I’m thinking of Ending Things: Horror Most Subtle

 I was originally going to do another review. I had already reviewed Twin Peaks seasons one and two and figured it was time for Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. I thought about finishing Dark and do the second season of that. But, one night as I was scrolling through Netflix I happened to find this film, and I’m so glad I did. 

Throughout, you develop the sense that the main character is in danger, despite what may be going on on screen. At its surface, the plot is very basic: a woman meets her boyfriend’s parents. Despite that, there’s always the sense that something’s going to go wrong. This next part is a spoiler, so if you don’t like spoilers, skip to the next paragraph. Ultimately, nothing ends up going wrong. Strange things occur, but nothing terrible happens, yet to the very last moment you’re filled with dread. . 

Immediately we’re thrust into the beautiful but melancholy farmland of what I believe to be the midwest, or Canada, though it’s never stated directly. There’s a blizzard going on, and you can hear the sound of the wind, which adds to the haunting atmosphere. The dialogue is excellent, and ultimately puts you in the scene. Like a lot of the movie’s aspects, the script adds to it’s off putting nature. You hear dialogue that you know shouldn’t creep you out, but does nonetheless. 

There a lot of details, none of which are unimportant, and all of which are disconcerting. For example, there’s a scene where the two main characters are in Jake’s parent’s barn, and they come across a pile of ashes. This is explained as being two pigs that were eaten alive by maggots. While unsettling on it’s own, it’s especially unsettling when it comes back later on. 

Every setting is perfect, my favorite being the high school. The high school is the setting for a number of different horror movies, but has never been used like it was here. There are no students, only the janitor and the two main characters. For the most part, this setting also remains quiet. There’s no deranged killer roaming the halls, only our characters, and yet still you become incredibly uncomfortable. 

The actors are phenomenal. It’s hard to choose which did the best job. Toni Collette and David Thewlis, who played the parents, definitely had the hardest job, as their characters’ personalities changed so drastically. They had to exhibit an impressively large range, despite only taking up a third of the screen time.  I hope they get Oscar’s for this one, I hope all the actors do. 

I doubt you’d actually believe me if I didn’t give a piece of criticism. The biggest flaw is the abstractness. There are scenes that, by design, don’t make any sense. And if you’re not interested in having questions at the end of a movie, then this isn’t for you. Also, for a horror movie, there isn’t a ton of jumpscares or gore. It’s terrifying regardless, but the slasher fanatic might not appreciate it’s subtlety.  

Again, I want you to see this film. The last thing I’ll say to convince you is that if you like it you’ll have something to root for during the Oscar season. It’s going to get nominated for something, I guarantee it.