Alex Ullom’s “It Ends” highlights rising Gen Z horror trend

Alex Ullom’s indie horror debut, “It Ends,” explores a psychological nightmare where four friends become trapped on an endless highway. The film depicts a scenario where biological rhythms, such as hunger, fatigue, and sexual desire, cease to function, creating an existential loop that differs from traditional time-loop narratives by allowing time to move forward without the possibility of a reset.

Ullom is part of a rising wave of young directors, including Curry Barker and Kane Parsons, who are defining a new genre described as “Gen Z horror.” These filmmakers often hone their craft on platforms like YouTube before transitioning to major theatrical releases. This movement has seen significant commercial success, with low-budget films like “Obsession” and “Backrooms” grossing nearly a billion dollars, signaling a shift in how Hollywood approaches content for audiences who came of age during the pandemic.