End of the World (1977)

End of the World Poster

After witnessing a man's death in a bizzare accident, Father Pergado goes on a spiritual retreat, where he encounters his alien double bent on world conquest.

Movie Overview
"End of the World" is a 1977 American-made sci-fi film about completion of the world shown from the perspective of both humans and aliens. This horror-drama was directed by John Hayes, who was known for his work in suspenseful categories, and headlined by renowned stars Christopher Lee, Sue Lyon, and Kirk Scott.

Plot Summary
The story of the motion picture focuses on the experiences of a scientist named Andrew Boran, played by Kirk Scott, who inadvertently comes across the cooling revelation that the world is set for impending damage. In the course of his huge research, Boran intercepts signals from deep space that are of traumatic content and suggests an upcoming global disaster.

Meanwhile, Christopher Lee plays the character of an alien disguised as a priest named Father Pergado. He and his accomplice, a nun, Zindar (Sue Lyon), are resident aliens in the world. They are from a passing away planet, and have been working towards their mission of draining pipes Earth's energy resources to rejuvenate their planet.

Boran becomes aware of Pergado and Zindar's ploy and plans to disable their equipment, intending to conserve Earth from being drained of its resources. His undertakings to avert the apocalypse kinds the core of the motion picture.

Thematic Elements
The film's main theme focuses on the fight for survival-- both for the occupants of Earth and the extraterrestrials desperate to save their own planet. The style advances through a series of existentialist questions that require the audience to think of their resilience and survival instincts.

The movie also engages in the science vs religious iconicity battle where the priest (religious) and the scientist (logical) are pitted versus each other, both attempting to save their own worlds.

Reception and Legacy
"End of the World" got mixed reviews upon its release. While critics mainly valued the performances of the actors, particularly that of Christopher Lee, many found fault with the film's pacing, feeling that the plot advances at a sluggish speed. Others likewise saw the unique results, which were outstanding for the '70s, as a distraction rather of supporting the development of the story.

The film's legacy stays. "End of the World" comes from the traditional age of doomsday-themed science fiction cinema that grasped audiences during the Cold War age when apocalyptic worry was widespread. Its exploration of existential themes, thriller elements, and contrast in between science and religious beliefs puts the movie in its distinct location in science fiction.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "End of the World" is a movie that encapsulates the fear of an apocalyptic disaster from both terrestrial and extraterrestrial viewpoints. Its special narrative and character dynamics provide audiences an abundant watching experience, despite the fact that it might not absolutely compare to the expectations of some sections of the audience. This 1977 sci-fi scary, in spite of having its shares of criticism regarding its pacing and unique effects, still holds its ground as a significant factor to the apocalyptic category of movie theater ballasted by the sensible missions for survival from contrasting worlds.

Top Cast

  • Christopher Lee (small)
    Christopher Lee
    Father Pergado / Zindar
  • Sue Lyon (small)
    Sue Lyon
    Sylvia Boran
  • Kirk Scott (small)
    Kirk Scott
    Prof. Boran
  • Dean Jagger (small)
    Dean Jagger
    Ray Collins
  • Lew Ayres (small)
    Lew Ayres
    Com. Joseph Beckerman
  • Macdonald Carey (small)
    Macdonald Carey
    John Davis
  • Liz Ross
    Patrizia
  • Jon Van Ness (small)
    Jon Van Ness
    Mr. Sanchez