Which underrated indie film on streaming deserves a midnight watch party

If you’re scrolling for a last-minute plan to salvage a sleepless Saturday or you want a movie that turns a group chat into a full-blown theory mill, here’s an underrated indie that deserves a midnight watch party: The Endless (2017), from Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. It’s the kind of small-budget, high-imagination movie that sneaks up on you — quiet at first, then weirdly intimate, then straight-up uncanny. Perfect for late-night viewing when the sky is flat and the attention span is sharp.

Why The Endless is a midnight watch party winner

There are a dozen reasons I throw this under-the-radar gem into any “watch this now” rotation, but here are the ones that make it especially brilliant at 12:30 AM.

• Atmosphere over spectacle: The film builds tension through mood and mystery, not CGI. The night amplifies the creeping dread and the small-town weirdness.
• Group-friendly ambiguity: It asks more questions than it answers. That’s perfect for a watch party — expect debate, whispered theories, and post-credits speculation.
• Character focus: It’s an emotional story about two brothers bound by a strange past. You care about them, which makes the weird stuff land harder.
• Compact runtime: At about 108 minutes, it won’t eat your whole night, but it leaves you thinking about it for days — classic midnight movie behavior.

What to tell your friends before they join

Keep the pitches tight so you don’t ruin the mystery. Try something like: “It’s an indie sci-fi/horror about two brothers who revisit a cult they escaped years ago. It’s eerie, smart, and defiantly weird.” Don’t mention plot twists or the major reveals. The joy is in the slow reveal — and in watching the small details click for everyone in real time.

Where to stream it (and what to check first)

Streaming availability changes — check your local platforms first. As of recent runs The Endless has rotated through services like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video (rental/purchase), and Shudder. If you’re in the UK or elsewhere, it might be on Sky, NOW, or as a digital rental. If you’re not sure, a quick search on JustWatch or the site we run — Crack Streams Co — usually points you to current options.

Midnight watch party setup — quick guide

You don’t need a projector or artisanal popcorn, just a few choices that make the night feel curated:

• Lighting: Keep it dim but not pitch black. A couple of warm lamps, fairy lights, or candles keep faces readable for reactions — which are half the fun.
• Seating: Soft blankets, floor cushions, and a couple of throw pillows make the living room feel like a communal nest.
• Audio: If you have a soundbar or decent Bluetooth speaker, use it. The film’s subtle sound design benefits from clean audio; you want to hear the quiet creaks as much as the sudden hits.
• Food and drink: Comfort-first. Think elevated movie snacks: buttered popcorn with a sprinkle of smoked salt, homemade nachos, or a shared board of cheese and cured meats. For drinks, dark beer, black coffee, or a simple “midnight” cocktail (think bourbon, a dash of bitters, simple syrup, and an orange twist).

Conversation starters to use during the credits

Post-movie chat is the whole point with something like this. Here are a few prompts to get debate flowing:

• “What do you think the phenomenon really is — supernatural, psychological, or something else?”
• “Which brother do you sympathize with more, and why?”
• “Which small detail or scene changed your interpretation of earlier events?”
• “If you had to pick one image from the film to haunt you, what would it be?”
• “Should the cult have stayed hidden or tried to explain itself?”

How to lean into the indie spirit

Part of what makes The Endless special is that it feels handmade. Lean into that with small rituals that make the night feel curated rather than sterile.

• Ask everyone to put phones away for the first and last ten minutes. It keeps immersion high and reactions real.
• Print or type a tiny program (two lines) with the movie title and one cryptic line like “Expect to be unsettled.” Hand it out; it’s silly but fun.
• Have a low-key post-movie playlist ready: ambient, slightly unsettling tracks — think Boards of Canada, Tim Hecker, or the film’s own score if available.

For film nerds who want the deep cut

If your group includes folks who love analysis, throw a short bonus mini-screening or segment after the movie. Play the trailer before the film (it’s worth watching after too, because you’ll notice things you missed) and then show a single BTS or interview clip with Benson and Moorhead. Their approach to low-budget effects and practical tension is a masterclass in doing more with less. That context makes the creative choices even more fun to talk about.

Quick checklist for a smooth night

Late-night indie picks aren’t always about shock value — they’re about a slow creep into the uncanny, about conversation-bait that survives until dawn. The Endless does that wonderfully: it’s funny in surprising places, unsettling in subtle ones, and endlessly discussable. If you want a film that rewards attention, prompts debate, and makes your living room feel like an atmospheric little theater, fire this one up, then dim the lights and enjoy the ride.