“How It Ends” on Netflix, while visually arresting, ultimately falls short of delivering a satisfying conclusion, opting instead for a meandering narrative that prioritizes atmosphere over narrative coherence, leaving viewers with unanswered questions and a lingering sense of dissatisfaction. Despite strong performances, the film’s ambiguity and underdeveloped plot ultimately detract from its potential, making it a more frustrating than fulfilling viewing experience.
A Promising Premise Muddled by Ambiguity
The film throws viewers into a world teetering on the brink of societal collapse after a mysterious catastrophic event. Will, a lawyer, embarks on a perilous cross-country journey to reach his pregnant fiancée, Samantha, in Seattle. He’s reluctantly accompanied by Tom, Samantha’s overprotective and estranged ex-Marine father. This setup holds immense promise: a classic road trip movie infused with post-apocalyptic dread, exploring themes of family, survival, and the breakdown of order. However, the film consistently hints at something larger without ever fully revealing it, leaving the audience guessing at the cause of the disaster and the ultimate fate of the world.
The Visuals vs. The Narrative
Visually, “How It Ends” is impressive. The desolate landscapes, the swirling ash, and the chaotic scenes of societal breakdown are all effectively rendered, creating a palpable sense of unease and danger. The performances from Theo James as Will and Forest Whitaker as Tom are also noteworthy, adding depth and nuance to their characters. Their relationship, initially strained, evolves throughout the journey, offering moments of genuine connection and vulnerability.
However, these strengths are undermined by the film’s lack of narrative clarity. The script struggles to balance character development with plot progression, resulting in a meandering pace and several underdeveloped storylines. Crucially, the film never adequately explains the catastrophic event, leaving viewers to speculate about its nature. This ambiguity, while potentially intriguing, ultimately becomes frustrating, as it prevents the audience from fully investing in the characters’ struggles and the world they inhabit. The ending, too, is abrupt and open-ended, leaving a sense of unresolved tension and a feeling that the journey was ultimately pointless.
The Importance of Grounding a Disaster Narrative
Successful post-apocalyptic narratives typically ground their stories in a specific cause or set of circumstances. Whether it’s a zombie outbreak, a nuclear war, or a natural disaster, a clearly defined event helps to contextualize the characters’ actions and motivations. “How It Ends” deliberately avoids providing this context, opting instead for a vague and unspecified catastrophe. While this approach may have been intended to create a sense of mystery and unease, it ultimately weakens the film by making it difficult to connect with the characters’ struggles on an emotional level. The constant “what is it?” question becomes a distraction.
Exploring the Characters’ Journeys
Despite the narrative shortcomings, the film does offer some compelling character moments. Will’s determination to reach Samantha, despite the overwhelming odds, is admirable, and his evolving relationship with Tom provides some much-needed emotional depth. Tom’s gruff exterior hides a deep love for his daughter, and his experience and resourcefulness prove invaluable on their journey. The film explores themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the importance of family in the face of adversity.
The Role of Supporting Characters
The film also features a number of memorable supporting characters, including a resourceful mechanic named Ricki (Grace Dove) and a group of armed survivalists. These encounters provide glimpses into the diverse ways in which people are coping with the collapse of society. Some have embraced violence and opportunism, while others are trying to maintain a sense of normalcy and community. These brief interactions, while often fleeting, add texture and complexity to the film’s world. However, some of these characters and encounters feel underdeveloped and ultimately serve as little more than roadblocks on the main characters’ journey.
Missed Opportunities in Character Development
While Theo James and Forest Whitaker deliver strong performances, the script could have done more to explore the characters’ inner lives and motivations. Will’s transformation from a somewhat naive lawyer to a hardened survivor is believable, but it could have been explored in more detail. Similarly, Tom’s backstory and his strained relationship with Samantha could have been fleshed out further. By delving deeper into the characters’ pasts and their relationships, the film could have created a more emotionally resonant experience for the audience.
Is “How It Ends” Worth Watching?
Ultimately, whether “How It Ends” is worth watching depends on your expectations. If you’re looking for a tightly plotted, action-packed post-apocalyptic thriller with a clear resolution, you’ll likely be disappointed. However, if you’re willing to embrace the film’s ambiguity and focus on the characters’ emotional journeys, you may find it to be a thought-provoking and visually striking experience. It’s a film that prioritizes atmosphere and character over plot, and its open-ended conclusion is likely to spark discussion and debate.
The Verdict
“How It Ends” is a film with flashes of brilliance, but it ultimately falls short of its potential due to its narrative shortcomings. The strong performances and striking visuals are not enough to overcome the film’s lack of clarity and its frustratingly ambiguous ending. While it may be worth watching for fans of post-apocalyptic dramas, be prepared for a meandering journey with no clear destination. The unanswered questions unfortunately weigh down the overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 FAQs to address some common questions about “How It Ends” and provide further insights:
Q1: What exactly caused the catastrophic event in “How It Ends”?
A1: The film deliberately avoids explicitly stating the cause. Theories range from a solar flare or electromagnetic pulse (EMP) to a coordinated attack. The ambiguity is intentional, focusing on the aftermath rather than the origin. This is one of the film’s most debated aspects.
Q2: What happens to Samantha at the end of the movie?
A2: Samantha’s fate is left entirely ambiguous. The film concludes with Will and Tom approaching Seattle, but her specific condition and well-being are never revealed. This open ending frustrated many viewers.
Q3: Is there a sequel planned for “How It Ends”?
A3: As of the current date, there are no official plans for a sequel. The film’s open ending could potentially allow for further exploration, but no announcement has been made by Netflix or the filmmakers.
Q4: Is “How It Ends” based on a book or comic book?
A4: No, “How It Ends” is an original screenplay written by Brooks McLaren. It is not based on any pre-existing source material.
Q5: Who directed “How It Ends”?
A5: “How It Ends” was directed by David M. Rosenthal, known for his work on films such as “The Perfect Guy” and “Jacob’s Ladder.”
Q6: What are some similar movies to “How It Ends” that I might enjoy?
A6: If you enjoyed the post-apocalyptic setting and road trip elements, you might like “The Road,” “Z for Zachariah,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” or “Book of Eli.” These films explore similar themes of survival and human connection in the face of adversity.
Q7: What is the significance of the title, “How It Ends”?
A7: The title suggests that the film is about the end of the world or, more specifically, the end of civilization as we know it. However, it also applies to the ending of individual lives and relationships within the context of the catastrophe. It hints at a sense of finality.
Q8: What are some of the key themes explored in “How It Ends”?
A8: Key themes include survival, family, forgiveness, reconciliation, the breakdown of societal order, and the importance of human connection in the face of adversity. The film also touches on themes of trust and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones.
Q9: What did the critics say about “How It Ends”?
A9: Critics generally gave “How It Ends” mixed to negative reviews, praising the visuals and performances but criticizing the ambiguous plot and lack of resolution. The film’s lack of a satisfying conclusion was a common point of criticism.
Q10: Where was “How It Ends” filmed?
A10: “How It Ends” was filmed in various locations in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The landscapes provided the necessary desolate and post-apocalyptic backdrop for the film.
Q11: Is “How It Ends” worth watching with family?
A11: “How It Ends” contains violence and some mature themes, so it may not be suitable for younger viewers. It’s best to consider the sensitivities of your family members before watching.
Q12: What is the overall message or takeaway from “How It Ends”?
A12: While lacking a clear narrative resolution, “How It Ends” prompts reflection on human resilience, the importance of relationships in times of crisis, and the choices we make when confronted with the breakdown of society. It suggests that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, hope and connection can still endure. But the lack of closure undermines this message for many viewers.