Halloween Ends (2021) Ending Explained
TL;DR: Halloween Ends concludes the decades-long battle between Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Michael Myers, but with a twist. The film shifts focus to Corey Cunningham, a new character whose trauma transforms him into a copycat killer under Michael's influence. After Corey's death, Laurie finally defeats Michael in a brutal final confrontation, decapitating him and seemingly ending his reign of terror. The film closes with Laurie burning Michael's body, symbolizing her reclaiming her life. However, ambiguity lingers about whether evil is truly gone or simply dormant, leaving room for interpretation.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Halloween Ends is a culmination of Laurie Strode's 45-year struggle against Michael Myers. Unlike previous films, this installment introduces Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell), a troubled young man who becomes entangled in Michael's evil. After being falsely accused of murder and ostracized by Haddonfield, Corey discovers a weakened Michael hiding in the sewers. Instead of killing him, Corey forms a dark bond with the Shape, inheriting his violent tendencies. This dynamic shifts the film's focus from Laurie vs. Michael to a generational passing of evil - Corey becomes a new vessel for Haddonfield's cycle of violence.
The final act sees Corey's descent into madness as he begins killing, mirroring Michael's brutality. When Laurie's granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak) becomes romantically involved with Corey, Laurie recognizes the danger. In a climactic showdown, Corey attacks Laurie but is ultimately killed by Allyson. This moment forces Laurie to confront the reality that evil doesn't die-it merely changes form. Realizing she must end things once and for all, Laurie lures Michael to her home for a final battle.
The confrontation between Laurie and Michael is visceral and symbolic. Unlike Halloween (2018), where Laurie was a hardened survivalist, this version of Laurie has found some semblance of peace-only to be pulled back into the fight. She defeats Michael by impaling him, decapitating him with his own knife, and dragging his body to a junkyard car crusher. The act of destroying his body mirrors her emotional triumph over fear. The final shot of Laurie burning Michael's remains while Allyson watches suggests closure, yet the film's eerie score hints that evil may not be so easily vanquished.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Is Michael Myers truly dead?
- Possibility 1: Yes, his physical form is destroyed, and the curse ends.
- Possibility 2: No, evil is a force that can't die - Michael's essence may linger.
- What was the significance of Corey's corruption?
- Possibility 1: It shows evil spreads beyond Michael, infecting others.
- Possibility 2: Corey was a red herring, reinforcing that Michael is the true evil.
- Will Allyson continue Laurie's legacy?
- Possibility 1: She moves on, breaking the cycle of trauma.
- Possibility 2: The ending's ambiguity leaves her vulnerable to future darkness.
Personal Opinion
Halloween Ends is a bold, divisive conclusion that takes risks by focusing on Corey's arc rather than just Laurie vs. Michael. While some fans may dislike the sidelining of Michael for much of the film, Corey's story effectively explores how trauma and societal neglect breed evil. Jamie Lee Curtis delivers a powerful performance, and the final confrontation is emotionally satisfying. However, the pacing feels uneven, and Corey's arc, while interesting, may have worked better in a standalone film. The ending is poetic but leaves just enough doubt to keep the franchise's legacy alive-whether that's a good thing depends on how much you believe Michael's story should truly end.
Ultimately, Halloween Ends is about letting go - Laurie finally defeats her boogeyman, but the film suggests evil is a perpetual shadow. It's not a perfect finale, but it's a fittingly messy, introspective end to a saga that has always been about fear's enduring grip.