The Endless

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Neil M The Endless is an intelligent, unsettling, and deeply atmospheric indie sci-fi horror that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. Directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead craft a story that blends cosmic horror, time loops, and psychological tension into a film that feels both grounded and otherworldly. The plot follows two brothers who return to a mysterious cult they escaped years ago, only to discover that something far stranger than devotion is at work. The film masterfully builds dread without relying on cheap jump scares, instead slowly escalating the sense of unease with eerie clues, haunting visuals, and an unseen force that defies time itself. What makes The Endless stand out is its ability to balance character-driven storytelling with mind-bending sci-fi concepts. The dynamic between the brothers—one sceptical, the other nostalgic—is compelling, adding an emotional core that keeps the narrative engaging. The film’s use of minimalist effects and creative storytelling proves that great horror doesn’t need a massive budget—just strong direction, unsettling ambiguity, and an excellent sense of pacing. If you enjoy Lovecraftian horror, reality-warping mysteries, and films like Coherence or Triangle, this is a must-watch. While the slow-burn pacing might not be for everyone, those who appreciate atmospheric horror will be thoroughly captivated. ✔️ Verdict: A haunting and brilliantly executed sci-fi mystery that leaves you questioning the nature of time, fate, and unseen cosmic forces. 4/5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/01/25 Full Review Audience Member Wow, what a hidden gem. I went in not expecting much, but by the end, I was upset it was over. Cults and sci-fi—can't ask for more. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/01/25 Full Review Ben D *We discussed The Endless on Ep. 142 of TRM here.* The Endless requires not only a viewing of 2013’sResolution (although this is not necessarily a sequel, it’s still a requirement), but a focused attention to detail to fully appreciate the film. Justin and Aaron (Justin Benson & Aaron Moorehead, also the directors and writers) are brothers living a crappy life cleaning houses in San Diego — yes, somehow two, young, white, men are cleaning houses in SoCal… Realizing life isn’t going well, Aaron insists they return to a “cult” of their youth after receiving a VHS in the mail. Justin is apprehensive, but relents so Aaron can see that the “cult” is a bunch of loons and will get it out of his system. The happenings at Camp Arcadia are strange, but mostly convivial and very, very healthy — according to Justin, the members retained their youthful demeanor because of healthy eating and living off the land. *Here Be Spoilers* The plot concerns simultaneous time loops and a decennial time loop jump and a hidden, omnipresent monster that acts as a puppet master/mythological deity that must be entertained and appeased. There are some great shots here — I especially enjoyed the expanding creature in the water shot from high in the sky — but Aaron’s motivation (at least what was explained to me in a subsequent YouTube video) is infantile. If you’re someone who re-watches movies, this might be a good selection. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/30/25 Full Review Alysha S Good Men Project review here: https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/the-endless-asks-family-animosity-over-cult-superseded-cosmic-forces-rtwn/ Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/24/25 Full Review Phil P I try to avoid giving spoilers, but I do allude to some things that might feel like spoilers—so, fair warning. I really enjoyed this. While I was left with some unanswered questions at the end, I didn’t mind too much. It’s true, as some reviews have mentioned, that the sci-fi elements in the second half occasionally detract from the development of the brothers’ fragile relationship. Even so, I felt the balance was good overall. The concept was fascinating and delivered well. There’s a twist of sorts, but it’s not revealed in a single "aha!" moment. Instead, it unfolds gradually, leaving you to consider the horrifying reality the characters face. The stakes were undeniably high, but the way each brother responded to their circumstances wasn’t always predictable, adding depth and intrigue to the story. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/16/25 Full Review Gabriel W This movie feels like a worse version of Midsommar. It tries to combine elements from other good films, but that doesn't actually work. I usually enjoy movies that leave me thinking afterward, but this one fails to do so. Some reviews talked about a twist -- where was the twist? The ending was completely predictable. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/19/25 Full Review Read all reviews

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