Halloween Kills

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 15, 2021

Genre
Horror, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode
• Judy Greer as Karen Nelson
• Andi Matichak as Allyson Nelson
• James Jude Courtney as Michael Myers
• Will Patton as Deputy Frank Hawkins
• Anthony Michael Hall as Tommy Doyle
• Kyle Richards as Lindsey Wallace

Director
David Gordon Green

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Halloween (2018)
• Pineapple Express (2008)
• Joe (2013)
• Stronger (2017)

Producer
Malek Akkad, Jason Blum, Bill Block

Writer
David Gordon Green, Danny McBride, Scott Teems (based on characters created by John Carpenter and Debra Hill)

Budget
$20 million

Production Company
Blumhouse Productions, Miramax, Trancas International Films

Running Time
105 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for strong bloody violence throughout, grisly images, language, and some drug use)

Content Advisory

• Graphic violence and gore
• Intense and frightening scenes
• Strong language
• Brief drug use

Movie Story
Halloween Kills picks up immediately after the events of 2018’s Halloween, with Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), her daughter Karen (Judy Greer), and granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak) leaving Michael Myers to burn in Laurie’s basement. However, as firemen rush to the scene, Michael escapes, reigniting his killing spree in the town of Haddonfield. This time, the town is ready to fight back.

The film delves into the collective trauma of Haddonfield, showcasing how Michael’s return triggers memories of his previous rampages. The survivors of Michael’s past attacks, including Tommy Doyle (Anthony Michael Hall) and Lindsey Wallace (Kyle Richards), band together with other residents to hunt down Michael and put an end to his reign of terror once and for all.

As Michael continues his relentless massacre, Laurie, confined to a hospital bed after being severely injured in the previous movie, urges the town to unite against their common enemy. The film portrays the chaos and mob mentality that ensues as the townspeople seek vengeance, often with tragic and violent consequences.

The movie is filled with brutal kills and nods to the original Halloween films, making it a treat for long-time fans of the franchise. However, it also explores the psychological toll of Michael’s terror, not just on Laurie and her family, but on the entire town, which is driven to extreme and desperate measures.

Special Effects
The special effects in Halloween Kills are a significant part of its visceral impact. The film features some of the most brutal and creative kills in the franchise, with realistic gore and practical effects that enhance the horror. The makeup and prosthetics used to create Michael Myers’ gruesome attacks are particularly noteworthy, providing the film with a gritty and terrifying realism. The effects team expertly blends practical effects with subtle CGI to create seamless, shocking moments that will leave audiences cringing.

Box Office Performance
Halloween Kills performed well at the box office, grossing over $131 million worldwide despite being released simultaneously in theaters and on the Peacock streaming service. The film’s strong opening weekend demonstrated the enduring popularity of the Halloween franchise and the appeal of Michael Myers as a horror icon.

Filming Locations

• Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
• Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Evil dies tonight!” – Tommy Doyle
• “I always thought Michael Myers was flesh and blood, just like you and me. But a mortal man could not have survived what he’s lived through.” – Laurie Strode
• “Let it burn!” – Laurie Strode

Behind-the-Scenes

• The film includes several returning cast members from the original 1978 Halloween, including Kyle Richards and Nancy Stephens, adding a sense of continuity and nostalgia for fans.
• Director David Gordon Green intended for Halloween Kills to explore the trauma and consequences of Michael Myers’ actions on the community as a whole, rather than just focusing on Laurie Strode’s personal vendetta.
• The film features a significant amount of practical effects and makeup work, with the special effects team focusing on making each kill as realistic and shocking as possible.

Awards

• None, but received nominations for Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, including Best Supporting Actress (Judy Greer) and Best Makeup/Creature FX.

Final Verdict
Halloween Kills is a brutal and relentless installment in the Halloween franchise that will satisfy fans with its high body count, nods to the original films, and exploration of the collective trauma inflicted by Michael Myers. While it may not break new ground in terms of story, it effectively ramps up the tension and horror, setting the stage for the final chapter in the trilogy. With its mix of nostalgia, gore, and suspense, Halloween Kills is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts, though its intensity may not be for everyone.

IMDb Rating
5.5/10