The Endless (2017) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Endless (2017), directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, is a mind-bending sci-fi horror film about two brothers, Justin and Aaron, who return to a UFO death cult they escaped years earlier. The ending reveals they are trapped in a time loop within a mysterious cosmic entity's domain, where time behaves non-linearly. Justin finally accepts their fate, choosing to stay in the loop with his brother, symbolizing their bond and the cyclical nature of their lives. The film leaves many questions unanswered, leaning into its themes of free will, perception, and the unknown.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of The Endless unravels as Justin and Aaron discover the true nature of the cult they once fled. The area is governed by an ancient, Lovecraftian entity that creates overlapping time loops, each with its own rules and distortions. Justin, initially desperate to escape, realizes that leaving would mean abandoning Aaron, who has grown attached to the cult's seemingly idyllic existence. In a poignant moment, Justin accepts their fate and joins Aaron in the loop, embracing the cyclical existence rather than fighting it. The final shot shows them sitting by a campfire, mirroring an earlier scene, suggesting they are now part of the endless repetition.
The ending is deeply symbolic of the brothers' relationship. Justin, the older brother, has always been protective yet controlling, while Aaron yearns for belonging and meaning. By choosing to stay, Justin prioritizes their bond over freedom, acknowledging that their connection is more important than escaping the loop. The film suggests that some cycles-whether familial, emotional, or cosmic-are inescapable, and finding peace within them is the only true resolution. The time loop becomes a metaphor for the repetitive patterns in their lives, from their childhood trauma to their adult struggles.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
What is the true nature of the entity?
- It could be an ancient extraterrestrial being, a cosmic force, or a manifestation of quantum physics.
- Alternatively, it might be a metaphor for fate or the subconscious mind.
Why do the loops have different rules?
- The entity might be experimenting with time, creating variations like a scientist running trials.
- Different loops could represent different psychological states (e.g., fear, nostalgia, acceptance).
Did they ever truly escape the cult, or were they always in a loop?
- Their "escape" years earlier might have been another loop, making their entire lives part of the cycle.
- The film hints that time outside the loop is just another layer of the entity's influence.
What happened to the other cult members?
- Some may have transcended the loop, while others are trapped indefinitely.
- Their fates could depend on their level of awareness or submission to the entity.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
The Endless is a brilliantly layered film that rewards multiple viewings. The ending is both heartbreaking and beautiful, as it sacrifices a neat resolution for emotional depth. The decision to stay in the loop feels earned, as Justin's arc culminates in selflessness rather than control. The film's ambiguity is its strength-it doesn't spoon-feed answers but invites interpretation, much like the cult's own mysteries.
Visually, the movie is haunting, with its desolate landscapes and eerie campfire scenes reinforcing the isolation of the characters. The performances by Benson and Moorhead (who also directed) feel authentic, adding to the film's intimate yet cosmic scale. While some may find the lack of concrete answers frustrating, I appreciate how the film embraces the unknown, leaving the audience to ponder its themes long after the credits roll.
Ultimately, The Endless is a meditation on acceptance, brotherhood, and the illusions of freedom. Its ending doesn't provide escape-it provides meaning within the cycle, making it one of the most thought-provoking indie sci-fi films in recent years.
Final Thoughts:
If you enjoy films that blend cosmic horror with emotional storytelling, The Endless is a must-watch. Its ending is ambiguous yet satisfying, leaving just enough unanswered to spark endless debate. Whether you see it as a literal time-loop story or a metaphor for life's repetitions, it's a film that lingers in the mind like an unsolved riddle.