{{Short description|British film by Mahalia Belo}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}} {{Infobox film | image = The End We Start From poster.jpg | caption = Film poster | director = [[Mahalia Belo]] | producer = {{plainlist| * Leah Clarke * Liza Marshall * Adam Ackland * Amy Jackson * [[Sophie Hunter]] }} | writer = [[Alice Birch]] | based_on = ''The End We Start From'' by [[Megan Hunter]] | starring = {{plainlist| * [[Jodie Comer]] * [[Katherine Waterston]] * [[Benedict Cumberbatch]] * [[Mark Strong]] }} | music = [[Anna Meredith]] | cinematography = Suzie Lavelle | editing = Arttu Salmi | production_companies = {{plainlist| * Anton * C2 Motion Picture Group * [[BBC Film]] * [[British Film Institute|BFI]] * SunnyMarch * Hera Pictures }} | distributor = [[Signature Entertainment]] | released = {{film date|2023|9|10|[[2023 Toronto International Film Festival|TIFF]]|2024|1|19|df=yes}} | runtime = 101 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2023|title=''The End We Start'' (15) |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/the-end-we-start-from-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmde3mju0|access-date=20 December 2023 |website=[[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]]}}</ref> | country = United Kingdom | language = English | budget = £9 million<ref name="NationalWorld"/> }}
'''''The End We Start From''''' is a 2023 British [[survival film]] starring [[Jodie Comer]] as a woman who, with her family, has to endure displacement when a widespread ecological disaster floods Great Britain. The film is directed by [[Mahalia Belo]] based on a screenplay by [[Alice Birch]] that adapts the 2017 novel ''The End We Start From'' by [[Megan Hunter]]. The film also stars [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], [[Katherine Waterston]] and [[Mark Strong]].
''The End We Start From'' premiered at the [[2023 Toronto International Film Festival|Toronto International Film Festival]] on 10 September 2023.<ref>Anthony D'Alessandro, [https://deadline.com/2023/07/2023-toronto-film-festival-lineup-movies-list-1235446040/ "TIFF Lineup Unveiled Amid Strikes: Awards Contenders ‘Dumb Money’, ‘The Holdovers’, ‘Rustin’; Starry Pics For Sale With Scarlett Johansson, Kate Winslet, Michael Keaton, Viggo Mortensen & More"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724185421/https://deadline.com/2023/07/2023-toronto-film-festival-lineup-movies-list-1235446040/ |date=24 July 2023 }}. ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]'', 24 July 2023.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/film/global/jodie-comer-paul-mescal-british-independent-film-awards-2023-nominations-1235777034/|title=Jodie Comer, Paul Mescal Score Nods as 'Rye Lane,' 'Scrapper, 'All of Us Strangers' Lead British Independent Film Awards Nominations|date=2 November 2023 |publisher=variety|access-date=20 December 2023|archive-date=13 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113091949/https://variety.com/2023/film/global/jodie-comer-paul-mescal-british-independent-film-awards-2023-nominations-1235777034/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was released in the United States on 8 December 2023, followed by release in the United Kingdom on 19 January 2024. The film received generally positive reviews from critics and was nominated in several categories at the 2023 [[British Independent Film Awards]].
==Plot== Protracted storms and heavy rain cause low-lying parts of [[London]] to be flooded just as a woman goes into labour, giving birth to a baby son, Zeb. With incessant rain, the flooding spreads to other areas of [[Great Britain|Britain]], triggering a country-wide crisis for food supplies and accommodations for displaced people.
The woman and her husband, R, flee with their baby to the home of R's parents, where they live comfortably until they begin to run out of supplies. R and his parents leave the woman and Zeb at the house to go get food from a distribution facility. While they are gone, the woman passes the time playing with Zeb. In the evening, a man and boy she does not know show up at the house and she fearfully serves them some food she has prepared; they then leave. R and his father return home, distraught at the death of R's mother, who was trampled by a mob. Shortly after, R's father, N, commits suicide, leaving R further traumatised.
After failing to obtain food at another distribution centre, the woman and R decide to go to a shelter, but R is unable to stay with his wife and Zeb, as the shelter will only take one caregiver per child. While staying in the shelter, the woman makes friends with O, another mother, who has a five-month-old girl. O tells her about a friend who lives in a [[Intentional community|commune]] on an island and talks about going there.
Sometime later, the shelter is attacked by raiders. The woman and O escape, and are taken some distance by two men in a car. After walking further, they come across a man, AB, who is alone and offers to share his food with them. He confirms O's story about the commune and says that he stayed there for some time before leaving, concerned that the people there wanted to forget how things used to be.
After AB departs, heading back to the city he came from, the woman and Zeb travel to the coast with O and her baby. They eventually reach a pier AB told them about, where a boat picks them up sometime later. While on a remote island, the woman finds the desire of the commune's residents to be shielded from the rest of the world too stifling and difficult to accept, and she also misses her husband. She decides to leave.
The woman says goodbye to O before returning to the mainland with Zeb. She makes her way toward London, stealing a car along the way. After abandoning the car, the woman, still with Zeb, boards a bus taking volunteers to do clean-up work in exchange for food and shelter. In London, she makes her way to the family house. As she begins cleaning up, with Zeb seated on the floor, R returns home. He slowly approaches her, while Zeb shakily stands up and starts walking.
==Cast== {{Cast listing|<!--Per end credits order and credited roles. WP:FILMCAST--> * [[Jodie Comer]] as Woman * [[Joel Fry (actor)|Joel Fry]] as R * Yves Rassou as MW * Ramanique Ahluwalia as DR * [[Neil Bell (actor)|Neil Bell]] as MWC * [[Nina Sosanya]] as G * [[Mark Strong]] as N * [[Phillipa Peak]] as B * [[Katherine Waterston]] as O * [[Theo Barklem-Biggs]] as L * [[Ansu Kabia]] as D * [[Benedict Cumberbatch]] as AB * [[Gina McKee]] as F * [[Alexandria Riley]] as P }}
==Production== ===Development=== [[Benedict Cumberbatch]]'s company SunnyMarch with Hera Pictures acquired the rights in May 2017 to [[Megan Hunter]]'s debut novel ''The End We Start From'' before the book had been published. Cumberbatch was quoted as saying it was "a stunning tale of motherhood [and] a striking and frighteningly real story of a family fighting for survival that will make everyone stop and think about what kind of planet we are leaving behind for our children". Cumberbatch was announced as a producer alongside Hera Pictures founder Liza Marshall, Adam Ackland, and [[Sophie Hunter]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/benedict-cumberbatch-sunnymarch-end-we-start-from-movie-1202431302/|title=Benedict Cumberbatch's Company to Adapt Novel 'The End We Start From' Into Movie|website=Variety|date=18 May 2017|access-date=16 September 2022|archive-date=22 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922061248/https://variety.com/2017/film/news/benedict-cumberbatch-sunnymarch-end-we-start-from-movie-1202431302/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In May 2022, it was announced that [[Mahalia Belo]] would direct an [[Alice Birch]] screenplay adaptation of the novel with [[Jodie Comer]] attached to appear as the central mother character. Production was listed as being completed by SunnyMarch through Leah Clarke and Ackland and Hera Pictures' Marshall alongside Amy Jackson and Hunter. With [[BBC Film]] and Anton adding finance, executive producers were Comer, Cumberbatch, Eva Yates, Cecile Gaget and Sébastien Raybaud.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/05/jodie-comer-bafta-help-killing-eve-new-movie-benedict-cumberbatch-end-we-start-from-1235019264/|title=BAFTA Winner Jodie Comer To Star In Apocalyptic Thriller 'The End We Start From' With Benedict Cumberbatch's SunnyMarch & Hera Among Producers, Anton & UTA Launch Sales — Cannes Market Hot Project|website=Deadline|date=9 May 2022|access-date=16 September 2022|archive-date=22 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922045526/https://deadline.com/2022/05/jodie-comer-bafta-help-killing-eve-new-movie-benedict-cumberbatch-end-we-start-from-1235019264/|url-status=live}}</ref> A budget of £9 million has been reported for the project.<ref name="NationalWorld">{{Cite web |last=Ross |first=Steven |date=8 September 2022 |title=The End We Start From: what is Jodie Comer survival thriller film with Benedict Cumberbatch and Mark Strong? |url=https://www.nationalworld.com/culture/film/the-end-we-start-from-what-jodie-comer-survival-thriller-film-benedict-cumberbatch-mark-strong-3835704 |access-date=20 December 2023 |website=[[National World]] |archive-date=25 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525195416/https://www.nationalworld.com/culture/film/the-end-we-start-from-what-jodie-comer-survival-thriller-film-benedict-cumberbatch-mark-strong-3835704 |url-status=live }}</ref> Also confirmed as working on the project were Suzie Lavelle as cinematographer, PC Williams as costume designer, production designer Laura Ellis-Cricks and hair and make-up designer Louise Coles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/430630|title=Principal photography begins on Mahalia Belo's The End We Start From|website=cineuropa.org|date=15 September 2022|access-date=16 September 2022|archive-date=28 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928162301/https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/430630/|url-status=live}}</ref> Director Belo described the film as a "unique and original take on a survival film. One that feels in tune with the climate crisis we are experiencing now."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.variety.com/2022/film/global/benedict-cumberbatch-jodie-comer-the-end-we-start-from-1235362818/|title=Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong Join Jodie Comer on 'The End We Start From' Cast|website=Variety|date=7 September 2022|access-date=16 September 2022|archive-date=27 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927115559/https://variety.com/2022/film/global/benedict-cumberbatch-jodie-comer-the-end-we-start-from-1235362818/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Casting=== In August 2022, it was revealed that Katherine Waterston had been added to the cast.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/katherine-waterston-jodie-comer-the-end-we-start-from-1235100506/|title=Katherine Waterston To Star Opposite Jodie Comer In Apocalyptic Thriller 'The End We Start From'|website=Deadline|date=25 August 2022|access-date=16 September 2022|archive-date=21 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921230905/https://deadline.com/2022/08/katherine-waterston-jodie-comer-the-end-we-start-from-1235100506/|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2022, it was confirmed that Cumberbatch and [[Mark Strong]], [[Joel Fry (actor)|Joel Fry]], [[Gina McKee]], and [[Nina Sosanya]] had been added to the cast and that principal photography had begun in London. Strong had been added as an executive producer along with Kate Maxwell, Fanny Soulier and Pieter Engels from Anton, and Claudia Yusef for BBC Film. C2 Motion Picture Group had been brought in for funding with Dave Caplan and Jason Cloth in as executive producers, with [[National Lottery (United Kingdom)|National Lottery]] funding coming via the [[BFI]] with Lizzie Francke acting as an executive producer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/09/the-end-we-start-from-benedict-cumberbatch-mark-strong-more-jodie-comer-1235109896/|title=Benedict Cumberbatch & Mark Strong Join Cast Of Jodie Comer Thriller 'The End We Start From'; First-Look Image Revealed|website=Deadline|date=7 September 2022|access-date=16 September 2022|archive-date=1 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001192947/https://deadline.com/2022/09/the-end-we-start-from-benedict-cumberbatch-mark-strong-more-jodie-comer-1235109896/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Filming=== As well as in London,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://filmlondon.org.uk/latest/now-filming-in-london-september-2022|title=Now Filming in London: September 2022|website=Filmlondon.org|access-date=16 September 2022|archive-date=4 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104123517/https://filmlondon.org.uk/latest/now-filming-in-london-september-2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://productionlist.com/production/the-end-we-start-from/|title=The End We Start From|website=Productionlist.com|date=4 July 2022|access-date=17 September 2022|archive-date=27 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927195248/https://productionlist.com/production/the-end-we-start-from/|url-status=live}}</ref> principal photography was reported to have taken place at disused boarding school [[Carmel College, Oxfordshire|Carmel College]] in southern [[Oxfordshire]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/21381843.filming-crews-spotted-crowmarsh-gifford-near-wallingford/|title=Filming crews spotted in Crowmarsh Gifford near Wallingford|website=Oxford Mail|date=13 September 2022|access-date=16 September 2022|archive-date=25 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925013257/https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/21381843.filming-crews-spotted-crowmarsh-gifford-near-wallingford/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Music=== The score is by [[Anna Meredith]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.buzzmag.co.uk/anna-meredith-the-end-we-start-from-soundtrack-review/ | title=ANNA MEREDITH composes minimalist brilliance for THE END WE START FROM soundtrack | date=19 January 2024 }}</ref>
==Release== In May 2023, [[Signature Entertainment]] and [[Republic Pictures]] acquired U.K. and U.S. distribution rights, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/the-end-we-start-from-jodie-comer-film-sale-signature-1235493966|first=Alex|last=Ritman|date=May 18, 2023|accessdate=May 18, 2023|website=Hollywood Reporter|title=Cannes: Signature Picks Up Jodie Comer's 'The End We Start From' for UK (Exclusive)|archive-date=19 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519000502/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/the-end-we-start-from-jodie-comer-film-sale-signature-1235493966/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/jodie-comer-benedict-cumberbatch-movie-paramount-deal-cannes-market-1235374609/|title=Jodie Comer's Apocalyptic Thriller 'The End We Start From' Sells To Paramount's Republic Pictures In Mid Seven-Figure North America Deal — Cannes Market|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Andreas|last=Wiseman|date=May 20, 2023|access-date=May 21, 2023|archive-date=21 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521164520/https://deadline.com/2023/05/jodie-comer-benedict-cumberbatch-movie-paramount-deal-cannes-market-1235374609/|url-status=live}}</ref>
It was released in the United States on 8 December 2023, and in the United Kingdom on 19 January 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/09/jodie-comer-benedict-cumberbatch-end-we-start-from-trailer-release-date-1235540789/|title='The End We Start From': Watch First Teaser For Jodie Comer & Benedict Cumberbatch Movie Ahead Of Toronto World Premiere; Release Date Revealed|date=9 September 2023 |publisher=Deadline|access-date=9 September 2023|archive-date=9 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230909170012/https://deadline.com/2023/09/jodie-comer-benedict-cumberbatch-end-we-start-from-trailer-release-date-1235540789/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/jodie-comer-flees-flooding-london-the-end-we-start-from-exclusive-images/|title=Jodie Comer Flees A Flooding London In The End We Start From – Exclusive Images|website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]|first=Ben|last=Travis|date=October 11, 2023|access-date=October 11, 2023|archive-date=11 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011192333/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/jodie-comer-flees-flooding-london-the-end-we-start-from-exclusive-images/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Reception== ===Critical response=== {{Rotten Tomatoes prose|89|6.9|80|consensus=Led by Jodie Comer's gripping performance in the central role, ''The End We Start From'' offers a thoughtful, haunting look at the end of the world.|access-date=October 18, 2024|ref=y}} {{Metacritic film prose|65|25|ref=yes|access-date=February 5, 2024}}
===Accolades=== ''The End We Start From'' received nine nominations for the 2023 [[British Independent Film Awards]], including Best Lead Performance for Jodie Comer, and Best Supporting Performance for Katherine Waterston, as well as [[British Independent Film Award for Best Cinematography|Best Cinematography]] for Suzie Lavelle and [[British Independent Film Award for Best Costume Design|Best Costume Design]] for PC Williams.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/film/global/jodie-comer-paul-mescal-british-independent-film-awards-2023-nominations-1235777034/|website=Variety|accessdate=2 November 2023|date=November 2, 2023|title=Jodie Comer, Paul Mescal Score Nods as 'Rye Lane,' 'Scrapper, 'All of Us Strangers' Lead British Independent Film Awards Nominations|first=Naman|last=Ramachandran|archive-date=2 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102105310/https://variety.com/2023/film/global/jodie-comer-paul-mescal-british-independent-film-awards-2023-nominations-1235777034/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{IMDb title}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:End We Start From}} [[Category:British dystopian films]] [[Category:British post-apocalyptic films]] [[Category:2020s dystopian films]] [[Category:2023 English-language films]] [[Category:2023 independent films]] [[Category:Films about floods]] [[Category:British disaster films]] [[Category:Films about environmental issues]] [[Category:Films about climate change]] [[Category:BBC Film films]] [[Category:British Film Institute films]] [[Category:Films shot in London]] [[Category:Films shot in Oxfordshire]] [[Category:Republic Pictures films]]