Review: The Endless

30 April 2023

The 2017 science-fiction horror film, "The Endless," directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (Loki), is a mind-bending thriller that explores the power of perception, memory, and the unknown. 

The film tells the story of two brothers who return to a cult they left ten years ago, only to find themselves trapped in a mysterious and supernatural phenomenon. The film's plot is filled with twists and turns that keep the audience engaged from start to finish.

So it's a cult film about a cult then...


the endless film poster

The film's directors, Benson and Moorhead, are known for their previous works, "Resolution" and "Spring." Like their earlier films, "The Endless" is a low-budget indie film that showcases their unique blend of horror, science-fiction, and fantasy. The film's thesis statement revolves around the concept of time, reality, and perception. 


The film explores these themes through the lens of the characters' experiences and the audience's perception of their reality.

The film's plot follows the journey of two brothers, Aaron and Justin, who return to a cult they left years ago. 

The brothers initially returned to the cult's commune to say goodbye to their former cult leader, but they soon realize that something strange is happening. 

The cult's members are stuck in a time loop that resets every ten years, and they are unable to escape. As the brothers investigate the cult's supernatural phenomenon, they discover that their perception of reality is not what it seems.

The film's plot is incredibly well-executed, and the coherence of the story is impressive. The film's pacing and editing are top-notch, and the directors effectively use suspense and tension to keep the audience engaged. The characters in the film are well-developed, and their motivations and relationships are explored in depth.

The cinematography is impressive, and the color palette and lighting choices add to the film's eerie atmosphere. The music and sound design are also noteworthy, and they contribute significantly to the film's overall mood and tone.

The film's central themes revolve around the power of perception, reality, and time. The film explores these themes in depth, and the directors use the characters' experiences to illustrate how our perception of reality can be altered.

Overall, "The Endless" is an impressive film that showcases the directors' talent and creativity. The film's strengths lie in its well-executed plot, well-developed characters, and stunning visuals. However, some viewers may find the film's complex plot confusing. Nevertheless, the film is a significant addition to the horror and science-fiction genres and is worth watching. I would highly recommend "The Endless" to anyone who enjoys mind-bending thrillers and films that explore the unknown.

Here are ten pieces of trivia for "The Endless"

  1. "The Endless" is a sequel of sorts to Benson and Moorhead's previous film "Resolution" (2012), with some of the characters from that movie appearing in this one.
  2. The movie's plot was partially inspired by the real-life cult known as the Heaven's Gate group, which committed mass suicide in 1997.
  3. The film was shot on location in Southern California, primarily in and around the town of Bishop.
  4. The film's lead actors, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, also served as the movie's directors and writers.
  5. The filmmakers raised some of the movie's budget through a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.
  6. The character of Shitty Carl, played by James Jordan, was originally written as a minor role, but the filmmakers expanded it during shooting due to Jordan's improv skills.
  7. The movie's opening quote, "We are like the dreamer who dreams and then lives inside the dream," is from the TV show "Twin Peaks" created by David Lynch.
  8. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2017 and won the award for Best Cinematography.
  9. The "time loop" element of the movie was inspired by the directors' love of the 1993 movie "Groundhog Day."
  10. The film's soundtrack features music by Jimmy Lavalle, who is also the founder of the band The Album Leaf.

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About the author Jimmy Jangles


My name is Jimmy Jangles, the founder of The Astromech. I have always been fascinated by the world of science fiction, especially the Star Wars universe, and I created this website to share my love for it with fellow fans.

At The Astromech, you can expect to find a variety of articles, reviews, and analysis related to science fiction, including books, movies, TV, and games.
From exploring the latest news and theories to discussing the classics, I aim to provide entertaining and informative content for all fans of the genre.

Whether you are a die-hard Star Trek fan or simply curious about the world of science fiction, The Astromech has something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and join me on this journey through the stars!
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