theme; his evolution into a vessel of violence is unsettling yet poignantly resonant, highlighting how trauma can perpetuate a cycle of violence.
However, where the film shines is in the performances of its leads. Jamie Lee Curtis once again imbues Laurie Strode with a depth that transcends the typical survivor trope. She is a woman grappling with her past, aspiring for a sense of normalcy while still haunted by the ghost of Michael Myers. Curtis has mastered the ability to convey a myriad of emotions with subtlety, lending a gravitas to the film that may not be present in its overall narrative structure.
Andi Matichak also delivers a commendable performance as Allyson. As a young woman navigating her grief and trauma, Allyson serves as the conduit through which the audience experiences the generational trauma that the Strode family has endured. Her relationship with Corey further complicates the narrative, as it becomes a love story marred by darkness—a relationship that ultimately leads to unexpected and harrowing consequences.
In terms of horror, “Halloween Ends” plays with tension and suspense rather than relying solely on jump scares, a strategy that pays off in creating a pervasive sense of dread. The cinematography by Michael Simmonds is arresting at times, encapsulating the bleak atmosphere of Haddonfield with a compelling visual style. The use of lighting and shadow breathes life into some of the more intense sequences, crafting moments of horror that linger in the mind long after the film has concluded.
That said, the pacing of “Halloween Ends” may prove to be a stumbling block for some viewers. The film takes its time to develop its themes and characters, occasionally losing the momentum expected in a franchise finale. While the emotional depth is appreciated, it can lead to stretches of the film feeling meandering, especially for viewers hoping for a more action-driven climax.
The climactic confrontation holds the promise of the culmination of years of storytelling. However, it is met with mixed reactions. While some may appreciate the thematic complexity and resolution provided in Laurie and Michael’s final battle, others might find it to be an unsatisfactory ending to a saga that has captivated audiences for decades. The film wrestles with what it means to confront one’s demons—literally and metaphorically—with an ending that invites introspection but may leave some franchise veterans feeling bereft.
Ultimately, “Halloween Ends” embodies a mixed bag of creative choices. It strives for a deeper significance, attempting to redefine the legacy of horror villains and the myth of Michael Myers as more than just a masked killer. The film’s ambition to tackle issues of trauma, isolation, and community resonates but does so at the expense of pacing and coherence at times.
As the credits roll, the audience is left with a sense of bittersweet closure, reflecting on the nature of evil and the scars it leaves on those it touches. It’s a contemplative end to a franchise that has, for better or worse, defined a genre and influenced countless filmmakers. “Halloween Ends” is a challenging film to categorise; it’s not simply a horror film meant for thrill-seekers. Instead, it’s an exploration of what it means to confront fear and the societal impacts of violence.
In conclusion, “Halloween Ends” is a bold attempt to provide a multifaceted end to a beloved franchise, eliciting both admiration and critique. Its exploration of trauma through complex characters and psychological horror elevates it beyond mere slasher film conventions. Yet, its pacing and narrative execution may alienate some die-hard fans.
Score: 7/10
“Halloween Ends” is a thought-provoking experience that ultimately strives for depth over sheer horror, presenting a bittersweet and ambiguous finale to a storied legacy. It is a film that lingers in the mind long after viewing, forcing us to consider the nuanced nature of evil and the indelible marks it leaves on humanity.
