Rising Horror Talent: Alexander Ullom's Journey from Indie Filmmaking to Theaters

At just 28 years old, Alexander Ullom is carving his niche in the horror genre with a promising debut film, “It Ends.” Released in theaters on August 21, the film is a gripping tale of youthful exploration gone awry, featuring recent college graduates who find themselves in a terrifying predicament during a late-night drive.

The plot centers around four friends — James (Phinehas Yoon), Day (Akira Jackson), Fisher (Noah Toth), and military buddy Tyler (Mitchell Cole) — who embark on a quest for food only to encounter a mysterious roadblock. What starts as a simple outing spirals into chaos when Tyler investigates the blockage, leading to an assault on the group by an aggressive mob. Surviving the ordeal, they are left questioning their reality: have they crossed into another realm or are they trapped in a nightmarish purgatory?

Ullom's directorial style showcases a blend of tension and psychological depth, drawing audiences into the characters’ harrowing journey. The film's road to release, however, was anything but straightforward. Following its premiere at SXSW in March 2025, “It Ends” initially struggled to find a distributor, leaving Ullom disillusioned. He candidly admitted to Variety about his frustration, revealing that he was ready to upload the film to YouTube when a fortuitous connection changed everything.

A chance meeting with filmmaker Nicolas Curcio led to Ullom's work gaining traction online. Curcio’s discussions about the film caught the attention of Letterboxd's CEO, who recognized its potential. Subsequently, “It Ends” became one of the first features to be showcased on the new Letterboxd Video Store for undistributed films. This visibility ultimately drew the interest of Neon, a distribution company that also opted to back Ullom's next project, “4 x 4: The Event,” described as a thrilling mix of “Battle Royale,” “Saw,” and “Climax.”

To promote “It Ends,” Neon launched an innovative Endless Screening challenge, inviting teams of four to participate in a grueling 36-hour marathon screening at NYC’s Metro Private Cinema. Participants compete for cash prizes, earning 25 cents for every minute they endure, with additional rewards for those who complete the challenge. This unique promotional strategy aims to engage horror fans while testing their limits.

During the press day, Ullom shared insights into his creative process and the inspiration behind “It Ends.” He began writing the script at the age of 21, drawing from personal struggles with the transition to adulthood. The themes of aimlessness and societal disillusionment resonate deeply throughout the film. Ullom reflected on how his early experiences influenced the narrative, stating, “I was really going through it at the time and thinking, ‘Is this the rest of adulthood?’”

Despite his film’s challenges, Ullom remains grateful for the support it has received. He emphasized the importance of his cast, whom he discovered through an open casting call on social media. The diverse talents brought a unique energy to the film, with Ullom highlighting their contributions to the dialogue and overall storytelling.

Looking ahead, Ullom expresses excitement about the new wave of young horror filmmakers emerging alongside him, including talents like Curry Barker and Kane Parsons. He is eager to see how this generational shift will impact the industry. As he continues to navigate the complexities of filmmaking, Ullom's journey is a testament to perseverance and the unpredictable nature of independent cinema.

Source: variety.com