Halloween Ends (2022) Movie Review: A Final Showdown in the Horror Franchise
Halloween Ends (2022) is the long-awaited conclusion to David Gordon Green’s modern Halloween trilogy, which began with Halloween (2018) and continued with Halloween Kills (2021). The film marks the definitive end of the long-running battle between Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and the masked killer Michael Myers. Fans of the franchise had been eager to see how the final chapter would tie up decades of terror, and whether or not Michael Myers’ reign of terror would come to a true end. In this review, we’ll dive into the plot, performances, and what worked—and didn’t work—in the franchise’s conclusion, as well as where to stream Halloween Ends online.
Plot Summary: The Final Showdown Between Laurie and Michael Myers
Halloween Ends picks up four years after the events of Halloween Kills, in which Michael Myers had unleashed a brutal wave of violence on the town of Haddonfield. Laurie Strode, now living with her granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak), is trying to move forward with her life. Michael has disappeared, and for a while, it seems that the nightmare might be over. Laurie has started writing a memoir, trying to exorcise the demons of her past and come to terms with the trauma she has endured for over four decades.
However, the evil that lurks in Haddonfield isn’t gone for good. The plot introduces a new character, Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell), whose life changes drastically after being accused of accidentally killing a child he was babysitting. As the town turns on him, Corey finds himself drawn to darkness, and it is through him that the threat of Michael Myers re-emerges. This sets the stage for the climactic final battle between Laurie and Michael.
Laurie Strode: A Battle-Hardened Survivor
At the heart of Halloween Ends is Jamie Lee Curtis’s portrayal of Laurie Strode. For fans of the franchise, her character has always been a symbol of survival, strength, and resilience. In this film, Laurie is trying to reclaim a sense of normalcy after decades of living in fear and rage. Curtis’s performance, as always, grounds the film with emotional weight. Laurie’s arc from a traumatized woman seeking revenge to someone hoping for peace is central to the story.
However, Halloween Ends tries to explore a more philosophical theme about the nature of evil—how trauma can affect not just individuals but entire communities. While Laurie is the focus of the movie’s marketing, much of the runtime is devoted to Corey’s storyline, which introduces new dynamics into the ongoing battle with Michael Myers.
Michael Myers: The Return of the Boogeyman
Michael Myers, the embodiment of pure evil, remains as terrifying and brutal as ever in Halloween Ends. While his screen time is somewhat reduced compared to previous installments, his presence is felt throughout the film. His near-supernatural resilience continues to be a focal point, and his looming return serves as the catalyst for the movie’s events.
The final confrontation between Laurie and Michael, long anticipated by fans, is intense and visceral. It offers a cathartic moment for viewers who have followed their battle for decades, even if the journey leading to that moment takes some unexpected detours.
Corey Cunningham: A New Approach to Evil
One of the most divisive elements of Halloween Ends is the introduction of Corey Cunningham, a character whose storyline dominates much of the film. Corey’s descent into darkness after being scapegoated by the town adds a new dimension to the movie’s exploration of how evil can spread and mutate. His connection to Michael Myers hints at the idea that evil is not just a singular force embodied by one person but something that can infect others.
Some fans and critics found this shift in focus frustrating, as it takes time away from the iconic showdown between Laurie and Michael, which has been building for years. Others appreciated the film’s attempt to add complexity and broaden the themes of the franchise. Regardless, Corey’s storyline adds a fresh, if controversial, twist to the familiar formula.
Direction and Tone: David Gordon Green’s Bold Choices
David Gordon Green, who directed the entire modern Halloween trilogy, took some bold creative risks with Halloween Ends. While the previous two films, Halloween (2018) and Halloween Kills (2021), leaned heavily into brutal slasher action, this final installment is more introspective. It examines how trauma, fear, and evil can shape not only individuals but entire communities.
The pacing of the film is slower, and there is more focus on character development, particularly with Corey and Laurie. For some fans, this shift in tone feels like a departure from the relentless horror of the previous films, while others appreciated the psychological depth that the movie tries to achieve. It’s a more meditative film in parts, but the violent, bloody finale serves as a reminder that Halloween Ends is still very much a horror movie at heart.
Critical Reception: Mixed Reactions from Fans and Critics
Halloween Ends has been one of the most polarizing entries in the franchise. Some critics praised the film for its bold narrative choices and willingness to take risks, especially in introducing Corey as a new focal point. Others felt that the movie strayed too far from the central conflict between Laurie and Michael, leaving longtime fans disappointed.
The final showdown between Laurie and Michael has been widely praised as a satisfying conclusion to their decades-long battle. However, the film’s attempt to introduce new characters and themes so late in the trilogy felt jarring to many viewers.
Ultimately, whether you enjoy Halloween Ends may depend on your expectations. If you’re looking for a film that wraps up Laurie and Michael’s story with intensity and bloodshed, you’ll likely be pleased. But if you’re hoping for a more straightforward slasher film, the introduction of Corey’s character and the film’s thematic explorations may leave you wanting more.
Where to Watch Halloween Ends Online in 2024
If you’re ready to experience the final chapter in the Halloween saga, here are the best ways to stream Halloween Ends online in 2024:
1. Streaming Services: Subscription-Based Platforms
- Peacock: Halloween Ends had its initial release on Peacock, and it remains available for streaming on the platform. Peacock offers a variety of subscription options, including a free tier with ads and a premium tier for an ad-free experience.
- Amazon Prime Video: The movie may also be available for purchase or rent on Amazon Prime Video, depending on your region. This is a great option for those who want to own a digital copy or stream it through their Prime membership.
- Hulu: While not available at the time of release, Halloween Ends could potentially rotate onto Hulu, especially if bundled with the platform’s premium movie selection.
2. Rental and Purchase Options
- Google Play Movies & TV: You can rent or purchase Halloween Ends through Google Play, allowing you to stream it on a variety of devices.
- Apple iTunes: iTunes offers both rental and purchase options for Halloween Ends, making it easy to watch on your Apple devices.
- Vudu: Vudu provides both rental and purchase options for this horror flick, often available in both HD and 4K.
- YouTube Movies: You can rent or buy Halloween Ends directly on YouTube, which is convenient for those who prefer to stream via YouTube’s platform.
Conclusion: A Controversial but Fitting End to the Halloween Franchise
Halloween Ends (2022) is a divisive but bold conclusion to the long-running Halloween saga. With its focus on themes of trauma, evil, and the impact of violence on a community, the movie attempts to offer something more complex than a simple slasher film. The performances, particularly by Jamie Lee Curtis and Rohan Campbell, are strong, and the final showdown between Laurie Strode and Michael Myers provides the closure that fans have been waiting for.
If you’re a fan of the franchise, Halloween Ends is a must-watch, even if it doesn’t deliver exactly what you might expect. And with its availability on multiple streaming platforms, you can easily find a way to watch this final chapter of horror unfold in 2024.
