The “How It Ends” 2018 trailer promises a terrifying end-of-the-world scenario, but what exactly is ending? The trailer cleverly obscures the precise nature of the apocalyptic event, leaving the audience to speculate about its cause, while focusing instead on the harrowing journey of a father and daughter trying to reunite with loved ones in the chaos.
The End as a Journey: Unpacking the Trailer’s Narrative
The 2018 trailer for “How It Ends” serves as a microcosm of the film itself: a fragmented glimpse into a world unraveling. While it doesn’t explicitly define how it ends, it meticulously builds a sense of dread and uncertainty surrounding the what. The environmental disaster looming large is presented through visual cues: the strange red skies, the power outages, and the widespread panic. However, the trailer’s power lies not in explaining the apocalypse, but in showcasing how it impacts the characters.
The core of the narrative, as revealed in the trailer, rests on the relationship between Will (Theo James) and his future father-in-law, Tom (Forest Whitaker). Thrust together by circumstance, they embark on a perilous road trip from Chicago to Seattle to rescue Will’s pregnant fiancée, Samantha (Kat Graham). This journey isn’t just a physical one; it’s a crucible where their conflicting personalities and strained relationship are tested against the backdrop of societal collapse.
The trailer expertly employs a limited perspective. We, the audience, are confined to the characters’ viewpoint, experiencing the apocalypse through their eyes. This reinforces the sense of disorientation and amplifies the fear of the unknown. We see looting, violence, and widespread desperation, but we are never given a definitive explanation for the catastrophe. This ambiguity is crucial, as it shifts the focus from the cause of the apocalypse to the human response to it.
The trailer also hints at deeper themes. The strained relationship between Will and Tom suggests a commentary on generational differences and the complexities of family. Their struggle to survive highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of connection in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Ultimately, the “How It Ends” trailer 2018 effectively sets the stage for a post-apocalyptic thriller that prioritizes character development and emotional impact over detailed exposition. It invites the audience to contemplate not just how the world ends, but what truly matters when everything falls apart.
Decoding the Visual Language of the Apocalypse
The visual elements of the trailer are integral to creating its unsettling atmosphere. The ominous red skies immediately signal a world drastically altered, suggesting environmental devastation on a grand scale. The scenes of widespread looting and social breakdown reinforce the idea of a society teetering on the brink of collapse.
The use of natural disasters as backdrop further enhances the sense of chaos. Earthquakes, wildfires, and dust storms become commonplace occurrences, creating a constant sense of peril. This visual language underscores the film’s exploration of humanity’s vulnerability in the face of overwhelming natural forces. The lack of communication, showcased through static-filled radios and abandoned communication towers, highlights the isolation and helplessness experienced by the characters.
Moreover, the trailer uses a muted color palette to reflect the grim reality of the post-apocalyptic world. Desaturated colors and washed-out landscapes contribute to the overall feeling of desolation and despair. Even the vibrant colors of the past, shown in flashback scenes, serve to highlight the stark contrast between the world that was and the world that is.
The strategic use of close-up shots emphasizes the characters’ emotional states. Fear, determination, and vulnerability are all etched on their faces, allowing the audience to connect with their struggles on a personal level. This technique further reinforces the film’s focus on the human element of the apocalypse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about “How It Ends” (2018)
Here are some frequently asked questions that will provide more insights into the context, plot, and reception of “How It Ends.”
Understanding the Apocalyptic Event
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What is the exact cause of the apocalyptic event in “How It Ends”?
The film intentionally leaves the specific cause ambiguous. While the trailer and film hint at a series of natural disasters like earthquakes, wildfires, and dust storms, they don’t pinpoint a single event or explain the underlying reason for these occurrences. This ambiguity serves to heighten the tension and focus the narrative on the characters’ survival. It’s implied to be a series of escalating interconnected natural disasters rather than a single, isolated incident.
Character Relationships and Dynamics
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What is the nature of the relationship between Will and Tom before the apocalypse?
Will and Tom have a strained relationship, stemming from Tom’s disapproval of Will and his career choices. This tension is exacerbated by Tom’s protective nature towards his daughter, Samantha. The apocalypse forces them to confront their differences and rely on each other for survival, ultimately leading to a complex and evolving dynamic. Their different approaches to handling the chaos create conflict and force them to compromise.
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What role does Samantha play in the story, given that she’s primarily a goal for Will and Tom?
While Samantha is physically absent for much of the film, she serves as the emotional anchor for Will and the driving force behind their perilous journey. Her pregnancy adds another layer of urgency and vulnerability to the situation, highlighting the importance of protecting future generations even in the face of complete societal collapse. Her absence underscores the theme of hope amidst despair.
Production and Reception
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Who directed “How It Ends” and what other films have they worked on?
“How It Ends” was directed by David M. Rosenthal. He is also known for directing “The Perfect Guy,” “Jacob’s Ladder,” and “A Single Shot.”
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How was “How It Ends” received by critics and audiences?
The film received generally negative reviews from critics, who criticized its pacing, character development, and ambiguous plot. Audience reception was also mixed, with many finding the film underwhelming and anticlimactic. Common complaints included the lack of a satisfying resolution and the reliance on genre tropes. However, some viewers appreciated the film’s focus on character relationships and its exploration of the human response to crisis.
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Was “How It Ends” released theatrically or streamed online?
“How It Ends” was released directly on Netflix, bypassing a theatrical release. This distribution strategy may have contributed to its visibility but also influenced its critical reception, as streaming films often face different expectations than those released in theaters.
Setting and Location
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Why is the road trip from Chicago to Seattle significant to the plot?
The journey from Chicago to Seattle symbolizes the characters’ attempt to reconnect with their loved ones and find safety in a world gone mad. The vast and unpredictable landscape they traverse serves as a constant reminder of the devastation and the challenges they face. The geographical distance amplifies the emotional distance between the characters and the uncertainty of reaching their destination.
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Does the film provide any clues about the scale of the apocalyptic event beyond the United States?
The film primarily focuses on the impact of the event within the United States, with limited information about the situation in other countries. This narrow scope reinforces the characters’ limited perspective and the uncertainty surrounding the global implications of the catastrophe. The lack of international context adds to the sense of isolation and helplessness.
Themes and Interpretations
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What are the main themes explored in “How It Ends”?
The film explores themes of family, survival, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. It also touches on the themes of societal collapse, environmental disaster, and the importance of human connection in times of crisis. The ambiguous nature of the apocalypse invites viewers to contemplate the meaning of life and the importance of relationships when everything else is stripped away.
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Is there any deeper meaning behind the title “How It Ends”?
The title “How It Ends” is deliberately ambiguous, referring not only to the end of the world but also to the potential end of relationships, hope, and humanity itself. It serves as a constant reminder of the fragility of life and the uncertainty of the future. The open-ended nature of the film encourages viewers to contemplate their own interpretations of what truly “ends” in the story.
Potential for Sequels
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Is there any possibility of a sequel to “How It Ends”?
Given the film’s mixed reception and lack of a definitive resolution, there is no confirmed plan for a sequel. However, the ambiguous ending leaves room for potential future installments that could explore the aftermath of the apocalypse and the rebuilding of society. A sequel would likely focus on the challenges of survival and the emergence of new communities in a post-apocalyptic world.
Alternate Endings
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Were there any alternative endings considered for “How It Ends”?
While there’s no publicly available information on alternative endings, the open-ended nature of the film suggests that the filmmakers deliberately chose to leave the characters’ fate uncertain. This ambiguity allows viewers to draw their own conclusions and contemplate the possibilities for the future. The lack of closure reinforces the film’s thematic focus on the uncertainty of life and the importance of hope amidst despair. The film’s conclusion, or lack thereof, remains one of its most debated and discussed aspects.