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Todayâs movie is The Endless (2017), streaming on Netflix. Justin Benson and Aaron Moorehead, whose film Spring I recommended here, wrote, directed, shot, produced, acted in and edited the film themselves. That in itself is reason enough to watch it.
Hereâs what itâs about: Two brothers (Benson and Moorehead) travel back to the âUFO death cultâ they escaped from years earlier looking for answers. They find what theyâre looking for â and then some. [Trailer // 111 mins]
Why you should watch it: Thereâs something charmingly lo-fi about The Endless. In a way, it feels like a feature-length episode of The Twilight Zone. However, Benson and Moorehead are tackling a more complex and increasingly smart story that like the best episodes of the classic series slowly reveals itself over time â increasing the tension and intrigue along the way. Donât worry, The Endless will give you answers in due time.
The stellar score by The Album Leaf (aka Jimmy LaValle) adds a mysterious ambient undertone to the already enigmatic movie that is reminiscent of the work of the late great JĂłhann JĂłhannsson. Though you can see where a higher budget could have done some good (the first ten minutes are admittedly rough), The Endless is another testament that great filmmakers and a compelling story can add up to so much more than the sum of their parts. Youâre going to want to give this one a few viewings.
đˇ Pair it with:
The Invitation (dir. Karyn Kusama)
Spring (dir. Justin Benson and Aaron Moorehead)
đş Buy or Rent: Prime Video | iTunes | YouTube
I took a mental health day today and you should take one too. Itâs okay to need a break. Youâre doing great!
See you Thursday â
Karl (@karl_delo // @SmashCutReviews)