The Endless

The Endless, released in 2017, is a science-fiction horror film directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. It stars the two directors along with Callie Hernandez, Lew Temple, and James Jordan. Benson and Moorhead previously worked together on Resolution, another horror film that was well-received by critics.

The movie follows two brothers, Justin and Aaron, who escaped from a cult called Camp Arcadia ten years ago. After receiving a mysterious video message from the cult, the brothers decide to visit it once again. Upon their return, they find that time is endlessly looping in the camp, causing them to question what is real and what is not.

The film starts off with Justin and Aaron's mundane life, where they are struggling financially and looking for jobs. When Aaron receives the video message from their former cult, it piques their curiosity and they decide to visit the place where they spent their childhood.

As they arrive at Camp Arcadia, the first thing they notice is the odd behavior of its members. They initially think that the cult has not changed over the years, and that it is still the same place they remember from their childhood. However, the more they stick around, the more they realize that things are not what they seem.

Benson and Moorhead have done an excellent job of creating an eerie atmosphere, with a sense of unease constantly underlying the surface. The tension slowly builds up as the brothers start to witness strange occurrences, like waking up to a new morning despite sleeping for only a few minutes, or dead bodies reappearing.

The plot takes a surrealistic turn when the brothers discover that the members of the cult are trapped in a never-ending time loop. The story progresses into a mind-bending journey where the brothers try to comprehend the impossible reality they find themselves in.

The film's strongest asset is its storytelling. The Endless is an excellent mix of horror and science-fiction, with a plot that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. It explores the themes of perception, memory, and the inescapability of fate.

The Endless also features fantastic performances by its leads. Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson effortlessly embody the characters of the two brothers, bringing a sense of authenticity to their relationship. Callie Hernandez delivers a strong performance as the cult member Annie, who has her own struggles with the time loop.

The movie's visual effects are another highlight. The cinematography captures the eerie, otherworldly landscapes of the camp, and the special effects create a sense of disorientation and impending doom. The movie's sound design adds tension to the atmosphere, with ominous background music and disturbing sound effects.

There are some minor flaws in the film, one being its slow pacing. The story takes a while to pick up, and some viewers may find the first third of the movie relatively uneventful. However, this is compensated as the story progresses, leading to a very satisfying and thought-provoking ending.

Overall, The Endless is a fantastic horror film that explores time and the nature of reality. It is a welcome addition to the genre, thanks to its unique storyline, excellent performances, and the eerie atmosphere created by the filmmakers' aptitude for storytelling. The movie is a must-watch for fans of the horror and science-fiction genre who are looking for a fresh take on the usual tropes.