The Endless (2017) is a unique and thought-provoking science fiction horror film directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, who also star in the lead roles. The movie blends elements of cosmic horror, psychological thriller, and existential drama into a narrative that is both captivating and unsettling. It has garnered widespread acclaim for its inventive storytelling, strong performances, and the subtle, slow-burn horror that distinguishes it from more traditional genre films

Suggested videos for you:

Plot Summary

The story revolves around two brothers, Justin (Benson) and Aaron (Moorhead), who escaped from a mysterious cult as children. Years later, they are struggling with their lives—Aaron, the younger brother, romanticizes the peaceful and structured life of the cult, while Justin, the older one, is determined to help Aaron avoid falling back into what he sees as a dangerous situation. After receiving a cryptic video message from the cult, they decide to return for a short visit to gain closure and find out what’s happening there.

Upon their arrival, they are greeted warmly by the cult members, who seem unusually content and ageless. The film quickly establishes an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere as the brothers notice strange phenomena, like two moons in the sky, time loops, and bizarre events that challenge their perception of reality. The cult members speak cryptically about an unknown, omnipotent force that controls the camp and its surroundings, and as Justin and Aaron dig deeper, they begin to realize that they are caught in something much larger and more terrifying than they initially understood.

Themes and Style

The Endless explores themes of free will, time, and belief in a way that is both profound and ambiguous. At its core, the film examines the nature of control—whether it be the control that the brothers feel the cult exerts over them or the larger cosmic force that holds everyone in its grasp. As the brothers confront the strange and unexplainable phenomena surrounding them, they must question their understanding of the world and their choices within it.

The film is a slow-burn, focusing more on psychological tension than overt scares. It uses minimal special effects, relying instead on atmosphere, sound design, and its characters’ growing sense of dread to build tension. The filmmakers excel at creating an eerie mood, often leaving much to the imagination of the viewer. This makes the horror more abstract and unsettling, in contrast to the jump scares and gore that characterize much of modern horror.

Visually, The Endless is an impressive feat given its low budget. The filmmakers make excellent use of the isolated desert setting to enhance the film’s atmosphere of loneliness and existential dread. The wide, open spaces of the desert juxtapose the claustrophobic sense of being trapped within the cult’s unseen force, making the environment itself feel like an antagonist.

Performance’s

Benson and Moorhead give compelling performances as the two brothers, portraying the complex and evolving dynamic between Justin and Aaron with authenticity and depth. Aaron is the more naïve and hopeful of the two, longing for a sense of belonging, while Justin is the skeptical, protective older sibling who carries the weight of their shared past. Their relationship is central to the emotional core of the film, and it’s this emotional grounding that makes the bizarre, surreal events of the story feel more relatable and poignant.

The supporting cast, including the cult members, is effective at maintaining a calm, almost unsettling serenity, which contrasts sharply with the growing tension as the film progresses. The performances are subtle but add layers to the unfolding mystery, never over-explaining or breaking the enigmatic nature of the plot.

Cosmic Horror and Time Loops

One of the most intriguing aspects of The Endless is its exploration of cosmic horror. The film borrows from the works of H.P. Lovecraft, focusing on the fear of the unknown and the insignificance of human beings in the face of vast, incomprehensible forces. The mysterious entity that controls the cult is never fully explained, making it all the more terrifying as it seems to operate on rules that defy human understanding, trapping individuals in endless cycles of repetition and suffering.

The time loops in the film serve as both a literal and metaphorical device. Characters are stuck repeating their lives, often reliving their deaths over and over again. This creates a sense of hopelessness and futility, where no matter what choices the characters make, they are always at the mercy of this omnipotent force. The loops also raise philosophical questions about free will, fate, and whether any escape is possible from the constraints of time and space.

Connection to Resolution

The Endless also serves as a loose companion piece to Benson and Moorhead’s 2012 film Resolution. While it is not necessary to have seen Resolution to understand The Endless, fans of their previous work will appreciate the connections between the two films. Certain characters and themes from Resolution are revisited, expanding on the shared universe the filmmakers have created. This intertextuality adds depth to the story and rewards viewers familiar with both films.

Conclusion

The Endless is a masterful piece of low-budget filmmaking, combining thought-provoking themes with a unique and chilling narrative structure. Its slow-building tension, eerie atmosphere, and subtle horror make it a standout in the realm of independent science fiction and horror films. While the ambiguity and complexity of the story might not appeal to viewers seeking straightforward answers, for those who enjoy films that challenge perceptions and invite multiple interpretations, The Endless is a deeply satisfying experience.

Its exploration of cosmic horror, time, and human frailty elevates it beyond the typical genre fare, offering a story that is as much about the emotional journey of its characters as it is about the strange phenomena they encounter. With its blend of existential dread and psychological depth, The Endless remains a haunting and unforgettable film.