The Controversial Conclusion of 'Halloween Ends' Unveiled: A Tale of Masks and Monsters
In the world of horror, few franchises have sparked as much debate as the 'Halloween' series. While 'Halloween III: Season of the Witch' was once the black sheep, 'Halloween Ends' has now taken the crown for most controversial. Released in 2022, this film aimed to bring closure to the epic battle between Laurie Strode and Michael Myers, a conflict that began in 1978 with John Carpenter's iconic slasher. But did it deliver on its promise?
'Halloween Ends' concludes with Laurie finally vanquishing Michael, an act she's repeated a few times, but this time with a twist. She feeds his body into an industrial shredder, watched by the solemn residents of Haddonfield. It's a hopeful ending, suggesting Laurie can finally find peace. Or so we thought.
But here's where it gets intriguing... The original ending of 'Halloween Ends', initially titled 'Halloween Dies', took a different path. As Jamie Lee Curtis reveals in 'Horror's New Wave: 15 Years of Blumhouse', one ending led us inside a mask factory, a powerful metaphor for the monster within us all.
"The original scene was set in a mask factory," Curtis explains. "It showed a conveyor belt of Michael Myers masks being made, suggesting that we're all monsters if we put on the mask. It was an intellectual take, but perhaps too ambitious for the finale."
Another ending explored a transfer of evil, where Laurie becomes Michael in that moment of triumph. She must then isolate herself, carrying a piece of Michael within her. Curtis believes this ending was "too dark and profound" to satisfy the audience's expectations after four decades.
Instead, the film opted for a procession, with Haddonfield bearing witness to Michael's end, followed by a hopeful scene between Laurie and Frank on Laurie's porch. Curtis wanted to give Laurie a chance at life, a ray of hope after so much darkness.
And then, just when we thought it was over, 'The Shape' makes a final appearance. The last shot shows a Michael Myers mask on Laurie's coffee table, a haunting reminder of her personal demon.
"There's an intentional ambiguity there," Curtis explains. "It has a similar effect to the mask factory idea, leaving the audience to interpret the meaning."
So, was this a nod to the Silver Shamrock masks from 'Halloween III'? A subtle connection to David Gordon Green's trilogy? You decide.
What are your thoughts on these alternate endings? Do they add a new layer of depth to the film, or do they take away from the impact of the final cut? Let us know in the comments!
