How It Ends (2021)

How It Ends turns the apocalypse into something surprisingly intimate: a funny, wistful Los Angeles odyssey where the end of the world feels less like spectacle and more like a deadline for the heart. Its great hook—Liza traveling with her younger self—gives the movie a self-reflective spark, letting jokes land with a pang of recognition as she tries to make peace with friends, family, and herself. The vibe is quirky but grounded, the kind of indie “hangout” comedy-drama that finds acceptance and forgiveness in small encounters and awkward conversations rather than grand heroics. If you’re looking for explosions and plot twists, this isn’t that kind of doomsday story—but if you want something honest, gently adventurous, and quietly cathartic, it’s a lovely surprise.

How It Ends is aiming for a bittersweet, end-of-the-world hangout movie—part comedy, part existential cleanup—using Liza’s race across Los Angeles (and the clever gimmick of her younger self tagging along) to reflect on regrets and relationships. The problem is it often plays less like a story building toward something and more like a string of loosely connected sketches, so the momentum can feel oddly flat for a ticking-clock premise. The humor and the heavier moments are both a bit thinly drawn, which can leave you watching pleasant enough scenes without much emotional punch or comedic payoff. If you like indie, vibe-first films with quirky cameos and a gentle, reflective tone, it may work for you; if you want a cohesive plot or sharper laughs, this one may feel worn down and monotonous.