The Endless is the latest gem from the indie filmmaker duo Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. Once again they make the most of a small budget.

The Endless really is yet another great story from Benson and Moorhead. The two also star in their own film this time around. Usually, they do play some part on camera, so this in itself isn’t anything out of the ordinary.

However, previously, they’ve had smaller parts and this time they have the all-important protagonist lead roles.

Also, their characters have their real-life names, so they’re called Justin and Aaron – and this time around they portray brothers.

As an extra little treat, The Endless ties in perfectly with their feature film debut, Resolution. The two stories take place in the same universe. Frankly, I hope we get even more stories from this particular universe.

You can watch the trailer for The Endless right here or continue reading our review below.

Fantasy Sci-Fi in your backyard

We’ve gotten accustomed to sci-fi movies taking place in space or being all about robots and AI’s. However, when it comes to The Endless, we’re in a much more recognizable environment.

It’s not like this never happens in sci-fi movies. Obviously. Still, Benson and Moorhead manage to create a world that truly seems like something you could stumble upon. The Endless has a distinct Twilight Zone vibe to it that just fits so perfectly with the story from beginning to end.

We follow the two brothers, Justin (Justin Benson) and Aaron (Aaron Moorhead) as they return to a kind of commune. They originally left the place as teenagers because older brother, Justin, was certain a mass suicide was just around the corner.

Whether The Endless is actually about a cult or not is difficult to answer. No one is forced to stay and they have no weird rules as such.

Still, there is talk of an “ascension” which doesn’t exactly sound normal or innocent.

The Endless (2017) Review

Awesome supporting characters

In supporting roles, we see actors like Callie Hernandez (Alien: Covenant), Lew Temple (The Devil’s Rejects), and Tate Ellington (Sinister 2). Also, James Jordan (True BloodWind River) plays a brilliant character, who is sure to get the attention of any viewer!

Younger brother Justin can’t really remember much from his time at the commune. This in itself is very strange, since he wasn’t exactly a child, when they left.

However, this means Justin is enjoying his time back, while Aaron is trying to find out the truth about this place. He pays attention to everything and notices quite a few strange things along the way. Still, being a skeptic and thinking this place is a cult, he tries to rationalize everything.

At times, The Endless can feel almost like a documentary. And I do mean this in the best possible way. We get the story both through very critical and very rose-colored glasses. Make sure you pay attention to all the details or you will miss something.

Basically, put your phone away and enjoy the movie – otherwise, you won’t get it!

The Endless (2017) Review

A gorgeous trio of movies

This is the third feature film from Benson and Moorhead. Their first was the awesome Resolution and then came the (even better!) movie Spring. Now they’re coming back to the beginning with The Endless. I am so thrilled that these two keep holding on to their own style.

Especially when we see others – like the Spierig brothers – getting further away from their own style as the budget for their movies increases. Also, I love that while Justin Benson always writes the scripts, Aaron Moorhead is in charge of cinematography. Finally, they edit the movies together. It really is such a brilliant collaboration.

If you liked Resolution, then you’ll love The Endless. And if you haven’t watched their debut yet, then you’ll probably want to after having watched this latest film. Also, do make sure you watch Spring!

For Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, these three movies (which aren’t a trilogy) really are all brilliant in their own way. And I do hope – with all my movie-loving heart – that they’re nowhere near done making movies yet!

The Endless is out in the US on DVD, Blu-ray, and VOD from June 26, 2018. 

Details

Director: Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead
Cast: Aaron Moorhead, Justin Benson, Tate Ellington, Callie Hernandez, Lew Temple, James Jordan

Plot

Two brothers, Justin and Aaron, return to the cult they fled from years ago to discover. Now they come to discover that the group’s beliefs may not be as crazy as they thought.

I write reviews and recaps on Heaven of Horror. And yes, it does happen that I find myself screaming, when watching a good horror movie. I love psychological horror, survival horror and kick-ass women. Also, I have a huge soft spot for a good horror-comedy. Oh yeah, and I absolutely HATE when animals are harmed in movies, so I will immediately think less of any movie, where animals are harmed for entertainment (even if the animals are just really good actors). Fortunately, horror doesn't use this nearly as much as comedy. And people assume horror lovers are the messed up ones. Go figure!
Karina "ScreamQueen" Adelgaard
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