How It Ends

How It Ends is a quirky yet engaging 2021 comedy-drama film directed by Daryl Wein and co-written and led by Zoe Lister-Jones. The film boasts a star-studded ensemble, including names like Cailee Spaeny and Whitney Cummings who join Lister-Jones in a surreal yet insightful exploration of acceptance, love, and the end of the world.

Set in an eerily vacant Los Angeles on the last day of Earth, the story revolves around Liza, played brilliantly by Zoe Lister-Jones. Liza is faced with navigating her last day on Earth in the company of metaphysical manifestation of her younger self, Little Liza, portrayed by Cailee Spaeny. The duo, both wiser and more innocent versions of Liza, embark on a journey to face her regrets, mend broken relationships and make peace with her insecurities before the world comes to an end.

As Liza and Little Liza traverse the deserted streets, they encounter a host of eccentric characters who are each grappling with their impending doom in their own bizarre ways. These characters, played by a diverse range of talented actors including Whitney Cummings, Charlie Day, Olivia Wilde and Fred Armisen, add color and variety to Liza’s journey, delivering unique perspectives on the end of the world.

Filmed entirely during the COVID-19 lockdown, How It Ends reflects both the literal emptiness of the quarantined world and the emotional isolation often felt during times of uncertainty. Reminiscent of the current pandemic-laden global condition, the movie echoes the emotional challenges faced by everyone, adding a layer of relatability that intensifies its appeal.

Zoe Lister-Jones shines as Liza, showing an uncanny ability to infuse wit into melancholy. Her performance as the emotionally and literally introverted woman on a path to self-realization is nothing short of extraordinary. Lister-Jones, who has a knack for playing offbeat yet relatable characters, brings complexity to Liza, offering a woman caught in the whirlwind of existential crisis and self-acceptance.

Cailee Spaeny deserves special mention for her dazzling portrayal of Little Liza. She plays the younger embodiment of Liza with grace and emotional depth, subtly expressing what it feels like to be estranged from the joys of youth and innocence in a disintegrating world. Her chemistry with Lister-Jones illuminates the screen, making their duo one of the defining highlights of the film.

Adding to the film’s allure is it's unique, spontaneous filmmaking style. The fact that it was conceived and created during the COVID-19 pandemic, and filmed with strict adherence to social distancing norms, gives the film a spontaneous, improvised feel. Its cinematography beautifully captures the haunting emptiness of Los Angeles.

The music scored by Ryan Miller enhances the narrative mood of the film, oscillating between uplifting and melancholic, while staying catchy throughout. A particular strength of the film lies in the delicate balance it strikes between comedy and drama, the transition is seamless and smooth, furthering the story development and maintaining the viewer's interest.

Thematically, How It Ends is more than just an end-of-the-world journey. It is an introspective journey of self-acceptance and embracing one’s past, a celebration of human flaws, and an exploration of the deep-seated fear of being alone. Directors Wein and Lister-Jones have managed to give a refreshing spin to the familiar trope of apocalyptic movies by replacing destructive action sequences with emotional confrontations.

In a nutshell, How It Ends showcases a unique narrative style, layered performances, and a fascinating understanding of human emotions. It is a must-watch for viewers who appreciate unconventional storytelling and can find humor even in the face of impending doom. Unpretentious, funny, heart-warming yet heartbreaking, How It Ends is an unusual take on the classic end-of-the-world scenario that resonates with the current state of the world and explores the true essence of acceptance and letting go.