How It Ends Review: Apocalyptic Dramedy Provides Laughs & Introspection

The world is about to be hit by an asteroid, what would someone and their metaphysical younger self do on their last day on Earth? Zoe Lister-Jones, who co-wrote, co-directed, and co-produced How It Ends with Daryl Wein, works to answer that question. How It Ends is a quirky and grounded indie feature about facing one’s issues head-on when the world is about to be destroyed by an asteroid.

For Liza (Lister-Jones), her final day on Earth is spent finding closure with loved ones, getting her car stolen, and meeting an eclectic group of people along the way to an end of the world party. Accompanying Liza on this final day is her younger self (Cailee Spaeny), a metaphysical being that pushes Liza to come to terms with important matters in her personal life before everything ends for good. 

The film is beautifully shot as it captures an eerily desolate Los Angeles that still retains its sunny disposition. Unlike other “end of the world” narratives, this one has a comically calm approach and is slightly off-kilter in a way that makes sense for affluent West Coasters. The film was shot entirely during the height of quarantine last year in Los Angeles; this adds to the strange tranquility of the empty streets and the uncertainty that permeates the LA air. Although the premise is based upon the idea of an asteroid hitting earth, How It Ends makes no effort to distinguish the threat to humanity from the one the world is still facing today. Lister-Jones not only has great command of the look and feel of the movie, but she also leads the narrative as one of two leads alongside Spaeny.

Lister-Jones straddles the line between absolute despair and an unnerving calm that slowly evolves as the day comes to an end. Spaeny mirrors Lister-Jones’ performance — she is playing Liza as well — with a tad bit more optimism and youthful spirit that has long left the slightly jaded, older Liza. The film navigates Liza’s turmoil as she reconciles the hopelessness of the world’s situation with finding peace with herself. Both Lister-Jones and Spaeny do an excellent job finding the humorous side to this journey, as well as grounding the narrative with a believable portrayal of discovering self-love and forgiveness. While the film does center on one woman’s journey toward inner peace, the film is not without its fun. As with most films set in Los Angeles, there is always a strange assortment of people who live in this town.

As both Lizas make their way to an end of the world party hosted by a ketamine-high friend, Liza encounters neighbors arguing about rinsing their recycling bins, an ex-boyfriend who Liza needs to call out for mistreatment (Lamorne Morris), an estranged friend (Olivia Wilde), a man who is just as lost and confused about the end of days, and, of course, Liza’s parents who she needs to settle past wrongs with. There are many fun cameos with some of the finest comedic talents working today as well heavy-hitters like Helen Hunt and Bradley Whitford, both of whom bring a sense of gravitas and a sense of humor to the table as Liza’s parents. Lister-Jones and Wein allow their actors to just run with their particular brand of comedy as everyone leans into the absurdity of the situation and creates an atmosphere that is equal parts whimsical and nihilistic.

The tone of the film is helped by Ryan Miller’s charming musical score, the bright Los Angeles scenery, and the general ambiance, all of which make for a comforting feature that serves as a reminder of the important things. In these difficult times, when mortality is thrust into the spotlight, it’s okay to find the humor in it and also allow oneself to be overwhelmed. Lister-Jones, Wein, and the cast they’ve assembled allow the audience to settle into the moment and find peace with it. How It Ends is an odd little movie that showcases artists trying to navigate a very human experience, embracing uncertainty and the desire to find peace. The expression on display is therapeutic. It doesn’t make any grand promises, but the calm and measured approach lets the audience know it’s okay to not know what to do next, especially when tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

How It Ends is playing in select theaters and is available on digital as of July 20, 2021. The film is 82 minutes long and is rated R for language throughout, sexual references and drug material.

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