How It Ends
Movie Trailer
Release Date
July 20, 2018
Genre
Action, Adventure, Drama
Cast & Crew
- Theo James as Will Younger
- Forest Whitaker as Tom Sutherland
- Kat Graham as Samantha Sutherland
- Grace Dove as Ricki
- Mark O’Brien as Jeremiah
Director
David M. Rosenthal
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Perfect Guy (2015)
- A Single Shot (2013)
- Janie Jones (2010)
Producer
Paul Schiff, Tai Duncan, Kelly McCormick
Writer
Brooks McLaren
Budget
$20 million (estimated)
Production Company
Paul Schiff Productions, Sierra/Affinity, Netflix
Running Time
113 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
TV-MA
Content Advisory
- Strong violence
- Language
- Intense action sequences
Movie Story
How It Ends is a post-apocalyptic thriller that follows Will Younger, a man desperate to reach his pregnant fiancée, Samantha, after a mysterious and catastrophic event leaves the country in chaos. Will is in Chicago when the disaster strikes, cutting off all communication with the West Coast, where Samantha is located. With no information about the nature of the disaster and the entire country in a state of panic, Will decides to travel across the country to find her.
Joining him on this perilous journey is his soon-to-be father-in-law, Tom Sutherland, a hardened former military man with whom Will has a strained relationship. Together, they must navigate a landscape filled with danger, from lawless gangs and hostile survivors to the unpredictable forces of nature unleashed by the disaster.
As Will and Tom make their way west, the film explores themes of survival, family, and the lengths to which one will go to protect their loved ones. The tension between Will and Tom adds an emotional layer to the story, as they are forced to confront their differences and work together to survive. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and form alliances with others, including a young woman named Ricki who becomes their guide through the treacherous terrain.
The film builds suspense as the nature of the disaster remains largely unexplained, creating a sense of uncertainty and dread. The journey is fraught with danger, and the stakes are high as Will and Tom race against time to reach Samantha before it’s too late.
Special Effects
How It Ends features a range of special effects that effectively depict the aftermath of the mysterious disaster, including scenes of destruction, chaotic weather patterns, and intense action sequences. The effects are used to create a sense of scale and urgency, enhancing the film’s apocalyptic atmosphere.
Box Office Performance
How It Ends was released directly on Netflix, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. The film received mixed reviews but attracted a large audience on the streaming platform, particularly among fans of disaster and survival films.
Filming Locations
- Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Chicago, Illinois, USA
Notable Quotes
- “In a crisis, you don’t rise to the occasion. You sink to the level of your training.” – Tom Sutherland
- “Everything’s falling apart, and I’m just trying to get to her.” – Will Younger
Behind-the-Scenes
The film’s production took place in various locations across Canada and the United States, with the filmmakers aiming to capture the vast, desolate landscapes that reflect the uncertainty and danger of the characters’ journey. The decision to keep the nature of the disaster ambiguous was intentional, adding to the tension and focus on the characters’ survival rather than the cause of the apocalypse.
Awards
- No notable awards.
Final Verdict
How It Ends is a tense and engaging post-apocalyptic thriller that focuses on the human aspects of survival and the complexities of familial relationships. While the film’s ambiguous ending and lack of explanation for the disaster may leave some viewers unsatisfied, its strong performances and suspenseful narrative make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. The film’s exploration of how far people will go for their loved ones adds emotional depth to the action-packed storyline.
IMDb Rating
5.0/10