“How It Ends,” a 2018 Netflix apocalyptic thriller starring Theo James and Forest Whitaker, received a decidedly negative reception on Rotten Tomatoes, largely due to its pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, and ambiguous ending. While the premise held promise, its execution left many critics and viewers feeling unsatisfied, contributing to its low score and subsequent criticism. Despite this, the film has garnered a cult following attracted to its gritty realism and thought-provoking themes.
The Rotten Tomatoes Verdict: An Unfair Reflection?
The Rotten Tomatoes score for “How It Ends” sits firmly in the “rotten” territory. This stems from widespread criticism leveled at the film’s narrative structure, which many found to be meandering and lacking in clear resolution. Critics also pointed to a lack of character development, making it difficult for viewers to fully invest in the protagonists’ journey. The ambiguous ending, while intended to provoke thought, was largely perceived as frustrating and incomplete, further impacting the overall reception.
However, relying solely on the Rotten Tomatoes score presents an incomplete picture. While undeniably flawed, “How It Ends” offers a gritty portrayal of societal collapse and the complexities of human relationships under extreme duress. It explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the will to survive, resonating with some viewers who appreciate its realistic depiction of an apocalyptic scenario. The film’s visual style and performances, particularly from James and Whitaker, also received some praise. The score, therefore, is a reflection of widespread criticism concerning pacing and plot resolution, but it doesn’t fully capture the nuances or potential appeal of the film to certain audiences. It’s a polarizing film, and that polarization is reflected in its score.
Decoding the Criticism: What Went Wrong?
Pacing and Narrative Structure
A major point of contention is the film’s pacing. The slow burn approach, while sometimes effective in building suspense, often feels drawn out and aimless. The journey across the country, theoretically fraught with peril, often lacks a tangible sense of urgency. Critics argued that the film spends too much time on mundane activities and not enough on developing the central conflict or exploring the broader societal implications of the apocalypse. The narrative structure, characterized by seemingly random encounters and detours, contributed to this feeling of aimlessness.
Character Development and Emotional Investment
Another significant issue is the lack of depth in the characters. While Theo James delivers a solid performance as Will, his motivations and emotional arc remain somewhat underdeveloped. Forest Whitaker, as Tom, provides a more compelling presence, but even his character suffers from a lack of backstory and exploration. The relationship between Will and Tom, central to the film’s narrative, never fully blossoms into the emotionally resonant connection it could have been. Viewers struggled to connect with the characters on a deeper level, diminishing their investment in their survival.
The Ambiguous Ending: A Point of Contention
The ending of “How It Ends” is perhaps the most controversial aspect of the film. The lack of a clear resolution, leaving the fate of the characters and the world uncertain, sparked widespread frustration. While some appreciate the ambiguity as a reflection of the unpredictable nature of the apocalypse, many felt cheated out of a satisfying conclusion. The abrupt cut to black leaves too many questions unanswered, leaving the audience to speculate about the future without any concrete information. This lack of closure proved to be a major factor in the negative reviews.
Finding the Appeal: Why Some Viewers Enjoyed It
Despite the criticisms, “How It Ends” has found an audience that appreciates its unique approach to the apocalyptic genre. Its focus on realism, showcasing the mundane challenges of survival and the complex moral dilemmas faced by ordinary people, sets it apart from more action-oriented disaster films. The film also avoids portraying clear-cut heroes and villains, instead presenting a nuanced picture of humanity struggling to cope with extraordinary circumstances. The performances, particularly from James and Whitaker, also deserve recognition for their understated authenticity.
Furthermore, the visual aesthetic of the film, capturing the desolation and isolation of the post-apocalyptic landscape, contributes to its immersive quality. The cinematography effectively conveys the sense of impending doom and the fragility of human existence. For viewers who appreciate a more contemplative and character-driven approach to the genre, “How It Ends” offers a refreshing alternative to the typical blockbuster fare.
How It Ends Movie Rotten Tomatoes: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What is the consensus among critics about “How It Ends”?
The general consensus is that “How It Ends” suffers from poor pacing, underdeveloped characters, and an unsatisfying, ambiguous ending. Critics often found the narrative meandering and lacking a clear sense of purpose.
FAQ 2: Why did “How It Ends” receive such a low score on Rotten Tomatoes?
The low score is primarily attributed to the criticisms mentioned above: pacing, character development, and the ending. These issues collectively led to a negative reception from a significant number of critics.
FAQ 3: Does the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes reflect the same sentiment as the critics’ score?
While still lower than average, the audience score is typically higher than the critics’ score, suggesting that some viewers found aspects of the film to enjoy despite its flaws. This points to a more divided opinion on the film’s overall quality.
FAQ 4: What are some positive aspects of “How It Ends” that critics and viewers have noted?
Some positive aspects include the realistic portrayal of societal collapse, the performances of Theo James and Forest Whitaker, and the visually immersive cinematography. The film’s exploration of themes like trust, loyalty, and survival also resonated with some viewers.
FAQ 5: Is “How It Ends” based on a book or a comic book?
No, “How It Ends” is an original screenplay.
FAQ 6: Who directed “How It Ends”?
The film was directed by David M. Rosenthal.
FAQ 7: What are some similar movies that fans of “How It Ends” might enjoy?
Similar movies with a focus on post-apocalyptic survival and character dynamics include “The Road,” “These Final Hours,” and “A Quiet Place.” These films share themes of human resilience and the challenges of navigating a world turned upside down.
FAQ 8: Is there a sequel planned for “How It Ends”?
As of the current date, there are no official plans for a sequel to “How It Ends.” The ambiguous ending certainly leaves room for further exploration, but no announcements have been made.
FAQ 9: What is the significance of the title “How It Ends”?
The title is significant because it ironically reflects the film’s lack of a definitive ending. It suggests a conclusion, but ultimately leaves the audience with more questions than answers, prompting reflection on the uncertainty and unpredictability of life and death in the face of catastrophe.
FAQ 10: Does “How It Ends” offer any commentary on contemporary societal issues?
Yes, the film can be interpreted as offering commentary on societal issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and the fragility of modern civilization. The apocalyptic event serves as a metaphor for the potential consequences of unsustainable practices.
FAQ 11: How does the ending of “How It Ends” compare to other apocalyptic films?
The ending is unique in its sheer ambiguity. Unlike many apocalyptic films that offer a glimmer of hope or a clear path forward, “How It Ends” leaves the characters’ fate and the future of the world entirely uncertain.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch “How It Ends”?
“How It Ends” is a Netflix original film and is available for streaming on the platform.