It Ends (dir. Alex Ullom)

By : Dave Hughes

A long and desolate highway has long served as a powerful metaphor in both cinema and literature. Whether representing a journey of self-reflection or a drive toward a specific destination, the highway often symbolizes the various transitions of life. Director Alex Ullom (Chipped, Quite Like You) leans heavily into this imagery for his latest film, It Ends. While the film's deeper mysteries and messages don't always reveal themselves at first glance, It Ends is distinct and haunting enough to stand out among the crowded genre of 'road' movies.

Part horror, part comedy, and part coming-of-age story, It Ends follows four twenty-somethings trapped inside a Jeep after their trip home from college takes a dark turn. The group finds themselves stuck on what appears to be a never-ending highway. While the leads can exit the vehicle, they can only stay out for a limited time before they are chased back inside by figures emerging from the woods, desperately begging for a ride. As they travel, each character is forced to confront their own regrets and anxieties about the past. It is this unique combination of genres that makes the film so memorable.

It Ends is not a film that explains itself through heavy dialogue or straightforward exposition. Instead, it allows the audience to determine its meaning through specific events and, most importantly, moments of quiet reflection. The story's thematic weight is carried by the entire cast, yet Noah Toth (Ojai, Unfix) emerges as the standout, navigating his character's journey with impressive poise. His portrayal of Fisher brings a vital mix of humor and humanity to the group. Toth is joined by Akira Jackson, whose performance as Day provides both a grounding force for the group and much-needed levity in their darker moments.

It is difficult to discuss It Ends without diving into spoiler territory, but the film’s blend of genres ensures the audience never knows what to expect next. The tone can shift seamlessly from a serious monologue about life and regret to an amusing debate over whether a man with a gun could defeat fifty hawks. While there are early elements of horror, these scares gradually dissipate as the film continues. The focus shifts away from the uncertainty in the woods around the jeep and toward the psychological journey of the passengers inside the Jeep. Though some viewers may find this shift monotonous or taxing, it ultimately provides a profound level of depth for the protagonists.

Most of the runtime of It Ends takes place in the confines of the jeep with the film’s main characters. This point of view is both confining and focused in the same breath, The confining nature of the jeep leads to the tension early on. As the film continues, the jeep becomes a sanctuary for the four where all their deepest thoughts are revealed.  It becomes a place for all characters to question their own beliefs about life and death. It’s a process many people in their 20’s wrestle with when it comes to acceptance and belonging.  

Target Score 7.5/10 - It Ends is a fresh take on the doomed road trip saga. By seamlessly blending disparate genres, director Alex Ullom has created a unique experience that rarely offers the audience what they expect.