Movie Review: Gen Z gets a moody, existential horror in ‘It Ends’

The film "It Ends" caters to a specific generation, offering a glimpse into their existential malaise. While not every attempt matches the brilliance of classics like "The Graduate" or "Frances Ha," this horror film manages to capture the spirit of its young creators. The movie follows four friends who embark on an endless road trip, confronting the monotony of their postgraduate lives.

Directed and written by Alexander Ullom, the film reflects the struggles of its protagonist, James, who graduated during the pandemic and grapples with dissociative depression. Despite his rational and jaded outlook on the future, James manages to retain the friendship of his high school peers. They gather in a white Jeep Cherokee to search for sustenance, engaging in a lighthearted debate about which animals they'd choose to defend themselves against any potential threats.

Tyler, the military veteran and HVAC worker, is the only member of the group who didn't attend college. He's contemplating marriage and has a clear Southern accent, setting him apart from the others who are recent college graduates. Day, a graphic designer, is job searching and yearning for stability, while James struggles with an overbearing future involving marriage and a midwestern city life.

Despite the film's mediocre rating, it provides a relatable expression of young adult feelings at the time. The attention to detail, such as their clothing, hairstyles, gadgets, and soundtrack, remains consistent across generations, making "It Ends" a genuine representation of its time.