The Endless
2017
Directors: Justin Benson, Aaron Moorhead
Stars: Callie Hernandez, Justin Benson, Emily Montague
Reviewed by Brian M. Sammons
Ever wanted to see a truly good take on the Lovecraftian idea of cosmic, weird horror that’s more than just name drops of unspeakable Eldritch gods that the man from Providence created? Well, this movie will do that and then some. A sleeper sequel of sorts to 2012’s indie darling Resolution, this film is nevertheless very stand-alone. You do not have to have seen that earlier film to thoroughly enjoy this one, but if you have then there are some callbacks and a few nods and winks that will make you smile. All in all I think this movie is a stronger, better-realized take on that story in every way and thankfully it is out on DVD from good people down under, Umbrella Entertainment. Thankfully, like all of their releases it is region free (despite saying Region 4 on the box) so it can be enjoyed at least here in North America, but is it worth a get? Well, let’s find out.
Two brothers escaped a “UFO death cult” back when they were kids because they were sure anyone in it would soon commit suicide. Years later and they’re young men living together and trying to make it in the “real world” when they get a VHS from someone unknown person in the cult showing they are still very much alive and well. The two brothers decide to go back to the cult for a weekend visit. Yeah, big surprise that the whole UFO death cult thing wasn’t the full truth, but there is something to this close group of good friends. Something weird and otherworldly, something the two brothers will discover in due time. Will they embrace it and become one with the others or will they be able to escape it once again? Only time will tell.
And right there is where this movie shines: time, for that lies at the heart of the story. Yes, there are no tentacle monsters or ancient books of black secrets and forgotten lore. I love both of those things, but this film doesn’t need them to impart a tale of truly terrifying cosmic terror. This is bolstered by very good acting, beautiful cinematography, and top-notch direction from the duo of Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. This would fall into that murky, often hard to define realm of sci-fi horror and be quite comfortable there. It excels in both genres and combines that in a great way.
Let’s get to those special features Umbrella Entertainment put on this new DVD release for us. And that’s it. Yeah, sadly this disc is about as barebones as they come. Yes, I am glad just to have this fine movie in my collection, but really it deserved a better presentation.
The Endless is a very good movie, a great addition for fans of the weird, cosmic, and Lovecraftian kind of horror. Some out there may not “get it,” but hopefully you do as this is one not to be missed. As such I highly recommend this movie.
