This Incredible 2017 Sci-Fi Horror Film Tackled Time Loops and UFO Cults on a Micro-Budget

This Incredible 2017 Sci-Fi Horror Film Tackled Time Loops and UFO Cults on a Micro-Budget

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours navigating through various worlds and dimensions, I can confidently say that Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead have crafted one of the most immersive and captivating cosmic horror games ever – The Endless.


As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but admire Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. This dynamic duo, who have leveraged their independent success into projects like “Moon Knight” and “Loki,” never losing sight of the DIY ethos that underpins their work, truly possess an extraordinary gift. They write, direct, produce, act in, shoot, and edit their own films, and every piece they add to productions such as “Spring,” “Synchronic,” and most recently “Something in the Dirt,” radiates a genuine vitality. However, what sets Benson and Moorhead apart is not just the breadth of their skills, but the unique essence they infuse into each project, which has earned them a special place among both horror enthusiasts and filmmakers alike.

Benson and Moorhead possess a remarkable knack for creating grandeur from simplicity, much like Roger Corman, John Carpenter, Kathryn Bigelow, and M. Night Shyamalan did before them. Regardless of their budget constraints, limited settings, or minimal cast size, they have the power to instill in us a sense that the fate of the entire world hinges on the actions of just a few individuals in an isolated location. This talent is most evident in their film, The Endless.

2017 saw the arrival of The Endless, a film by Benson and Moorhead, following their success with Spring (a unique fusion of horror and romance). This production showcased a new level of narrative ambition while preserving their indie roots. A captivating mix of sci-fi, horror, and cult drama, it delves into themes that the duo frequently explore in their creative endeavors. Considered one of the finest independent horror films of the last decade and among the greatest cosmic horror movies ever made, you can catch it streaming on Peacock at this moment.

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Why The Endless is one of the best cosmic horror films ever

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Benson and Moorhead portray Justin and Aaron, two siblings struggling in solitude following their departure from what Justin calls a “UFO cult.” This group subjected members to castration and fostered an environment of conformity and illusion. The brothers attempt to detach themselves from the cult by undergoing therapy, barely making ends meet through house cleaning jobs, and simply trying to survive one day at a time, until Aaron receives an unusual video cassette that appears to be from Camp Arcadia, their old cult residence.

Justin aims to dismiss the tape incident and move forward, but Aaron suspects there’s more to uncover – details they may have overlooked when they escaped Camp Arcadia. Consequently, the siblings return to their familiar territory, a place where the residents appear not to age, peculiar rock structures scatter the landscape, and the laws of time and space seem enigmatic. However, is this realm genuine, or is Justin merely trying to prevent Aaron from slipping back into the same delusional state they left behind years ago?

This Incredible 2017 Sci-Fi Horror Film Tackled Time Loops and UFO Cults on a Micro-Budget

Discussing further details about what happens to the brothers at Camp Arcadia might lessen the unique, gradual suspense of “The Endless.” However, let me assure you, events take a turn for the bizarre, and this is accomplished effectively with a limited budget, proving that cosmic-scale horror can be achieved without vast resources. The narrative starts on a personal level, as Justin and Aaron rekindle their relationships with their old cult members, exhibiting both distance and striking familiarity, which immediately sets a tense atmosphere that gradually intensifies throughout the film. Initially, it seems like you’re only watching an intense character drama devoid of supernatural elements, but if such a scenario were to continue, you wouldn’t complain at all.

The in-depth examination of the events unfolding at Camp Arcadia commences, and Benson and Moorhead skillfully deliver chills on various scales – from subtle hints like an old cassette found at the lake bottom to terrifying creatures lurking in the shadows. Their handling of each element showcases their meticulousness, finesse, and innate storytelling abilities. The bond shared by these characters and the setting is palpable, enhancing the cosmic horror’s unsettling impact and making it feel more real and invasive. To heighten the tension, Benson and Moorhead incorporate the narrative around a presence that communicates through visuals, thereby integrating the unique, tactile nature of filmmaking into the very essence of the story.

As a devoted fan of cosmic horror, I can confidently say that “The Endless” is a must-watch masterpiece for anyone who shares my passion for this genre. Having seen many indie horror films in my lifetime, I can attest to the fact that this movie stands out as one of the most transcendent works of its kind.

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2024-08-16 20:01