Reviews: The Endless (2017) Movie Review / Ending Explained / FAQs
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Subgenres: Cabin in the Woods, Supernatural, Cult, Lovecraftian, Mind Bender, Sci-Fi, Wilderness
This in-depth review of The Endless (2017) explores its story, characters, and scares in detail, offering insights for every horror fan.
The Endless (2017) Movie Review – A Haunting Sci-Fi Mystery That Bends Reality
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The Endless (2017) is a thought-provoking blend of sci-fi and psychological horror that dives into the unsettling world of two brothers returning to a strange commune they once escaped. Justin and Aaron, the brothers at the heart of the story, live a bleak and monotonous life after leaving the group years earlier. When they receive a mysterious videotape from the commune, Aaron convinces Justin to revisit the place in search of closure.
What they find is a community that appears welcoming and unchanged despite the passage of time. As they stay longer, strange occurrences begin to unfold—repeated patterns in nature, bizarre behavior among the residents, and a chilling sense that something larger and more sinister is controlling everything.
Thematically, The Endless explores the human struggle with free will versus fate, the bonds of family, and the allure of belonging. The characters are caught between skepticism and hope, each reflecting a different response to fear and the unknown.
Acting, Cinematography, and Direction
Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, who not only star in the film but also co-direct it, deliver performances that feel grounded and deeply human. Their dynamic as brothers is authentic, with Aaron’s naive hopefulness contrasting sharply against Justin’s cynical pragmatism.
Cinematography plays a crucial role in amplifying the tension. Expansive shots of desolate landscapes and wide, lingering frames create an eerie sense of scale—suggesting forces far beyond human comprehension. The visual atmosphere alone places the viewer in a constant state of unease, as if time itself is warped within the film’s reality.
The direction shines in its ability to balance intimacy with cosmic horror. While the story builds on small, personal conflicts between the brothers, it never loses sight of the larger, ominous forces in play.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Benson and Moorhead’s directing style thrives on ambiguity and slow-burn tension. Rather than overwhelming the audience with jump scares, the film unsettles through atmosphere, dialogue, and implication. The creeping sense that events are repeating endlessly creates a suffocating dread that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll.
Strengths:
Strong, believable brotherly dynamic.
Unique blend of sci-fi and horror with philosophical undertones.
Chilling cinematography that enhances the sense of scale and inevitability.
Smartly written with layers of symbolism for repeat viewing.
Weaknesses:
The pacing may feel too slow for audiences expecting traditional horror thrills.
Ambiguity in the ending may frustrate viewers looking for a clear resolution.
Final Verdict & Score
The Endless (2017) is a masterfully crafted indie horror film that challenges viewers to think beyond the screen. Its themes of cycles, fate, and the human need for control make it more than just a genre film—it’s an experience. While it may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced scares, it’s a rewarding journey for fans of cerebral, atmospheric horror.
Final Score: 7/10
Who Will Enjoy It
This film is perfect for fans of slow-burn horror, sci-fi mysteries, and psychological thrillers. Viewers who appreciate films like Coherence or Resolution will find much to enjoy here.
Who Might Be Disappointed
Audiences expecting straightforward monster horror or a neatly explained ending may walk away frustrated. The film thrives on mystery, and that lack of closure may not be for everyone.
Most Searched FAQs about The Endless (2017)
1. What is the main plot of The Endless (2017)?
The film follows brothers Justin and Aaron as they return to a mysterious commune they once escaped. At first, the community seems peaceful, but soon they realize the group is trapped in strange time loops controlled by an unseen force.
2. Why do Justin and Aaron return to the commune?
Aaron feels unfulfilled and nostalgic for the community’s sense of belonging. After receiving a cryptic videotape from the commune, he convinces Justin to revisit, hoping to find closure and answers.
3. What are the strange time loops in The Endless?
The loops are repeating cycles of life and death that different people and creatures are trapped in. These cycles vary in length—from minutes to decades—suggesting that the entire region is controlled by a supernatural force that resets events endlessly.
4. Who or what is controlling the loops?
While never explicitly shown, the loops are implied to be controlled by a powerful, otherworldly presence. It manifests through distorted sounds, strange phenomena in the sky, and the inability of characters to escape certain boundaries.
5. What role does the videotape play in the story?
The videotape acts as a trigger, drawing the brothers back into the commune. It also hints at the supernatural force’s awareness of its captives, as though it enjoys documenting and replaying their suffering.
6. Why do the members of the commune seem content living there?
Most of the commune members have accepted their fate. They live with the comfort of familiarity, even if it means repeating the same cycle. Their calm demeanor contrasts with Justin’s skepticism and fear, highlighting the difference between acceptance and denial.
7. How does The Endless connect to other films by the directors?
The film directly connects to Resolution (2012), another movie by the same directors. Characters and events overlap, expanding the shared universe where cycles and unseen forces dominate human lives.
8. What is the significance of the brothers’ relationship?
Justin and Aaron’s strained relationship reflects themes of control and trust. Justin is protective and distrustful of the commune, while Aaron longs for acceptance. Their dynamic drives the emotional tension, especially as they must decide whether to escape together.
9. Is The Endless a horror or sci-fi movie?
It blends both genres. The horror comes from its cosmic dread and eerie atmosphere, while the sci-fi element lies in its exploration of time, cycles, and alternate dimensions.
The Endless (2017) Ending Explained
As the brothers attempt to leave the commune, they realize they are caught inside one of the loops themselves. The supernatural force tightens its grip, and they must make a desperate attempt to escape before the cycle resets.
In the final moments, Justin and Aaron drive toward freedom, but the world seems to resist them. The car sputters and slows, as though reality itself is trying to trap them. At the last second, they push forward, breaking through the boundary just as the cycle threatens to restart.
The ending is intentionally ambiguous—did they truly escape, or are they simply beginning another loop? The open conclusion reinforces the film’s central theme: humanity’s struggle against forces beyond control, and the endless cycles we all face in life.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- The Endless Rating Scores
- Our Score: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.56/10
- IMDB: 6.5/10
- MetaCritic: 8.0/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 9.1/10
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Related Article: THE ENDLESS (2017) Ending Explained + Connections to RESOLUTION
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