How It Ends

How It Ends

Year: 2018

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: David M. Rosenthal

ActionAdventureSci-FiDramaMysteryThriller

Facing imminent global destruction, a woman named Liza sets out on a journey to reconnect with the people most important to her. Accompanied by a younger version of herself, she travels through a chaotic Los Angeles, encountering a diverse group of individuals as she races to reach one last, momentous celebration before the end.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – How It Ends (2018)

Trace every key event in How It Ends (2018) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Will Meets Sam's Parents

Will, eager to win the blessing of Sam's father, Tom, travels from Seattle to Chicago. However, a tense dinner leads to an argument, causing Will to leave without revealing Sam's pregnancy or intentions to marry.

Chicago
2

Distressing Phone Call

The following day, Will receives a troubling call from Sam, who expresses fear about a strange noise before the line suddenly cuts off. Concerned and alarmed, Will rushes to take immediate action to check on her.

3

Flight Cancellations

Upon arriving at the airport, Will discovers that all flights are canceled due to a seismic incident affecting communication and electrical systems. This forces him to reconsider his options and find another way to reach Sam.

Airport
4

Tom and Will Team Up

Will reunites with Sam's parents and decides to drive to Seattle with Tom. This unexpected alliance is marked by the urgency of their shared goal: to find Sam and ensure her safety.

5

Blocked by Soldiers

As they embark on their journey, Will and Tom encounter soldiers blocking the interstate. Tom, drawing from his military experience, convinces them to let their vehicle pass despite the chaotic situation.

6

Confrontation with a Civilian

Their journey takes a dangerous turn when they are confronted by a civilian armed with a shotgun. A violent struggle ensues, leading to Tom suffering serious injuries, but they manage to subdue the assailant and commandeer a police cruiser.

Highway
7

Rescue at the Reservation

At a nearby reservation, they meet Ricki, a mechanic who repairs their vehicle. She decides to join them on their perilous journey, adding another layer of challenge and support to their mission.

Reservation
8

Robbery and Retribution

While gathering supplies, their group is confronted by robbers who steal their gasoline. In a risky chase, Will manages to catch up to them, leading to a dramatic confrontation and Ricki shooting out the robbers' tires.

9

Tom's Medical Emergency

The following day, Tom's health worsens, culminating in a collapsed lung. Will bravely performs a life-saving procedure, earning Tom's respect and establishing a deep bond between them amid the crisis.

10

Encounter with Motorcycle Gang

On their journey, Will and Tom face a menacing gang of motorcycle riders. They work together skillfully to escape from this threatening encounter, showcasing their growing partnership and reliance on one another.

11

Tom's Death

Tragically, Tom succumbs to his injuries during their adventure, leaving Will to grapple with the loss. In a sorrowful moment, Will decides to burn their disabled vehicle, signifying a poignant farewell to his companion.

12

Will's Encounter with a Family

In need of assistance, Will is picked up by a family, whom he guides to his estranged father's abandoned home for refuge. He trades their four-wheel drive vehicle for the safety and provisions at his father's house.

Idaho
13

Devastation in Seattle

As Will approaches Seattle, he is met with shocking scenes of destruction and despair. The city lies in ruins, and the remnants of life are tragically buried under ash, raising concerns about Sam's fate.

Seattle
14

Reunion with Sam

Upon locating Sam's apartment, Will finds a note directing him to a nearby cabin. When he arrives, he is relieved to find Sam safe, but the reunion is fraught with tension due to the circumstances.

Cabin
15

Climactic Showdown

Tensions escalate when neighbor Jeremiah confronts Will, believing he poses a threat to Sam’s well-being. In a desperate act of self-defense, Will is forced to shoot Jeremiah, just as a volcanic eruption sends chaos erupting around them.

Cabin

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 01:10

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How It Ends Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in How It Ends

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