‘It Ends’ Review: A Thought-Provoking Descent into the Road Less Traveled for Indie Horror
For horror fans, there are certain films where we already know, more or less, what we're getting ourselves into. We may not know every scare or every twist, but longtime followers of the genre—especially major franchises—can usually predict the general shape of what's coming. Familiar formulas have become part of the experience. That's exactly why this new wave of independent horror feels so exciting.
In recent years, audiences have embraced films built around bold, original concepts that subvert expectations while proving that a great horror film doesn't require a blockbuster budget. Creativity has become the genre's greatest strength, and it's one of the reasons horror continues to dominate the box office and draw audiences back to theaters.
One studio leading that charge is Neon. Its latest acquisition, It Ends, marks the feature directorial debut of Alexander Ullom, and it's one of the year's most talked-about independent horror films. After premiering at SXSW to widespread acclaim and later winning Best First Feature at Fantasia, the film has quickly become one of the most anticipated horror releases of the year. I had the opportunity to screenIt Ends before its theatrical release, and it immediately became clear why Neon decided to acquire it.
A Familiar Setup... Until It Isn't
It Ends opens in the backseat of a Jeep Cherokee as four friends reunite on the night of their graduation. James, Day, Fisher, and Tyler settle into natural conversation while heading out for a late-night food run, making the audience feel like a fifth passenger riding alongside them. That authenticity becomes the foundation for everything that follows. As they venture onto a remote forest road, something begins to feel off. Their GPS refuses to reroute them. Every exit disappears. The road never seems to end. And when the group realizes they can't escape, they discover they aren't alone.
From that point forward, It Ends becomes a relentless psychological descent. Every revelation raises more questions than answers, creating a deeply unsettling experience where nothing is ever quite what it seems.
Existential Horror Done Right
It Ends has been described as existential horror, and the label fits perfectly. Rather than relying on conventional scares or supernatural spectacle, Alexander Ullom builds tension through atmosphere, uncertainty, and mounting dread. Jump scares are largely absent, replaced by a suffocating feeling that something is fundamentally wrong. Unlike many road-trip horror films that eventually fall back on familiar genre mechanics, It Ends consistently avoids predictable storytelling. The ambiguity surrounding its central mystery never feels frustrating—instead, it's precisely what makes the experience so compelling. It's the kind of movie you'll want to discuss immediately afterward before inevitably wanting to watch it a second time.
Horror Rooted in Human Anxiety
Perhaps the film's greatest strength is how fresh it makes a seemingly familiar premise feel. Road-trip horror has existed for decades, but It Ends transforms the concept into something entirely its own. The horror doesn't primarily stem from monsters or supernatural forces but from symbolism, uncertainty, and deeply human fears.
Every decision the characters make—and even the road itself—serves a larger thematic purpose. The film taps into anxieties that resonate particularly strongly with Gen Z: uncertainty about the future, isolation, identity, and the fear of losing control. Rather than providing straightforward answers, It Ends invites viewers to interpret its meaning for themselves. Different audiences will almost certainly walk away with different explanations for what they've witnessed, and that's part of what makes the film so memorable.
Final Verdict
It Ends feels like a defining moment for modern independent horror. It's intelligent without becoming inaccessible, mysterious without feeling empty, and terrifying without depending on cheap scares. Alexander Ullom announces himself as a filmmaker worth watching, delivering a debut that is both emotionally resonant and genuinely unsettling.
If you're looking for a horror film that rewards close attention and stays with you long after leaving the theater, It Ends is essential viewing.
Rating: 9.5/10
It Ends opens in Los Angeles and New York on August 21, 2026, before expanding nationwide on August 28. Just don't be surprised if your next road trip feels a little different afterward.
