Exploring the Abyss: A Review of *It Ends*
In *It Ends*, director Alexander Ullom crafts an unsettling narrative that portrays a road trip with childhood friends spiraling into a surreal nightmare. This feature debut dives into the deeper implications of post-college life, encapsulating the existential dread that often follows this transitional phase.
Cleverly utilizing a single location, a vehicle, and a tight-knit cast of four actors, Ullom maximizes tension in a scenario that straddles the line between horror and psychological thriller. Although the film maintains a level of suspense throughout, it ultimately confronts the limitations of its unique premise as the story progresses.
A Conceptual Horror Journey
Unlike traditional horror films brimming with gore, *It Ends* leans heavily into a conceptual horror approach reminiscent of indie classics like *It Follows* and *It Comes at Night*. These films similarly delve into the realm of abstract fears transformed into deadly realities. In Ullom’s work, the threat becomes increasingly bizarre, challenging the audience’s ability to grasp the unfolding events. Nevertheless, Ullom deserves recognition for handling this complex narrative with commendable directorial skill.
The Plot Unfolds
The film introduces us to four friends in their twenties: James (Phinehas Yoon), Day (Akira Jackson), Fisher (Noah Toth), and Tyler (Mitchell Cole). Their journey begins with a simple quest for a late-night meal, but soon, they find themselves lost in a remote wooded area after missing a crucial turn. Rather than a straightforward road, they enter a domain that resembles either a two-lane highway to hell or a meandering route through purgatory. Each attempt to halt their drive results in a relentless onslaught from an unseen menace—leaving them with no choice but to keep moving.
While Ullom skillfully sets the stage, the narrative’s complexity increases, requiring viewers to digest increasingly strange developments. The characters grapple with their ominous fate in a manner akin to the *Final Destination* franchise, engaging in a desperate effort to adapt or resist their grim circumstances.
Character Dynamics and Development
However, *It Ends* does encounter challenges in character engagement. Despite solid performances from the cast, the characters lack the depth needed to endure a mounting sense of desperation throughout their lengthy drive. While Ullom successfully captures the essence of Generation Z dialogue, the characters struggle to sustain the narrative momentum after the initial shock.
Among the quartet, Tyler stands out as a particularly compelling character. Unlike his college-educated friends, Tyler works as an HVAC technician, bringing a grounded perspective to their harrowing journey. He embodies realism, having already encountered the pitfalls of adult life. In contrast, James, who serves as the film’s reluctant hero, is driven by ambition and idealism; his survival instincts intensify amid the chaos.
The Metaphorical Road Ahead
Ullom chooses not to explain the underlying cause of their madness, opting instead to invite viewers along a metaphorical exploration of the daunting road into adulthood. However, the film’s pacing falters as it drags on without further clarification, even as it retains enough suspense through Ullom’s adept direction.
A Visual Stalwart
Filming driving sequences poses significant challenges, yet Ullom navigates this obstacle masterfully with a single station wagon and a repetitious stretch of road. The result is a visually inventive piece, marked by the naturalistic lighting created by cinematographers Evan Draper and Jazleana Jones. Their work skillfully contrasts dim night scenes with bright daybreaks, encapsulating the cyclical nature of life’s routines. This recurring visual theme resonates with the pressures of adulthood, amplifying the film’s metaphorical depth.
In conclusion, *It Ends* is a thought-provoking exploration of existential dread disguised as a horror road trip. While it may stumble in certain characterizations, Ullom’s ambition and creativity shine through, making it a noteworthy entry into contemporary indie cinema.