Cults are all the rage these days in entertainment. From Wild Wild Country to Waco, the industry has started taking in depth looks on what gets people to join and the ramifications of their actions. But what of the people who manage to get out? That’s the question and concept that The Endless wants to wrestle with as it follows two ex-cult members as they return to the cult and start experiencing weird shenanigans. The Endless is a brilliant film, that uses strong performances, a tight script, and even its own limitations to create an unsettling, yet enjoyable atmosphere.
There isn’t much that could get me to go back to a place I don’t like, much less revisit a UFO death cult, but that is what the two brothers at the center of The Endless do when Aaron, who was young when Justin helped him escape, becomes dissatisfied with their now normal lives. Upon receiving a cryptic message, the two head back to the camp and it’s as awkward and weird as you expect. Justin and Aaron are forced to deal with the damage they caused with their escape and subsequent media tour, and repairing the relationships they had. However, there seems to be something more going on and as a phenomena begins to occur the two must face their fears and learn the truth before being trapped forever.
The Endless is, to me, the definition of a solid film. Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead perform a variety of duties from behind the camera to acting in it and there isn’t a single department that isn’t doing a good job. Justin’s script might be the revelatory thing here because it allows every character humanity, yes even those in the cult, and is grounded first and foremost in their relationships. Those tangible aspects are what allow the craziness to really stand out when it needs to.
I mentioned earlier that the movie has some limitations, most by virtue of being an indie film. The movie is incredibly low key and the pace is very languid. While it is nice to be forced to wade into the scary waters, the movie does suffer a bit by virtue of the pace and editing style. However, one of the ways the movie uses
The VFX in this film are not spectacular, but what they are is incredibly effective. This movie calls to mind classic horror films of the 70s in the respect that the filmmakers use atmosphere and just enough weirdness to make up for whatever budget isn’t there. Mirroring the characters headspace is brilliant, I was so unnerved by every little thing with this movie and started doubting what was real and what wasn’t.