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Every generation seems to get its own post-college malaise film-a cinematic snapshot of young adulthood’s confusion and disillusionment. While few reach the iconic status of classics like “The Graduate” or “Frances Ha,” even the more modest efforts often capture the unique anxieties of their time with sincerity and insight.
Take “It Ends,” a high-concept horror-infused drama from writer-director Alexander Ullom. Graduating amid the pandemic and grappling with dissociative depression, Ullom channels these experiences into a story about four friends trapped on an endless, desolate road-an eerie metaphor for the limbo many face after college. Despite the supernatural undertones, the film’s emotional core resonates as a reflection on young adulthood’s uncertain future.
The group at the center of “It Ends” includes James (Phinehas Yoon), a skeptical and sharp-witted recent graduate burdened by a bleak outlook on life; Tyler (Mitchell Cole), the practical one who skipped college for military service and now works in HVAC; Fisher (Noah Toth), whose lively debates about hypothetical animal defenders add moments of levity; and Day (Akira Jackson), a graphic design graduate navigating the job search maze. Their dynamic unfolds inside a white Jeep Cherokee as they roam a seemingly endless rural highway in Florida, facing not only internal struggles but also mysterious, zombie-like threats lurking nearby.
While the premise of these four lifelong friends sticking together might stretch believability-especially given their differing paths-the film uses this ensemble to explore varied responses to feeling stuck. Some cling to hope, others seek distraction, and James strives for understanding amid the confusion. The tension escalates with sudden, eerie attacks from shadowy figures, adding jolts of suspense to this atmospheric narrative.
With its minimalist style and intimate focus, “It Ends” feels very much a product of its pandemic-era origins. Though the concept may wear thin over its 89-minute run time, Ullom’s skillful direction and casting of emerging talent provide a compelling look at postgrad uncertainty filtered through a lens of horror and existential dread.
Described by Ullom as a filmmaker “for anyone going through stuff,” the movie captures the zeitgeist of Gen Z’s challenges-both unique and universal. Whether “It Ends” becomes a touchstone for this generation remains to be seen, but it certainly offers a haunting and hypnotic glimpse into their experience.
“It Ends” premieres this Friday in New York and Los Angeles via Neon, with a nationwide release scheduled for August 28. The film is rated R for pervasive language and runs 89 minutes. Our rating: two and a half stars out of four.