CINEMA VIEWPOINT

Synopsis 

“Endless” (2020) is a romance film directed by Scott Speer that centres around Chris and Riley, portrayed by Alexandra Shipp and Nicholas Hamilton, respectively. The story unfolds as a poignant exploration of love after death. Following Chris’s tragic demise in a car accident, Riley discovers a way to communicate with his spirit. As the couple navigates this otherworldly connection, they strive to make the most of their time together, overcoming the challenges of the physical and metaphysical realms. The film delves into themes of grief, acceptance, and the enduring power of love as Chris and Riley grapple with the limitations of their unconventional relationship. With a blend of supernatural elements and heartfelt moments, “Endless” takes audiences on an emotional journey that transcends the boundaries of life and death. 

Good Only Good

As a fan of the young adult genre I was genuinely eager to embrace “Endless” and appreciate its attempt to transcend the realm of a good movie into a great movie. However the film fell short for various reasons. Leaving me unable to fully connect with its narrative. While I acknowledge the effort to deviate from the clichés of the genre. There were aspects that felt forced, hindering the organic flow of the story. However, it’s essential to highlight that the film possessed commendable attributes that deserve acknowledgment.

There were still commendable elements, from the performances to certain poignant moments. And after a quick Google search I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the film wasn’t based on a book. For this reason alone, I commend the creative team for venturing into uncharted territory, attempting to carve a unique path in the saturated landscape of young adult romance stories.

Acceptance

Despite its faults, the film excels in portraying the theme of acceptance, showcasing characters embracing each other’s imperfections. Through heartfelt moments and genuine dialogue, it captures the essence of acknowledging differences and finding beauty in them. The characters navigate challenges, highlighting the strength that comes from accepting oneself and others. Subtle gestures, like shared glances and sincere conversations, beautifully convey the growth in understanding and embracing diversity. 

The narrative masterfully weaves acceptance into the fabric of the story, emphasising the transformative power of love and understanding. While the film may stumble in other areas, its profound exploration of acceptance remains a shining beacon, resonating long after the credits roll. In a world that often demands conformity, “Endless” stands out for celebrating the uniqueness that each character brings to the table.

Alexandra Captained This Shipp 

Alexandra Shipp emerged as the standout in this film. Infusing her role with captivating nuances that breathed life into the character. From subtle expressions to nuanced gestures, she conveyed a depth that enriched the viewing experience. In the emotionally charged scenes, which was a significant amount of the movie, Shipp’s performance was particularly outstanding. Her ability to evoke genuine emotion, coupled with a compelling on-screen presence, made her pivotal to the film’s impact. 

Shipp’s portrayal was a key factor in my enjoyment of the movie, as her authenticity elevated the narrative and added layers to the character dynamics. In a sea of performances, Shipp stood out, proving her prowess in conveying the intricacies of her character’s journey. Her contribution undoubtedly played a significant role in making “Endless” a more engaging and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

Leave Your Best Acting Until the End

Regrettably, Nicholas Hamilton’s acting fell short of Alexandra Shipp’s brilliance, appearing wooden and one-dimensional throughout the film. His portrayal lacked the depth and emotional resonance needed to fully connect with the epic love story. Ironically, my interest gravitated more towards the B and C plots involving Jordan and his father. Diverting attention from the supposed central connection between the two lovers. Shipp’s emotive performance and genuine connection provided the necessary emotional anchor. While Hamilton struggled to reach the same levels. This disparity hindered my complete immersion in the narrative, preventing me from fully investing in the epic love journey. It wasn’t until the very end, in his final scene, that Hamilton showcased his best acting, leaving a bittersweet impression in an otherwise uneven performance.

Fitting a Concise Narrative Within a Limited Runtime is Hard 

The film’s writing, unfortunately, left much to be desired, hindered by its limited runtime of 95 minutes. It’s a testament to the challenges of fitting a concise narrative with numerous complexities into such a brief span. For instance, when Chris enters the other side, the film skips over the nuanced process of the five stages of grief, leaving his acceptance feeling rushed. Spending more time on his emotional journey might have deepened the connection with his character. Despite its somewhat original storyline, the plot remains predictably formulaic, with the twist coming across as foreseeable. However, amidst these faults, the film shines in conveying the theme of acceptance exceptionally well. This theme is particularly evident in the evolving relationship between Chris and Riley as they navigate the challenges of their unconventional connection. 

Despite the film’s writing limitations, it excels in conveying the emotional growth and acceptance experienced by the characters. These instances of understanding and unity become the narrative’s focal points, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The film’s ability to intertwine the theme of acceptance into its storytelling, despite other writing challenges, elevates its impact and underscores the power of embracing diversity. showcasing this theme effectively in its writing. Despite its limitations, the film manages to deliver poignant moments and a meaningful exploration of acceptance within the constraints of its runtime.

Should You Watch Endless?

If you’re not a fan of this genre, giving “Endless” a miss might be a wise choice. Despite its shortcomings, the film’s main driving force is the theme of acceptance, which stands out as a positive element. Alexandra Shipp’s incredible acting adds a compelling layer, making it a must-watch for her fans. However, beyond that, the film tends to fade into the background, best suited for a passive viewing experience while you engage in other activities. While the overarching theme and Shipp’s performance provide highlights, the film may not offer enough to capture the attention of those not invested in the genre or the actress.