Netflix has just added the 2018 ‘Halloween’ reboot to its digital library, giving horror fans another reason to celebrate the spooky season. Set 40 years after John Carpenter’s original, this sequel sees Michael Myers, the masked killer, break free from captivity and return to Haddonfield, forcing Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) to confront her past trauma and face him once again. This critically acclaimed reboot, directed by David Gordon Green, revitalized the ‘Halloween’ franchise and the slasher genre itself, sparking a wave of horror reboots like ‘Candyman’ and ‘Scream.’
While critics may argue that this reboot leans heavily on nostalgia, it serves as a satisfying tribute to the original film for longtime fans and offers a fresh, captivating narrative. It effectively discards the many lackluster sequels that came before it, returning the ‘Halloween’ franchise to its core, focusing on the iconic story of Laurie and Michael. The film delves into the dangers of idolizing and obsessing over evil figures, particularly serial killers, a theme embodied by Laurie and Dr. Sartain, both of whom have dedicated their lives to Michael, albeit for different reasons, and have ultimately been corrupted by their obsession.
Despite spawning two sequels that received mixed reviews, the 2018 ‘Halloween’ stands strong as a compelling conclusion to the franchise. Witnessing three generations of Strode women escaping Michael’s burning prison, alive and together, offers a fitting closure to the protagonists while leaving room for future possibilities. The characters in this reboot are far more fleshed out compared to the original ‘Halloween.’ The film builds upon established characters while introducing new ones, allowing us to delve deeper into the generational trauma passed down to Laurie and her family following her first encounter with Michael. We see Laurie struggling with alcoholism and paranoia, her life forever marked by Michael’s rampage. Her journey mirrors Dr. Loomis’ obsession with finding and destroying Michael, showcasing the lasting psychological damage he inflicts. While the film’s portrayal of mental illness still raises questions, many viewers can relate to the struggles that Laurie endures long after surviving Michael’s attack. By stopping Michael and protecting her family, Laurie proves she is more than just another victim, reclaiming her life and subverting the typical ‘final girl’ archetype.
Unlike the retconned sequels, the reboot maintains the mystery surrounding Michael’s character while offering insights into his motivations. While some may criticize the subplot involving Dr. Sartain, it ultimately helps viewers understand Michael as a predator hunting for prey. Instead of being Laurie’s brother or the victim of an ancient curse, Michael is portrayed as an unpredictable, destructive force of nature, killing simply for the thrill of it. This portrayal maintains the same terrifying presence he had in the original film.
This modern reboot, while featuring some gruesome kills, relies less on gore and more on creating nail-biting suspense, mirroring Carpenter’s original work. The uncertainty of Michael’s next move keeps the audience on edge, as he can brutally slaughter an entire family and then choose to spare a helpless infant. The chilling score composed by John Carpenter himself elevates the terror even further. The heart-stopping climax where Laurie and Michael engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse throughout her house is one of the most frightening and thrilling sequences in the entire franchise. Regardless of how ‘Halloween Ends’ was received, this 2018 reboot is the rematch that fans have been longing for. It’s a must-watch for any horror enthusiast looking for a thrilling and satisfying continuation of the iconic ‘Halloween’ franchise.
