What could be better than watching a small cinema production that most certainly won’t reach a wider audience? The cast is not A-list, of course, but that doesn’t mean the quality of the lesser-known actors is lacking. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised at the extent to which the actors of “End of the World” tried to give their best. However, as the title suggests, the end of the world was destined for the actual film as well, as it was taking itself down before it even began.
Written by Michael Varrati and directed by Maximilian Elfeldt, “End of the World” follows the entire world as it faces mass solar storms causing tsunamis, volcanoes, and flooding. Cities, both small and large, are being wiped away, and a family is trying to find refuge from the imminent threat. However, wherever they go, the storm and catastrophe follow them as if it were their tail. But nothing to worry about—the Fisher family just gets it. They have their surroundings, feelings, and fear under control. After all, their motto is to never give up, and something as small and insignificant as a solar storm poses no threat to their safety whatsoever.
A scientist named Meredith Fisher (Jhey Castles) predicts that a massive catastrophe is about to hit the planet. No matter how well-known she is and her reputation precedes her, it seems no one cares. Therefore, before heading to work, she quickly plans with the family where to go in case the storm begins. She knows it’s coming, but what she does not know is that the storm is right there outside their door, waiting for Meredith to leave for the disaster to start. Her husband, Sullivan (Joseph Michael Harris), is out there to cover her. He has friends in the military who can send a message to higher-ups. The problem is that person (Sallieu Sesay) used to live with Sullivan’s wife, and their relationship is not flawless.
Without jumping ahead and revealing spoilers, “End of the World” is the most fun film I have seen in a while. It’s the perfect example of a film that took itself too seriously, but in reality, it was as small as it could get. But let’s pause right here. My intention is not to write a negative review but, in fact, to highlight the essential aspect of the film’s concept.
The film catastrophe genre is always expensive. It requires the biggest cast and crew, a substantial budget to cover visual effects. However, with this film, only a few were involved. Mostly, no people were running around to escape the flood or falling buildings. Those you meet are either about to die or play no part in the major development of the story.
The solar storm itself is being described as another storm that will pass through, as if it was nothing. But as you watch the film, by the time when the storm passes, there will be no civilization left behind. But nothing to be concerned about—the Fishers are still around to take care of the rest of the planet that might survive. The entire film is like that. You watch it in complete disbelief. But truly, with the budget it had, all it could afford is the actual result, so painful that no drug can take the pain away.
That being said, “End of the World” is not as bad as it may sound if you don’t take it seriously. I know you may complain about the one hour and a half that you may never get back. Truthfully, the time spent can help the actors and crews who will know that someone out there is interested in their product. If not judging too much, remember there’s more expensive product and cheaper, higher-paid jobs and minimum wage. “End of the World” covers the minimum wage part of the scenario, where we cannot blame the writer, director, and actors for something they have created—not so convincingly. But if you can manage the same concept better with little or no money, we can show the world a better result. Until then, do not mind bad reviews. Just give it a short and forget about it. Contribution and participation are more important, especially when films like this require an audience more than films with larger budgets.