It's not even Halloween and yet it has already ended? Don’t worry this isn’t about the day of Halloween, but the film franchise of the same name. Since 1978 we’ve had 12, yes that’s 12, films all surrounding the story of Michael Meyers, the serial killer from Haddonfield who is notable for killing babysitters. Over the years the franchise has dipped and dipped, going into weird and silly territories, that was until 2018. The franchise was brought back to life with a “re-quel” (a reboot sequel) - see the latest Scream film for more of a description of what that means. Michael Meyers and Laurie Strode were back to scare audiences and it was a hit. This brings us to film number 13, unlucky for some but is it a bad omen for this film?
After the mediocre, in my opinion, at least, sequel last year with Halloween Kills we now have the conclusion to their story in this year's Halloween Ends, hence the title. So the question is, is it actually any good? The answer is a big resounding yes! Haddonfield has been at peace for around four years after the events of Halloween Kills until one night when a babysitter accidentally kills the boy he is looking after. This event brings Laurie Strode and Michael Meyers back together. To explain how or why would be spoiling the story.
The themes of evil, good and bad and of course legacy as well are all dominant throughout the film. The film explores the nature of evil, how one becomes evil and what the essence of evil is. It sounds very boring but trusts me it isn’t. The characters in this film all have flaws and everyone’s true colours come out in spectacular fashion. Due to this, it is much more psychological than previous films with Jamie Lee Curtis giving a performance where she is reflective and regretful all while she is still full of pain and anger, and she nails the role that she’s been a big part of her entire life. Returning as her granddaughter is Andi Matichak as Allyson who appears to be one of the main protagonists this time around. She is involved in a love story, but the events of the previous films still haunt her.
The story moves slowly and there isn’t a lot of Michael Meyers in this film, but his presence is felt when we’re re-introduced to him with some more blood-curdling kills and some goosebump-wrenching cinematography where he’s lurking in the shadows, almost like a predator waiting for his prey. He gets a satisfying conclusion as well which I won’t spoil here. By the climax of the film, you will feel like you’ve been on this journey for a lifetime, as easter eggs and callbacks bring back memories of previous entries. The final film in the series, it gives the franchise the proper send-off it really deserves.
★★★★☆
4/5
Halloween Kills wraps up a franchise that has been around for over 40 years, and it does so with the care and love that fans will enjoy. There are plenty of shocking deaths among some heavy character developments which balance out a story that reflects on the past and allows the characters to ponder their futures. Jamie Lee Curtis pulls in a strong performance as Laurie Strode, and her story finally reaches an end. But does she die or does she survive? Now that would be telling! There’s one thing for sure, this Halloween makes sure you lock your doors as you never know what or who is lurking in the shadows.
Thanks for reading today’s blog!
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
Comments