Halloween Kills is the long-awaited sequel to David Gordon Green’s 2018 Halloween. Premiering at Venice Film Festival last night, Green has returned with writing partner Danny McBride as well as newcomer Scott Teems (Jeff Fradley co-wrote the 2018 instalment with the pair). Also returning are Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer and Andi Matichak as the three generations of women from the Strode family, forever changed by what took place on the infamous Halloween night in 1978.
The film manages to successfully pick up not just from where the 2018 film left us, but also the ending of the 1978 film, giving us a wider look at how Michael’s infamous return home affected not just Laurie and her friends, but others in the town. It’s a direct sequel to the 2018 adventure and whilst it is easy enough to pick up the plot points, I would recommend re-watching the 2018 film before seeing this one.
While Halloween (2018) focussed on the PTSD faced by Laurie over the 40 years since her attack, Halloween Kills pulls the focus out, leading to a more ensemble-based film and the welcome return of Tommy and Lindsey from the 1978 instalment. Curtis still appears as Strode, but as the film takes place on the same night as the last film, she is confined to a hospital for the majority of the runtime. Greer and Matichak easily slip back into their roles of her daughter and granddaughter, forever changed by the events they have witnessed. Greer in particular gives a powerful performance and it’s nice to see her more front and centre for a change.
Green starts as he means to go on with the chaotic and over the top kills, following on from his previous film. More playful this time, similar to the Michael we saw in 1978, expect over the top and ridiculous moments that still maintain their gore and jumps throughout. Through these many kills (and there are a lot, Mr Myers is not playing around) we get a wide ensemble cast and some brilliant vignettes of the residents of Haddonfield. Big John and Little John remain a favourite for this viewer, and I hope for any future watchers out there.
Halloween Kills is chaotic, ridiculous, incredibly over the top but completely self-aware and thrilling. For fans of the franchise, especially the 2018 film, this should be another fun bite of the pumpkin.
Halloween Kills will be released in UK cinemas from October 15th
8.6
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Ex film teacher and frequent couch potato. I try and see at least one new release a week, but I’ve somehow got to 30 without having seen The Godfather?
Great review, thanks for sharing!