A Long Drive into Frustration: 'It Ends' Falls Short Despite Its Chilling Premise

The indie horror film "It Ends," which premiered at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival, presents an intriguing concept: what if a road trip went on forever? Directed by Alexander Ullom, this debut feature explores the anxieties of post-college life through four friends trapped in a seemingly endless drive.

As the story unfolds inside their white Jeep, we meet the quartet: the stoic driver Mitchell (played by Mitchell Cole), the cynical James (Phinehas Yoon), the uncertain graphic design major Day (Akira Jackson), and the quirky Fisher (Noah Toth). The film initially captures the essence of their youthful banter and camaraderie, representing the critical transition into adulthood that many face.

Ullom expertly establishes a tense atmosphere, utilizing the vehicle's features to heighten suspense. The ominous glow of hazard lights and the relentless beeping of an open door contribute to the film's unsettling tone. However, as the characters realize that the road they travel is infinite, the novelty of the premise begins to wane. Ullom's storytelling shifts from a promising exploration of existential dread to a frustrating circular journey, leaving viewers yearning for depth and resolution.

While the film succeeds in creating moments of genuine tension, it ultimately falters in delivering a satisfying narrative arc. The characters' relationships remain underdeveloped, and their individual struggles do not resonate deeply enough to engage the audience fully. As James spirals into obsession over their predicament, the other friends appear resigned, leading to a lack of emotional investment in their fate.

Despite the film's clever setup, Ullom's execution feels lacking, often leaving viewers questioning fundamental plot mechanics. For instance, the characters must keep their car running to avoid hunger and fatigue, yet logistical inconsistencies—like their phones inexplicably retaining power—become distracting. The film's repetitive nature, while thematically relevant, eventually detracts from the pacing, making the audience long for a more dynamic resolution.

As "It Ends" approaches its conclusion, a sense of nihilism emerges, but the earlier journey fails to provide the insightful commentary that might justify such an ending. Instead, it comes across as a jibe at the audience for their emotional investment—a potentially relatable sentiment for today's youth, yet ultimately unfulfilling. The film serves as a reminder that sometimes, the road we take doesn’t lead to the destination we hope for.

Source: www.indiewire.com