By Day's End

By Day's End, directed by Michael Souder, is an indie horror film released in 2020 that manages to consistently keep viewers at the edge of their seats by blending elements of horror, drama and romance. The movie features captivating performances by its main characters: a young couple Carly and Rina, portrayed by Lyndsey Lantz and Andrea Nelson respectively. Joshua Keller Katz also contributes significantly to the film's energy and tension with his nuanced performance.

At its heart, By Day's End is a tale of survival and emphasizes the human instinct to stand against all odds in times of severe adversity. Carly (Lyndsey Lantz), the film's central character, is an ex-medical student who is unemployed and struggling to keep her life and relationship together. On the other hand, her girlfriend Rina (Andrea Nelson), an aspiring video blogger, documents their life in an attempt to expose the harsh reality of their struggles with hopes of finding solutions. The plot takes a radical turn as their grim life scenarios unfold, transforming their life from a tale of economic hardship into one of survival horror.

The promise of the movie is to explore their survival journey in an unthinkable situation that actually spins the realities of their lives upside-down. As the couple face the extremities of their reality, the dire circumstances bring forth their contrasting personalities and the dynamics of their relationship. Interestingly, amidst all the chaos and despair, their love for each other is the one constant driving force that empowers them to confront their fears.

Director Michael Souder brings a unique touch to this zombie-apocalypse sub-genre by inverting certain stereotypes. He skillfully uses a minimalist approach to horror, illustrating that it's not always the gruesome creatures but sometimes the desolation and fear of the unknown that can be truly petrifying. The film builds on a solid script and riveting performances, keeping viewers glued waiting for what comes next, feeding largely off the suspense and tension created by the eerie atmosphere rather than relying solely on jump scares.

Lyndsey Lantz, as Carly, does a commendable job rendering a strong but flawed character trying to navigate her way through the chaos. She portrays Carly's urgency, despair and resolve with utmost sincerity, bringing depth to her character. Andrea Nelson, portraying Rina, masterfully balances her character's vulnerability with an underlying current of stubborn optimism. Her relationship with Carly, played against the backdrop of their gruesome survival story, adds a heart-wrenching element to the narrative. Their performances jointly keep the audience invested and engaged

Joshua Keller Katz adds another layer to the plot with a character that is both intriguing and unpredictable. His character's interactions with the couple Carly and Rina contribute heavily to the plot's development and to the escalating tension throughout the film.

The cinematography is exceptional, making effective use of the set locations, to depict a seemingly desolate world, interspersed with elements of horror that effectively raise the film's chill factor. The sound design and visual effects deliver a strong impact, enhancing the gritty reality and suspense throughout the movie.

The narrative of By Day’s End, while primarily situated within the horror genre, reveals a story of love surviving against dire circumstances. The film doesn’t shy away from introducing themes of love, loyalty, sacrifice and the question of what it means to truly survive in a world turned upside down.

Despite being a low-budget indie movie, By Day's End, is a memorable addition to the horror genre, providing everything that a horror film fan would enjoy –- ample suspense, gripping storyline, intense performances, and a clever twist on the typical zombie narrative. Moreover, the film’s undertones of love, struggle, and survival give it an added depth beyond just scares and thrills, making it a worthwhile watch.