“How It Ends” leaves viewers grappling with uncertainty, but ultimately suggests that personal connection and acceptance of the unknown, rather than a concrete explanation for the cataclysm, are the true keys to survival. The movie’s strength lies not in a scientific revelation but in its raw portrayal of human resilience against an inexplicable global crisis, highlighting the enduring power of relationships in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Understanding the Core Themes
The film doesn’t explicitly reveal the cause of the apocalyptic event. This intentional ambiguity allows the audience to focus on the characters’ journey and the emotional core of the story. Zoe Lister-Jones and Daryl Wein, the film’s writers and directors, purposely avoided a concrete explanation to emphasize the internal struggles of the characters. The film’s narrative explores themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the search for meaning amidst chaos.
The Importance of Character Development
The narrative unfolds through the lens of Will (Theo James), who embarks on a perilous road trip to reach his pregnant girlfriend, Samantha (Kat Graham). Along the way, he’s reluctantly accompanied by his estranged and cynical father-in-law, Tom (Forest Whitaker). The film skillfully utilizes the apocalyptic backdrop to force Will and Tom to confront their complicated relationship. The journey tests their limits and forces them to rely on each other for survival. Tom, with his practical skills and world-weariness, provides a grounding counterpoint to Will’s more optimistic, yet naive, perspective. Their interactions are central to the film’s exploration of generational differences and the difficulty of bridging emotional divides.
The Unseen Threat
The constant tension of the unknown disaster looming large contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere. While the audience never sees the actual cause of the chaos, they witness its devastating effects: societal breakdown, environmental destruction, and widespread panic. This ambiguity functions as a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of life itself. The movie powerfully conveys the sense of helplessness and the constant threat that underscores the survivors’ daily existence. The psychological impact of uncertainty is a key element of the film’s success.
The Ambiguous Ending: Hope or Despair?
The ending of “How It Ends” is intentionally ambiguous. After navigating perilous landscapes and facing numerous obstacles, Will and Tom finally reach Samantha. However, they immediately set off again, heading west towards Seattle. This final journey mirrors their initial quest, highlighting the cyclical nature of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. The looming dust cloud in the distance suggests that the danger is far from over, yet there’s a palpable sense of hope in their determination to keep moving forward.
Interpreting the Final Scene
The final scene can be interpreted in multiple ways. Some viewers see it as a pessimistic outlook, suggesting that the characters are doomed to endlessly flee from the impending disaster. Others interpret it as an optimistic message, emphasizing the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of clinging to hope even in the darkest of times. Ultimately, the interpretation is left to the individual viewer. The power of subjective interpretation is a deliberate choice by the filmmakers.
Thematic Resolution
While the apocalyptic event remains unexplained, the film offers a thematic resolution. Will and Tom have managed to reconcile their differences, and Will is reunited with Samantha, ready to face the unknown future together. This underscores the film’s central message: that human connection and love provide the ultimate strength in the face of overwhelming adversity. The ending symbolizes the enduring power of relationships and the importance of finding meaning in a chaotic world.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into “How It Ends”
Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances and complexities of “How It Ends”:
FAQ 1: What actually caused the apocalypse in “How It Ends”?
The movie intentionally avoids a specific explanation. Theories abound, ranging from solar flares to earthquakes or even nuclear warfare, but the film never confirms any of them. The unnamed cataclysm serves as a backdrop for exploring human relationships under immense pressure.
FAQ 2: Why didn’t the movie explain what was happening?
The writers prioritized character development over scientific explanation. They wanted to focus on the emotional impact of the event rather than getting bogged down in scientific details. Keeping the cause ambiguous allows the audience to project their own fears and anxieties onto the situation, making the film more relatable and thought-provoking. This allows the focus to remain on the characters’ internal journeys and their evolving relationships.
FAQ 3: What is the significance of the title, “How It Ends”?
The title is multifaceted. It refers to the potential end of the world, the end of normalcy, and the ending of Will and Tom’s strained relationship. It also alludes to the uncertain future and the unknown fate that awaits the characters. Ultimately, the title raises the question of how the human spirit endures even in the face of total devastation.
FAQ 4: Why did Will’s phone calls keep cutting out?
The unreliable phone service is a direct consequence of the apocalyptic event. The infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, making communication difficult or impossible. This isolation further intensifies the sense of vulnerability and underscores the breakdown of society. The disrupted communication symbolizes the breakdown of civilization.
FAQ 5: Was Ricki (Kerry Bishé) a real person, or a hallucination?
Ricki’s true nature remains intentionally unclear. She could be a figment of Will’s imagination, a manifestation of his guilt and anxieties, or a real person who is particularly adept at survival. The ambiguity surrounding Ricki adds to the surreal and unsettling atmosphere of the film. Her role is to challenge Will and force him to confront his inner demons.
FAQ 6: What happened to Samantha’s family?
The film doesn’t explicitly state what happened to Samantha’s family. It can be inferred that they may have perished in the initial stages of the apocalypse, which is why Will feels compelled to reach Samantha and ensure her safety. Their absence reinforces the devastating impact of the event on society. The unaddressed fate of her family adds to the overall sense of loss and despair.
FAQ 7: Why did Tom act so cynical and dismissive throughout the movie?
Tom’s cynicism stems from his own life experiences and his strained relationship with Will. He’s a product of a different generation and has witnessed his share of hardship. His initial reluctance to embrace Will reflects his protective instincts towards Samantha and his skepticism about Will’s ability to handle the situation. His cynicism acts as a counterpoint to Will’s optimism and serves to ground the narrative.
FAQ 8: How did Will and Tom survive the dust cloud?
The film doesn’t explicitly show how they survived the dust cloud, but it implies that they likely found shelter or took measures to protect themselves. This ambiguity allows the focus to remain on their emotional journey rather than the specific details of their survival techniques. Their resilience and adaptability are implied, not explicitly shown.
FAQ 9: What is the significance of their destination, Seattle?
Seattle, being located in the Pacific Northwest, might be perceived as a potentially safer location with access to resources and a more temperate climate compared to other parts of the country. It could also be a symbolic representation of hope and a new beginning. The journey to Seattle represents a search for a better future.
FAQ 10: What does the movie say about human nature?
“How It Ends” offers a nuanced perspective on human nature. It portrays both the best and worst aspects of humanity: the capacity for violence and selfishness, but also the enduring power of love, compassion, and resilience. The characters demonstrate the ability to adapt, forgive, and find meaning even in the face of unimaginable horrors.
FAQ 11: Is there any chance of a sequel or further explanation of the events?
As of now, there are no plans for a sequel or further explanation of the events in “How It Ends.” The filmmakers intentionally left the ending ambiguous to encourage viewers to reflect on the themes of the film and draw their own conclusions. The ambiguity is a deliberate artistic choice.
FAQ 12: What is the ultimate message of “How It Ends”?
The film’s ultimate message is that human connection and love provide the greatest strength in the face of adversity. It underscores the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and finding meaning in a chaotic world. Even when faced with an inexplicable and terrifying apocalypse, the characters find solace and hope in their relationships. The core message is the enduring power of human connection.
“How It Ends,” ultimately, is less about the mechanics of the apocalypse and more about the enduring power of the human spirit. Its ambiguous nature challenges viewers to confront their own fears and anxieties while celebrating the resilience of relationships in the face of the unknown.