The How It Ends trailer offers a glimpse into a world collapsing under mysterious seismic events, but ultimately, it doesn’t reveal the true ending. It expertly sets the stage for a father-in-law and soon-to-be son-in-law’s desperate journey, hinting at the cataclysmic forces at play while leaving the audience to ponder the specifics of survival, the nature of the apocalyptic event, and the ultimate fate of the protagonists.
A Journey Through Chaos: What the Trailer Unveils
Netflix’s How It Ends initially premiered in 2018, but its enduring appeal lies in its relatable characters grappling with extraordinary circumstances. The trailer serves as a potent entry point, showcasing Will (Theo James) traveling across a ravaged landscape with Tom (Forest Whitaker), his fiancée’s (Kat Graham) hardened father. The primary conflict showcased revolves around their turbulent relationship, exacerbated by the pressures of a post-apocalyptic world. We see glimpses of societal breakdown, desperate individuals, and the constant threat of violence. However, the trailer deliberately avoids definitive explanations regarding the cause of the apocalypse. It focuses instead on the human drama, the fractured family dynamics, and the desperate search for Sam (Kat Graham).
The strength of the trailer lies in its ambiguity. It presents a chaotic world without offering easy answers, sparking viewers’ curiosity and encouraging them to invest in the characters’ survival. The trailer skillfully utilizes visual cues to hint at the scale of the disaster. Collapsed bridges, abandoned cities, and ominous seismic activity paint a picture of widespread devastation. But the how and why of it all remain tantalizingly out of reach. This ambiguity is intentional, designed to drive viewership and encourage speculation. It’s a clever marketing strategy that capitalizes on the inherent human fascination with the end of the world.
The Omission: What the Trailer Keeps Hidden
While the trailer establishes the setting and the central conflict, it deliberately withholds crucial information. The specific nature of the apocalyptic event is never explicitly defined. Is it solely geological? Are there other factors at play, such as government involvement or supernatural phenomena? This vagueness allows viewers to project their own fears and anxieties onto the narrative, making the story even more compelling.
Furthermore, the trailer offers only brief glimpses of the other characters. We see hints of allies and enemies, but their motivations and allegiances remain unclear. This lack of clarity adds to the overall sense of unease and uncertainty, reinforcing the idea that in a post-apocalyptic world, trust is a rare and valuable commodity. The ending itself, or rather the fate of the characters, is entirely absent from the trailer, leaving the audience to create their own expectations and conclusions before ever pressing “play”.
Unpacking the Unknown: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about How It Ends, addressing the core concerns and curiosities that the trailer sparks:
H3: What actually caused the apocalypse in How It Ends?
The movie deliberately avoids providing a definitive answer. The cause is implied to be a series of catastrophic seismic events, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, affecting the entire West Coast of the United States. However, the film never offers a scientific explanation, leaving room for interpretation and speculation. Some theories suggest government testing or even a supernatural event could be involved, but ultimately the origin remains ambiguous.
H3: Is How It Ends based on a book?
No, How It Ends is an original screenplay written by Brooks McLaren. It’s not based on any existing novel or other pre-existing intellectual property. This allowed the filmmakers to create a unique and unpredictable story.
H3: Who are the main characters in the movie, and what are their roles?
- Will: Sam’s fiancé, a lawyer trying to reconcile with his estranged father-in-law. He’s the protagonist, driving the narrative forward.
- Tom: Sam’s father, a former Marine with a strained relationship with Will. He provides a gruff but ultimately protective presence.
- Sam: Will’s fiancée and Tom’s daughter. She is the catalyst for the entire journey, as Will and Tom attempt to reach her.
- Ricki: A resourceful mechanic who joins Will and Tom on their journey. She provides crucial technical skills and a pragmatic perspective.
H3: Is there a sequel to How It Ends?
As of now, there are no plans for a sequel. The film’s ending is somewhat ambiguous, but it’s generally considered a standalone story. While the ending could potentially be interpreted as leaving room for continuation, no concrete plans have been announced.
H3: What is the relationship between Will and Tom like?
Their relationship is initially tense and fraught with animosity. Tom disapproves of Will, viewing him as weak and unsuitable for his daughter. The apocalyptic circumstances force them to rely on each other, gradually building a grudging respect and understanding. This dynamic is a key element of the film’s drama.
H3: How realistic is the portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world in How It Ends?
The film takes some liberties with realism for dramatic effect. While the societal breakdown and resource scarcity are believable, the ease with which Will and Tom navigate the dangerous landscape may be somewhat exaggerated. It prioritizes character-driven drama over strict scientific accuracy.
H3: What are the main themes explored in How It Ends?
The film explores themes of:
- Survival: The lengths people will go to survive in a desperate situation.
- Family: The importance of family bonds, even in the face of adversity.
- Redemption: The possibility of overcoming past mistakes and finding forgiveness.
- Trust: The difficulty of trusting others in a world where resources are scarce and danger lurks around every corner.
H3: Where was How It Ends filmed?
How It Ends was primarily filmed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The landscapes and urban environments provided a suitable backdrop for the post-apocalyptic setting.
H3: What kind of ending does How It Ends have? Is it a happy ending?
The ending is open to interpretation. While Will and Tom reach Sam, the fate of the overall world remains uncertain. It’s not a traditionally “happy” ending, but it offers a glimmer of hope. The final scene suggests that humanity may have a chance to rebuild, but the future is far from guaranteed. The audience is left to ponder what lies ahead for the characters and the world.
H3: Is How It Ends worth watching?
Whether or not How It Ends is “worth watching” is subjective. If you enjoy character-driven dramas set against a backdrop of apocalyptic chaos and don’t mind ambiguity, you may find it engaging. However, if you prefer films with clear-cut answers and scientifically accurate portrayals of disaster, you might be disappointed.
H3: What are some similar movies to How It Ends?
If you enjoyed How It Ends, you might also enjoy films such as:
- The Road
- Zombieland
- Book of Eli
- A Quiet Place
These films share similar themes of survival, family, and navigating a post-apocalyptic world.
H3: How does the movie represent the relationship between Will and his car?
Will’s car, and subsequent vehicles acquired along the way, are more than just modes of transport; they are symbols of hope, resilience, and freedom. Each obstacle overcome while navigating the treacherous terrain, represents a step closer to Sam, illustrating the character’s determination against overwhelming odds.
Conclusion: The End Is Just the Beginning of the Conversation
The How It Ends trailer serves its purpose: it intrigues, teases, and generates anticipation. While it provides a glimpse into the devastating world and the characters’ desperate journey, it deliberately avoids revealing the ultimate fate of the protagonists and the precise cause of the apocalypse. This ambiguity is a key element of the film’s appeal, encouraging viewers to engage with the story on a deeper level and contemplate the possibilities of survival in the face of unimaginable disaster. The trailer only sets the stage for the journey to begin, leaving the ending itself up to the viewer’s own interpretation and imagination.