The Endless

The 2017 film "The Endless," directed by duo Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, is a spellbinding amalgam of mystery, science fiction, and horror that enthralls the viewers from the outset. This exquisitely peculiar indie film dances between genres and skillfully plays with its audience, descending into a peculiar and unsettling world that questions reality and pushes the limits of our understanding.

The Endless stars the directors themselves, Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson, who play Justin and Aaron Smith, two brothers entangled in escalating surreal circumstances. Their authentic on-screen chemistry brings a profound sense of realism to the film, making the uncanny events that unfold even more chilling and intriguing.

The narrative of "The Endless" is woven around the return of these two brothers to the UFO death-cult from which they had escaped a decade earlier. Surviving on the margins of society, struggling with menial jobs and riddled with shared, inexplicable nightmares, the brothers are driven back to the cult – or what they believe to be a cult - by a mysterious videotape.

Here's where the film breaks convention, circumventing cliché horror or thriller routes. Instead of the stereotypical depiction of a sinister cult, the congregation they left behind appears to be living a bucolic, harmonious life in the beautiful wilderness of Southern California. Benson and Moorhead use masterful storytelling, a labyrinthine narrative that invites audiences to question along with the characters – Is this a cult? Or merely a misunderstood commune?

The supporting cast, particularly Callie Hernandez, Emily Montague, and Tate Ellington, convincingly portray the enigmatic members of the commune. Their performances add to the overall uncanny aura of the narrative, striking that delicate balance between overt strangeness and intriguing charisma, leaving the audience questioning the true nature of the group.

" The Endless" actualizes as a cerebral exploration of time, memory, and brotherhood, utilizing the backdrop of a potential cult experience to explore these themes. Innovative visual effects along with an eerily atmospheric sound design bring the movie’s peculiar universe to life. Rather than relying on jump scares or gratuitous gore, the dread is built up steadily and steadily, creating a palpable undercurrent of tension throughout the film.

Directors Moorhead and Benson truly shine in their attention to detail and their ability to maintain an atmospheric tone balanced with an undercurrent of dread. Their use of the natural environment adds an extra layer of intrigue to the film and wonderfully complements their exploration of inexplicable phenomena. The cinematography smartly alternates between tranquility and chaos, mirroring the protagonists' complex emotional states, pulling the viewer deeper into the escalating mystery.

" The Endless" is remarkable as it doesn’t merely shrug off the notion of narrative loose ends as many films of this genre are wont to do. Instead, it consistently funnels its plot twists and turns, guiding the viewer through a labyrinth of curiosities that integrate seamlessly into the narrative. The themes of freedom, perception, and agency are explored in thought-provoking ways, challenging viewers to reassess their understanding of familiar reality.

Adding more depth to the film, the relationship between the two brothers takes center stage. Their personal growth, their dispute, and eventual reconciliation all happen while the world around them oscillates into inexplicable strangeness. This subplot humanizes the bizarre narrative, bringing a heartening essence to an otherwise idiosyncratic story.

What sets "The Endless" apart from other films is its ability to simultaneously deliver shivers and thoughts, navigating both the physical and psychological dimensions of horror. It’s a masterwork in subtly building terror and intrigue, serving up an existential horror show that pulls the rug out from under you just as you think you’ve found stable ground.

True to its name, "The Endless" does feel infinite as it takes the audience on a surreal journey that blurs the line between sci-fi and horror. The film is a genre-bending gem that excels in its unique narrative structure, engrossing effects, and a central theme that’s at once relatable and riveting. The metaphysical conundrums it presents make for an enthralling, perplexing viewing experience that lingers long after the credits roll, making it a must-watch for fans of intelligent, unconventional cinema.