It Ends

Alexander Ullom's debut feature, "It Ends", presents a compelling and thought-provoking premise, transforming a late-night road trip among recent graduates into a descent into existential dread. The film is lauded for its clever concept, described as a "Gen Z riff on Sartre" and a "brilliant, existential road thriller". It effectively manipulates ambiguity, creating a "heady supernatural mystery" that trades conventional scares for a "deeply effective existential terror".

The direction is frequently highlighted as a strong point, with critics noting Ullom as an "inspiring young talent" and a "major talent" in the horror genre. The film's ability to craft a "dread-inducing" atmosphere is consistently praised, demonstrating a "deft" hand behind the camera. However, the narrative execution receives a more mixed reception.

While some find the drama "rigorous and fine-tuned", others suggest that the "journey isn't always worth its lack of a destination" and can feel "redundant". This indicates that while the core idea is strong, the pacing and plot development may not consistently maintain engagement for all viewers. Dialogue and storytelling contribute to the film's ambiguous nature, with an "improvisational unfurling" that aims for a specific tone.

However, this approach, combined with the film's unconventional horror, has led some audience members to find it "boring, unscary, and confusing". Specific praise for production design, editing, or individual acting performances is less prominent in critical discourse, suggesting these elements are competent but not standout. The background sound and music effectively support the "dread-inducing" atmosphere, contributing to the film's overall mood.

Ultimately, "It Ends" is a noteworthy entry into the horror genre for its intellectual ambition and atmospheric craft, though its unique style may divide audiences.