Watch End of the World

End of the World is a 1977 science fiction thriller that taps into the paranoia and fascination with extraterrestrial life that was prevalent during the 1970s. This B-movie, directed by John Hayes, stars the legendary Christopher Lee alongside Sue Lyon and Kirk Scott, and it combines elements of suspense, space-age intrigue, and apocalyptic dread.

The movie opens up to a world that is seemingly on the brink of disaster. As strange events begin to unfold across the globe, it quickly becomes apparent that these are no ordinary phenomena but rather portents of a looming catastrophe. Attention is swiftly drawn to a series of bizarre signals that are being emitted from space. These signals are intercepted by a sophisticated network of satellites and immediately pique the interest of the scientific community.

Enter Professor Andrew Boran, played by Kirk Scott, a dedicated and passionate astrophysicist who stumbles upon these signals during his research. His investigation leads him to suspect that the signals may not be of natural origin but rather a form of communication from an intelligent extraterrestrial source. With his curiosity piqued and concern growing, Boran sets out on a quest to unravel the mystery behind these signals and their connection to the potential end of the world as we know it.

As the professor digs deeper, he enlists the help of his wife, Sylvia, depicted by Sue Lyon. Together, they embark on a perilous journey that takes them to a remote and secretive convent, which seems to hold the answers they are searching for. There, they encounter Father Pergado (Christopher Lee) and his cloistered nuns, who initially appear to be simple servants of God. However, it soon becomes clear that this convent is less a place of worship and more like a front for something far more ominous that has ties to the cosmic signals.

Throughout the film, audiences are treated to a display of Lee's powerful screen presence, lending a sense of gravitas and complexity to his role. His character is enigmatic and ambivalent, balancing on a thin line between being a potential ally and antagonist. Lee's performance as the mysterious Father Pergado is both captivating and unsettling, leaving viewers guessing at his true motivations until the very end.

Sue Lyon's Sylvia serves as both a supportive spouse and a significant contributor to unraveling the celestial mystery. Her character's determination and willingness to delve into the unknown complement the professor's academic rigor, adding a more emotional and personal dimension to their quest. Together, the couple's dynamic adds a human element to the overarching sci-fi narrative, grounding the otherworldly phenomenon in the relatable fear of the unknown.

As for Kirk Scott's portrayal of Professor Boran, he anchors the film with a sense of urgency and intellect, drawing audiences into the suspenseful chase for truth and survival. His character represents the archetype of the concerned scientist, one who prioritizes knowledge and answers over his personal safety.

The plot of End of the World weaves together various sub-genres of science fiction including doomsday scenarios, alien conspiracy, and mystery. Its pacing is designed to keep viewers engaged, consistently peeling back layers as the characters inch closer to understanding the chilling reality behind the signals. The suspense is further amplified by a score which highlights the eerie and tension-filled atmosphere of the movie.

Visually, despite its B-movie status and the technological limitations of the time, the filmmakers managed to create a compelling aesthetic. They utilized imaginative special effects to fashion an evocative portrayal of the otherworldly and the apocalyptic, capturing the gloomy overtones of the narrative.

In true 1970s science fiction fashion, the movie doesn’t shy away from exploring larger themes, such as the struggle between science and faith, the responsibility of humanity in the face of a cosmic threat, and the existential fear that accompanies the recognition of humanity's small place in the vastness of the universe. These themes resonate through the interactions between the characters and the choices they face as the truth unfolds.

End of the World is a film that encapsulates the era's preoccupation with extraterrestrial life and the speculation surrounding what contact with such life might entail for humanity. It provides a concoction of suspense, cosmic terror, and the thrill of a mystery that fans of classic science fiction and lovers of vintage cinema would appreciate. With its modest budget, the film succeeds in harnessing the charisma of its actors and the intriguing premise to create a memorable piece of science fiction history.

End of the World is a 1977 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.1.