“How It Ends,” Netflix’s 2018 apocalyptic thriller, garnered mixed reviews, reflected accurately in its often-cited ratings; while offering a visually compelling journey through a crumbling America, its underdeveloped plot and character arcs led to a rating that ultimately signifies its underwhelming impact. This article delves into the reasons behind the film’s middling reception, dissecting the core elements that contributed to its various ratings and exploring its strengths and weaknesses.
Understanding the Rating: Why the Discrepancy?
The rating of “How It Ends” fluctuates across different platforms, a testament to the film’s polarizing nature. Rotten Tomatoes, for example, showcases this disparity with a low critics’ score juxtaposed against a significantly higher audience score. This discrepancy highlights a fundamental conflict: while the film’s visual spectacle and post-apocalyptic premise resonated with a segment of viewers, the lack of narrative depth and character development disappointed critics and other audiences alike.
The film’s rating, hovering in the 5-6/10 range across several major review sites, points to a consistent theme: “How It Ends” is undeniably watchable due to its stunning visuals and fast-paced action sequences, but its storytelling shortcomings prevent it from achieving true cinematic success. The film relies heavily on genre tropes, offering little in the way of originality or emotional resonance. Ultimately, the ratings reflect a movie that is aesthetically pleasing but conceptually flawed, offering a fleeting sense of excitement that quickly dissipates upon closer examination.
Decoding the Criticism: Strengths and Weaknesses
To understand the movie’s rating fully, we must examine its specific strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, “How It Ends” boasts impressive visual effects that convincingly depict a nation ravaged by an unexplained cataclysm. The cinematography captures the eerie beauty of the desolate landscapes, effectively conveying the sense of isolation and desperation experienced by the characters. Performances from the lead actors, Theo James and Forest Whitaker, are generally considered competent, though they are ultimately limited by the script’s thin characterizations.
However, the film’s weaknesses are more pronounced. The plot suffers from significant gaps and inconsistencies, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. The characters’ motivations are often unclear, and their relationships lack the necessary depth to create a compelling emotional connection. The pacing is uneven, with periods of intense action interspersed with stretches of dull exposition. The ending, in particular, is widely criticized for its abruptness and lack of resolution, leaving the audience feeling unsatisfied and cheated. These flaws collectively contribute to the film’s less-than-stellar rating.
The Role of Expectations: Genre and Audience
The audience’s expectations also play a significant role in shaping the perception of “How It Ends.” As a post-apocalyptic thriller, the film naturally draws comparisons to other successful entries in the genre, such as “The Road” and “A Quiet Place.” Compared to these critically acclaimed films, “How It Ends” falls short in terms of emotional depth, thematic complexity, and overall storytelling quality.
Furthermore, the film’s Netflix distribution likely influenced audience expectations. Streaming services often prioritize quantity over quality, leading viewers to approach these films with a more casual mindset. While this can benefit films with low expectations, it can also hurt films that aim for a higher level of artistic achievement. In the case of “How It Ends,” the film’s shortcomings are amplified by the inherent expectations associated with the genre and the distribution platform.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into “How It Ends”
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the complexities of “How It Ends” and its rating:
1. What is the central premise of “How It Ends”?
The film follows Will (Theo James) as he embarks on a perilous journey across a post-apocalyptic United States to reunite with his pregnant girlfriend, Samantha (Kat Graham), after a mysterious cataclysmic event throws the nation into chaos. He is accompanied by his estranged father-in-law, Tom (Forest Whitaker).
2. What are some of the main criticisms leveled against the film?
The most common criticisms include a lack of plot development, inconsistent character motivations, a weak ending, and reliance on genre clichés. Many viewers found the film to be predictable and ultimately unsatisfying.
3. What are some of the film’s strengths?
The film’s strengths lie primarily in its visual effects, cinematography, and the performances of the lead actors, particularly Forest Whitaker. The desolate landscapes effectively convey the sense of despair and uncertainty that permeates the post-apocalyptic world.
4. Why is there such a discrepancy between the critics’ score and the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes?
This disparity likely reflects the fact that audiences are often more forgiving of narrative flaws if a film provides sufficient entertainment value. The visual spectacle and action sequences may have been enough to satisfy some viewers, while critics tend to be more critical of storytelling inconsistencies and lack of originality.
5. Is “How It Ends” based on a book or comic book?
No, “How It Ends” is an original screenplay written by Brooks McLaren.
6. Who directed “How It Ends”?
The film was directed by David M. Rosenthal.
7. What is the significance of the title, “How It Ends”?
The title is intentionally vague and ambiguous. It could refer to the end of the world, the end of a relationship, or the end of the characters’ journeys. However, the film never provides a definitive answer, leaving the meaning open to interpretation.
8. What is the cause of the cataclysmic event in the film?
The film never explicitly explains the cause of the cataclysm. This ambiguity is a deliberate choice, but it also frustrates many viewers who are seeking a more concrete explanation.
9. How does “How It Ends” compare to other post-apocalyptic films?
Compared to classics like “The Road” or action-packed entries like “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “How It Ends” lacks the thematic depth and compelling characters that define those films. It offers a more generic and less emotionally resonant experience.
10. Does “How It Ends” have a sequel or any plans for a follow-up?
As of now, there are no plans for a sequel or follow-up to “How It Ends.” Given the film’s lukewarm reception, it is unlikely that Netflix will pursue further development.
11. Is “How It Ends” worth watching?
Whether “How It Ends” is worth watching depends on individual preferences. If you are a fan of visually stunning post-apocalyptic films and are willing to overlook narrative flaws, you may find it entertaining. However, if you prioritize strong storytelling and character development, you may be disappointed.
12. What are some similar movies to “How It Ends” that viewers might enjoy?
Viewers who enjoyed the visual aspects of “How It Ends” might also enjoy films like “Bird Box,” “Oblivion,” or “2012.” For more character-driven post-apocalyptic stories, consider “The Road,” “Children of Men,” or “A Quiet Place.”
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
Ultimately, the rating of “How It Ends” accurately reflects its shortcomings. While the film possesses certain strengths, such as its visual effects and competent performances, these are overshadowed by its underdeveloped plot, inconsistent character motivations, and unsatisfying ending. The film’s failure to deliver on its potential is a missed opportunity, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment and a lingering question: What could have been? While visually stimulating, “How It Ends” serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of prioritizing narrative depth and character development over sheer spectacle in the post-apocalyptic genre. The film’s mixed rating is a testament to this imbalance.