The 2017 indie sci-fi horror film The Endless, currently streaming on Prime Video and Tubi, isn’t just another UFO death cult story. It’s a tightly-wound, atmospheric thriller that explores trauma, memory, and the unnerving reality that sometimes, the escape might be worse than the prison. The film, directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (who also star), avoids jump scares in favor of dread.
A Fractured Past
Brothers Justin and Aaron fled Camp Arcadia a decade prior, escaping what seemed like a dangerous cult. Their post-escape lives are bleak: apartment cleaning, social isolation, and a power dynamic where domineering Justin controls every decision. The arrival of a cryptic video from Arcadia sparks a conflict. Justin believes it confirms his wisdom in leaving; Aaron feels drawn back to the camp, suggesting that his memories of Arcadia are not entirely negative.
The Return to Arcadia
The brothers reluctantly return for a single day and night. They quickly realize that something is deeply wrong. The residents – including the enigmatic Hal, the sweet Anna, and the gruff Tim – haven’t aged a day. The area around the camp exhibits bizarre phenomena: birds moving in unnatural patterns, a repeating figure walking in circles, and the presence of two moons in the night sky.
The Mystery Deepens
The film excels at withholding answers. Characters assure the brothers they didn’t send the video, yet the truth feels just out of reach. Additional clues pile up, including a locked shed guarded by Tim, and the unsettling sense that time doesn’t flow normally within the camp’s influence.
Cosmic Horror and Family Dysfunction
The Endless isn’t just about the cult or the strange phenomena. It’s about the brothers’ dysfunctional relationship, which is forced to confront itself in the face of the impossible. The film builds tension through relentless pacing, ensuring that every scene introduces a new layer of mystery before the previous one can settle.
A Satisfying Resolution
The climax reveals the truth behind Arcadia, and it’s big, chaotic, and strangely liberating. The Endless is a gripping, thought-provoking horror that leaves you questioning what is worse: a life of quiet desperation or facing an unknown, terrifying reality. The film demonstrates that some escapes aren’t from danger, but from the weight of our own choices.
