The End
Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer
Written by Rasmus Heisterberg and Joshua Oppenheimer
Starring Michael Shannon, Tilda Swinton, George MacKay, Lennie James, and Moses Ingram
Runtime 2 hours and 28 minutes
In select theaters December 6

by Rosalie Kicks Editor in Chief and Old Sport

“I don’t know where we would be without her cakes.”

At this point, especially post election, it is hard to imagine the world not coming to an end in our lifetime. Whether it be nuclear war, climate change, or fatal global pandemic, destruction seems imminent. For the majority of the human race, the expiration of the world as we know it will bring doom, misery, and death. Its sad that so much of my time these days is spent pondering what the post apocalyptic days will bring. If I think about it long enough, I can send myself into an anxiety induced panic attack. What I can’t fathom, nor have I allowed my thoughts to utilize the brain space for is, what would happen to the extremely affluent. Joshua Oppenheimer’s The End provides a glimpse into the crystal ball to show what life will be like for those most responsible for destroying the Earth, the disgustingly wealthy.

Set decades after the demise of life as we know it, a well-to-do family finds solace deep underground in a salt mine. A comfortable abode with all modern conveniences, supplies, and food. Their entire existence is threatened when a stranger stumbles into their haven. It has been twenty years since they have encountered an outsider. With the arrival of Girl (Moses Ingram) the family’s secrets and truths begin to unravel like a ball of yarn.

The most interesting aspect of this tale is the bold choice of making it a musical. When I think of the musical genre, the films that readily come to mind are lush, technicolor pictures from the Hollywood golden age such as The Wizard of Oz (1939), Singin’ In The Rain (1952), West Side Story (1961),, or Meet Me in St. Louis (1944). The plots are often outlandish with elaborate set design and choreography. In most cases, they are meant to elicit sentiments of happiness and provide an invitation to escape the mundane and visit a euphoric world. In terms of The End, there are no warm and fuzzy feelings. There really is not a sense of hope or happiness. The isolated environment in which these people live in is a cold illusion. An everlasting dark cloud hangs over them, one that is filled with regrets, past misdeeds, and sorrow.

I caught The End at Toronto International Film Festival in September and I am still working through my thoughts of how I feel about it. My initial reactions had me doubting whether I actually liked what I had witnessed. However, due to the its heaviness, weeks later I still found myself thinking about it, which made me realize that I was indeed enamored with this fantastically absurd story. I’ll admit the song numbers at times did manage to be disruptive to my viewing, but I also think that’s the point. There is a level of uncomfortability when Michael Shannon (Father), Tilda Swinton (Mother) and/or Son (George MacKay) belt out their melodic renditions. I believe the action of song here is a reminder of the false existence they are in. The tunes they are singing are just another level of the false narrative they have created to make them feel that everything is normal. What I find even more fascinating is that they have built this structure to essentially mimic their lives prior to the disastrous end of mankind. Each decision made prior to their journey below the surface was so precise: from ensuring the interior design was just right, to procuring an ample supply of food and medical necessities, and last but certainly not least was selecting their residents. No matter the catastrophe, their lives would not be disrupted nor would they live without their butler, doctor, or cook (who conveniently serves as a confidant to Mother). These are human beings they prioritized saving over their own family. It takes the outsider to make them realize that they are not only living in an outlandish farce, but that the life they are now partaking in came at the expense of others.

During their time in the bunker, Father has Son assisting him with the writing of his memoir. As a former executive of a powerful energy company (that most definitely had a hand in the demise of planet Earth), he feels it is important to record an “accurate” depiction of his legacy. As he states it, “What could I have done… the other companies were worse,” proving he takes no accountability for the current state of affairs. Son eventually realizes the exercise he has been asked to partake in is nothing more than the recording of tall tales of a misanthrope. Much of his awakening comes from his relationship with Girl. She opens his mind and makes him see things in a different light. It is easy to get sucked into thinking that this family may not be all bad, until the moments such as Father firing a homophobic slur towards his butler or Mother teaching Girl how to properly smile. It is these actions that serve as a reminder that they are, without a doubt, despicable.

I commend the director, Joshua Oppenheimer - who prior to this was known for his documentarian skills - as he takes a big swing with this motion picture, that will ultimately not be for everyone. All in all, the performances are fantastic, especially from Friend who is played by Bronagh Gallagher. I spent the majority of the runtime trying to figure out where I knew her from and it eventually donned on me - A Bump Along The Way. This was an amazing film about a late in life pregnancy, directed by Shelly Love that I caught at TIFF in 2019. Tragically, it is not available to watch anywhere. Which brings me to this. Don’t wait around to watch the movies that pique your interest, for you never know when the end will be here.