The highly anticipated Stephen King inspired horror film, It Ends, is now available to stream, offering viewers a chilling new experience. The film, which debuted at festivals and drew comparisons to genre icons John Carpenter and Stephen King, has secured a one-month exclusive release through Letterboxd’s new VOD initiative.
Independent Filmmakers Find a New Home for Their Stories
Crafting, filming, and editing an independent movie is a formidable task, and for many self-made filmmakers, bringing their work to the public is an even greater challenge. Traditional distribution avenues are often unreliable, leading many indie films to linger unseen while awaiting the backing of a studio or financier. Even movies that receive accolades at festivals can remain shelved for extended periods without the right partners. In response, Letterboxd has developed a new strategy for bringing undistributed festival films directly to wider audiences. For a limited month-long window, select films are available for rent exclusively to viewers outside the festival circuit, providing fresh exposure for filmmakers and unique choices for genre fans.
‘It Ends’ Delivers A Fresh Spin on Classic Genre Horror
Among the standout releases in this initiative is It Ends, a Stephen King inspired horror film that expertly blends eerie storytelling and atmospheric tension reminiscent of both King and Carpenter. The original narrative centers on a group of recent high school graduates—Tyler (portrayed by Mitchell Cole), James (Phinehas Yoon), Day (Akira Jackson), and Fisher (Noah Toth)—as they embark on a late-night car ride before they are set to take separate paths in life. However, this routine journey rapidly unravels into a surreal ordeal as the group becomes trapped in a looping, endless road, turning their trip into a terrifying test of endurance.
Efforts to leave the path or remain stationary both carry grave consequences, as shadowy cosmic forces lurk just out of sight. The only apparent solution is to keep moving, hoping that a way out will eventually present itself. The film avoids over-explaining the supernatural rules of its setting, instead placing viewers alongside the teens as they seek to unravel the mystery. This strategy creates a more powerful bond between audience and characters, amplifying dread and suspense through understated horror rather than relying solely on graphic imagery.
While the setting grows more desperate for the characters—each clinging to the remnants of youth and the desire to escape looming adult responsibilities—relationship tensions flare. The true horror rests not just in their predicament, but in the emotional cracks that form among friends, laying bare the pain of watching loved ones succumb to hopelessness. Themes of resilience, change, and the will to survive permeate the story, reminding viewers how difficult it can be to witness those close to you lose their spirit in the face of trauma.
A Story of Faith, Sacrifice, and Uncertainty
It Ends is unafraid to delve into existential and ethical questions as its characters consider whether hope, self-sacrifice, or deceit are justifiable strategies in the face of annihilation. The film’s teens find themselves debating whether sacrificing oneself has meaning or whether survival comes at the cost of becoming a shadow of one’s former self. The presence of other mysterious figures along the road hints at darker possibilities—strangers who may have been trapped by the same strange fate, evoking a sense of lurking dread that is both personal and cosmic in scale. Through its supernatural plot, It Ends examines questions about faith, hope, and whether holding onto belief is a blessing or a curse when all seems lost.
Audiences are left to ponder which choices they might make when faced with similar trials. The ambiguity at the film’s heart serves as a potent conversation starter, embodying the kind of bold and provocative storytelling that often resonates beyond its genre roots.
Forging a Path for Indie Horror Through Letterboxd
The decision to feature It Ends on Letterboxd highlights a promising new avenue for filmmakers like Alexander Ullom, who makes his directorial debut with the film. Featuring a talented but unheralded cast—Mitchell Cole, Phinehas Yoon, Akira Jackson, and Noah Toth—the movie stands out not because of celebrity power, but through the strength of its writing and the passion of its creative team. This underscores the potential for innovative works to find their audience, even without traditional industry backing, if given thoughtful exposure.
As new VOD services like Letterboxd experiment with releasing films that would otherwise be inaccessible, questions remain about the long-term effects—could widespread availability attract future studio deals, or will it cement the niche for these projects? Regardless, It Ends positions itself as a break-out piece, exemplifying what can happen when original voices in horror are amplified.
It Ends is now available to rent on the Letterboxd Video Store, granting horror fans and general viewers alike the chance to experience a gripping new chapter in independent genre filmmaking.
“We want to go back to the woods!”
– Unknown
