How It Ends, the 2018 Netflix film, posits a terrifying scenario: a catastrophic event of unknown origin cripples the United States, plunging it into chaos and uncertainty. The film ultimately suggests that survival hinges on adaptability, resilience, and the formation of unexpected alliances, highlighting the enduring human capacity for hope even amidst complete societal collapse.
The Unfolding Apocalypse: Decoding How It Ends
How It Ends isn’t about figuring out the precise cause of the cataclysm. Instead, it’s a visceral journey focusing on Will (Theo James), navigating a country unraveling, to reach his pregnant fiancée, Samantha (Kat Graham), in Seattle. The film masterfully utilizes atmospheric tension and societal breakdown to examine human behavior under extreme duress. We witness the disintegration of law and order, the rise of opportunistic violence, and the desperate scramble for resources. While the precise nature of the event remains ambiguous, speculated to be seismic activity, a solar event, or even a weaponized attack, the core message centers on the internal journey of the characters and their ability (or inability) to adapt and persevere. Will’s forced partnership with Tom (Forest Whitaker), Samantha’s father, creates compelling drama, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships strained by the apocalypse. Ultimately, the film leaves much open to interpretation, emphasizing the uncertainty and subjective experience of survival during an unprecedented disaster. The ending, rather than providing concrete answers, offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that rebuilding a future is possible even after everything has fallen apart.
Understanding the Core Themes
The film resonates because it explores universal themes.
The Breakdown of Society
How It Ends presents a grim but plausible vision of societal collapse. The swiftness with which civilization crumbles – the looting, the lawlessness, the scarcity of resources – underscores the fragility of the systems we rely on. This element of instantaneous disintegration is crucial to the film’s impact. It forces viewers to confront the potential consequences of widespread panic and the breakdown of trust.
The Power of Human Connection
Despite the pervasive chaos, the film emphasizes the enduring need for human connection. Will’s relentless pursuit of Samantha, Tom’s protectiveness, and even the fleeting moments of empathy shown by other characters highlight the inherent human desire for support and companionship. This yearning for connection becomes a driving force in the narrative, counteracting the overwhelming sense of despair.
Adaptability and Resilience
The characters who survive in How It Ends are those who demonstrate the ability to adapt to the changing circumstances. They are resourceful, pragmatic, and willing to make difficult choices. The film suggests that rigidity and adherence to old norms are liabilities in a world transformed. The ability to learn new skills, forge alliances, and embrace uncertainty becomes paramount.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into How It Ends
Here are frequently asked questions to provide a deeper understanding of the film:
1. What caused the apocalyptic event in How It Ends?
The film intentionally leaves the cause ambiguous. It is implied to be a series of devastating earthquakes or seismic events, but theories ranging from a massive solar flare to a coordinated attack have been proposed. The lack of a definitive answer emphasizes the uncertainty and disorientation experienced by the characters. The film prioritizes the impact of the event rather than its origin.
2. Why does the military seem so ineffective in the movie?
The rapid and widespread nature of the disaster overwhelms the military’s capacity to respond effectively. Communication infrastructure collapses, supply lines are disrupted, and maintaining order becomes impossible due to the sheer scale of the crisis. Furthermore, the unknown nature of the threat hinders the military’s ability to formulate a coherent strategy.
3. What is the significance of the ending? Is it a happy ending?
The ending is intentionally ambiguous. Will and Samantha survive the journey and are seemingly safe for the moment, driving away from the devastation. However, the future remains uncertain. It’s not a traditionally “happy” ending, but rather a suggestion that hope and the potential for rebuilding remain, despite the overwhelming odds. They have each other, and a baby is coming, offering a sliver of optimism.
4. What motivates Tom to help Will, despite their strained relationship?
Ultimately, Tom’s love for his daughter, Samantha, overrides his animosity towards Will. He recognizes that Will is Samantha’s partner and the father of her child. His protective instincts kick in, and he understands that helping Will reach Samantha is the best way to ensure her safety. His sense of responsibility and familial duty become paramount.
5. How realistic is the portrayal of societal collapse in the film?
While How It Ends is a fictionalized account, it draws upon real-world anxieties about societal breakdown. The film’s depiction of looting, violence, and the scarcity of resources reflects potential consequences of a widespread disaster. However, the speed and totality of the collapse may be somewhat exaggerated for dramatic effect. The psychological impact of such a crisis is perhaps the most realistic element.
6. What role does trust play in the movie?
Trust is a central theme. Will’s initial distrust of Tom, the dangers of trusting strangers, and the breakdown of trust in established institutions are all explored. The film suggests that trust becomes a valuable and scarce commodity in a world where survival is paramount. The ability to discern who to trust and who to avoid is crucial.
7. What are some of the survival skills displayed in the movie?
Will and Tom demonstrate various survival skills, including scavenging for resources, navigating dangerous terrain, defending themselves against threats, and improvising solutions to unforeseen problems. They also learn to adapt to the unpredictable circumstances and rely on their instincts. Their ability to work together, despite their differences, is also a crucial survival skill.
8. How does the film depict the breakdown of communication?
The complete failure of communication infrastructure is a key element of the disaster. Cell phones, internet, and radio become unreliable or completely inoperable. This lack of communication isolates individuals and communities, making it difficult to assess the scope of the disaster and coordinate relief efforts. It also amplifies the sense of uncertainty and fear.
9. What is the significance of the title, How It Ends?
The title is deliberately ambiguous and ironic. The film doesn’t definitively show “how it ends” in the sense of a resolution to the apocalyptic event. Instead, it focuses on the immediate aftermath and the individual experiences of those trying to survive. The title may also refer to the end of civilization as we know it.
10. Is there any deeper meaning to the character names (Will, Samantha, Tom)?
While not explicitly stated, the names could be interpreted symbolically. “Will” represents determination and the will to survive. “Samantha” suggests a connection to the natural world and the cyclical nature of life. “Tom” is a common name, representing the everyday man caught in extraordinary circumstances. These are, however, speculative interpretations.
11. What are the main weaknesses of the film’s plot?
Critics often point to the ambiguous cause of the apocalypse, the reliance on familiar disaster tropes, and some plot inconsistencies as weaknesses. The lack of character development for secondary characters is also a common criticism. Some viewers found the slow pace and lack of resolution unsatisfying.
12. What is the overall message that How It Ends conveys?
Despite the bleak setting, How It Ends ultimately suggests that human resilience and the power of connection can endure even in the face of catastrophic events. The film emphasizes the importance of adaptability, resourcefulness, and the enduring hope for a better future, even when the world as we know it has ended. The journey is about more than just survival; it’s about maintaining humanity.