The Endless

This is Benson and Moorhead's most professionally-made movie to date, but they hold on to an amateurish enthusiasm that works largely for the best.

Even lovers of the opaque might desire a little more to grasp onto. But the mystery is a pungent one, and the images and ideas stay with you after the lights go up.

"The Endless" grows more mind-boggling as it goes on, but Benson and Moorhead keep the film grounded, making its twists and turns all the more compelling.

The eventual reveal fits with the film's overall intelligence and interest in people and existence over spectacle and action. (Though there's some of that as well.) The Endless is a smart, sweetly creepy good time.

"The Endless" gets into your head and keeps you alert for whatever abnormal turn comes next.

Spooky, funny, touching and very, very well made.

Plays out like a surreal Lynchian freakout.

The special effects are more of the psychological nature, with nothing evil shown clearly but its presence always pervading.

...this filmmaking duo is a prime example of limited means sparking creativity

The Endless is a kind of sci-fi, Lovecraftian puzzle box. The pleasure of watching it is probably like what people feel when they sign up for one of those escape room adventures.

Shades of "Primer" are definitely present in "The Endless," a modestly budgeted, time-loop science fiction thriller that effectively mixes science and fantasy.

The interesting premise and the measured storytelling style help "The Endless" overcome the limitations of its modest budget, and even if the final outcome isn't hugely satisfying, the film should be a nice option for genre fans.