How It Ends

In the riveting action thriller, How It Ends, directed by David M. Rosenthal and released in 2018, the audiences are taken on a gripping post-apocalyptic journey of survival and familial revelations. With a dynamic cast led by Theo James, Kat Graham, and Nancy Sorel, the movie is both engaging and emotionally charged, providing an immersive experience that resonates with the collective human instinct of survival against apocalyptic disasters.

The film centers on Will Younger, brought to life by British actor Theo James, known for his performances in the 'Divergent' series. Will is an introvert lawyer based out in Chicago, settled in a comfortable life with a pregnant girlfriend Sam Sutherland (Kat Graham), known for her role in the series 'The Vampire Diaries.' Will's life revolves around Sam and their unborn child, making him a figure to which many in the audience can relate, adding depth and familiarity to his character.

The early portion of the movie explores the relationship between Will and his girlfriend's parents, particularly focusing on the complicated relationship Will shares with Tom Sutherland, played by American actor Forest Whitaker. The strained dynamics between Will and Tom add an extra layer of tension, which is then heightened by the impending disaster, creating a palpable emotional undertone.

Matters escalate when Will is stranded in Seattle after a failed reconciliation attempt with the conspicuous absence of any form of digital communication. Little does he know that he's on the precipice of an apocalyptic disaster. Unexplained seismic activities grip the entire west coast, plunging it into chaos and initiating a catastrophic chain of events. Amid the confusion and devastation, normal life standstill, and Will is thrown into a fight for survival.

Haunted by the unknown lying ahead and the uncertainty about his pregnant girlfriend's safety, he decides to return to Chicago. In this desperate endeavor, he forms an unlikely alliance with his estranged father-in-law, Tom. The latter's military background and survivalist skills become a beacon of hope in their perilous journey across a country hurtling fast into oblivion.

Their road trip through the disintegrating nation is filled with numerous obstacles, encountering different faces of humanity under pressure, dystopian landscapes, and action-packed sequences leave the viewers on edge. In this journey, amid the chaos, the relationship between Will and Tom evolves, adding another dimension to the narrative. The movie consistently features taut, suspense-filled scenes underscored by a profound sense of apprehension about what lies ahead.

The refreshing performances by the lead actors must be mentioned. Theo James expertly portrays the transformation of Will from a soft-spoken lawyer to a rugged, determined survivor. Meanwhile, the seasoned Forest Whitaker convincingly delivers the role of a retired military man thrust back into a warlike situation. Kat Graham’s portrayal of Sam brings an emotional depth to the movie, serving as a symbolic representation of hope and forward momentum in the chaotic world.

The apocalyptic scenario is beautifully captured through eye-catching cinematography by Peter Flinckenberg. The haunting scenes of a destroyed America, clouded with dust and debris, create a mesmerizing yet eerie backdrop, keeping viewers engrossed.

Despite being set in a post-apocalyptic world, the essential theme of the movie is deeply rooted in human emotions and relationships. It's a testament to the lengths one might go to protect loved ones. It's a tale about confronting personal fears and overcoming obstacles, enlivened by thrilling action sequences, ticking suspense, and a persistent quest for survival.

All in all, 'How It Ends' is not just a doomsday survival drama; it’s a film about human resilience, their desperation to cling onto hope, and their incessant struggle to come out stronger on the other side of despair. The end-of-the-world theme, the emotional subplot, and the nail-biting action sequences make 'How It Ends' a must-watch for anyone who appreciates intense, evocative, and provocative cinema.