Halloween Kills: A Bloody but Uneven Return to Slasher Roots

The blood-slicked floors of Haddonfield Memorial Hospital glisten under the cold fluorescent lights as Jamie Lee Curtis‘s Laurie Strode fights for her life in “Halloween Kills,” a sequel that leans hard into the franchise’s slasher roots. Directed by David Gordon Green and co-written with Danny McBride and Scott Teems, this 2021 installment is a visceral, if somewhat uneven, return to the series’ gory beginnings.

At its core, “Halloween Kills” is about survival and collective vengeance. The film picks up moments after the events of the previous entry, with Laurie recovering from her brutal encounter with Michael Myers while inspiring her daughter Karen (Judy Greer), granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak), and the entire town of Haddonfield to rise up against the masked killer. This central premise sets a tone of desperate defiance, with the film’s opening scenes establishing a sense of urgency that permeates throughout.

What works exceptionally well in “Halloween Kills” is its commitment to authentic slasher aesthetics. The cinematography, handled by Michael Simmonds, is effective in creating an atmosphere of dread and chaos. The editing, overseen by Louie Carmichael Jr., keeps the pace relentless, never allowing the audience to catch their breath. The practical effects and prosthetics are particularly noteworthy, delivering gruesome kills that will satisfy even the most discerning horror fans.

John Carpenter‘s electrifying score, co-composed with his son Cody Carpenter and Daniel Davies, is another standout element. The music perfectly captures the film’s tone, blending nostalgia with fresh tension. The performances, particularly from Curtis, Greer, and Matichak, are fantastic. Curtis, in particular, delivers a powerhouse performance that anchors the film emotionally. Her portrayal of Laurie Strode is a blend of vulnerability and strength, making her character’s struggle all the more compelling.

Greer and Matichak also shine, their performances adding depth to the film’s emotional core. The chemistry between them is palpable, elevating the material beyond its genre tropes. Will Patton as Officer Hawkins and Thomas Mann as Young Hawkins provide solid support, with Patton bringing a grizzled intensity to his role.

However, the screenplay falters under the weight of its own ambition. The film suffers from being the second chapter in a trilogy, feeling more like a bridge than a standalone story. The plot is disjointed, with subplots and character arcs that don’t always gel. For instance, the mob scene, while intense, lacks the cohesion and tension of classic horror sequences. The direction, too, sometimes feels uncertain, struggling to balance the film’s various narrative threads.

The film’s pacing is another issue. “Halloween Kills” rushes from one set piece to the next, rarely allowing the audience to catch their breath. This relentless pace undermines the suspense and tension that are crucial to the horror genre. The film also struggles with its tone, oscillating between genuine scares and over-the-top gore.

That said, “Halloween Kills” has its moments. The film’s exploration of themes like survival and vengeance adds a layer of depth to the proceedings, even if it doesn’t always stick the landing. The mob scene, for all its flaws, is a visceral and chaotic spectacle that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

In comparison to other films in the franchise, “Halloween Kills” stands out for its brutality and intensity. However, it lacks the subtlety and psychological horror of John Carpenter’s original. It also pales in comparison to the likes of “Get Out” or “Hereditary,” which manage to balance genre tropes with deeper themes and more nuanced storytelling.

Ultimately, “Halloween Kills” is a film for hardcore horror fans. Those looking for a smart, well-crafted horror movie may be disappointed. The film’s strengths lie in its performances, score, and commitment to slasher aesthetics, but its weaknesses—disjointed plot, uncertain direction, and tone issues—hold it back from greatness.

“Halloween Kills” is not a perfect film, but it delivers what it promises: a gory, intense, and visceral horror experience. It’s a film that will satisfy fans of the genre who are looking for a good time at the movies.