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Drama

When Today Ends (2021): Cast & Ratings

When Today Ends (2021) movie poster

When Today Ends is a 2021 drama directed by Michael Leoni, starring Jacqi Vene as Jenna Ross, Gavin Leatherwood and Kenny Johnston. It runs 1 hour 37 minutes. Its Echo Score is 84/100.

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When Today Ends (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 37m (97 min)
Director
Michael Leoni
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is When Today Ends About?

The premise of When Today Ends without spoilers.

Four teenagers, Jenna, Nick, Megan, and James, anonymously share their most intimate and vulnerable secrets online using the hashtag #WhenTodayEnds. As they expose their deepest fears and experiences, they discover a disturbing connection and find themselves unexpectedly linked by a shared, unsettling fate. The film explores themes of online identity, isolation, and the consequences of revealing one's true self.

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Cast & crew

When Today Ends Cast & Characters

Jacqi Vene leads the cast as Jenna Ross, with Gavin Leatherwood as Nick / Nicole Meyers and Kenny Johnston as History Teacher. Directed by Michael Leoni; 7 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in When Today Ends

· 3 more
From the director

More from Michael Leoni

One more film directed by Michael Leoni: American Street Kid.

Full filmography
Ratings

When Today Ends Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 84/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in sensory experience (75).

84 /100

When Today Ends Echo Score Breakdown

When Today Ends delivers a compelling exploration of teenage mental health through a raw, found‑footage aesthetic. Critics and audiences alike highlight the film's emotional intensity, nuanced performances, and topical relevance, while a few note the handheld camera work can feel intrusive. The narrative balances urgency with moments of measured pacing, creating an immersive sensory experience that resonates beyond its runtime. Overall, the film stands as a notable, thought‑provoking entry that encourages repeated viewings and discussion.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, the film employs a gritty, first‑person style that underscores its realism. Reviewers praise the fresh approach to found footage and effective direction that aligns with the subject matter. However, some viewers find the handheld technique reminiscent of amateur video content, which can detract from visual polish. The overall craftsmanship is solid, though not uniformly acclaimed.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When evaluating character and emotion, critics and viewers emphasize powerful, nuanced performances that convey teenage anguish. Multiple comments cite standout portrayals, especially the lead's expressive eyes and layered delivery. The cast consistently generates empathy and emotional resonance throughout the story. No substantial criticisms of acting emerge, resulting in a high assessment of this aspect.

  • Story & Flow 80

    Regarding story and flow, the narrative presents a timely, emotionally charged plot about depression and suicide. Critics describe it as a fresh take on a serious topic, and many users find the storyline engaging and important. One reviewer mentions pacing issues and a repetitive feel, suggesting occasional unevenness. Nonetheless, the core message remains clear and impactful.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    The sensory experience blends a stark visual palette with the immediacy of social‑media‑styled footage. Reviewers note the film’s distinctive aesthetic and immersive sound design that reinforce its themes. Some audience members critique the constant handheld perspective as distracting, which slightly lowers the overall sensory rating. The sensory elements effectively support the narrative despite minor drawbacks.

  • Rewatch Factor 85

    For rewatch factor, the film is described as essential viewing for both teens and adults, fostering conversation about mental health. Several comments highlight its lasting emotional impact and relevance, encouraging multiple viewings. A lone negative review mentions skipping ahead, but the prevailing sentiment underscores strong replay value and enduring relevance.

Videos

When Today Ends Trailers & Videos

The trailer of When Today Ends.

When Today Ends - Official Trailer 2021

Seen When Today Ends?

FAQ

When Today Ends FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of When Today Ends, each answered in a sentence.

How long is When Today Ends?

When Today Ends runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).

When was When Today Ends released?

When Today Ends was released on May 14, 2021.

Who directed When Today Ends?

When Today Ends was directed by Michael Leoni.

More films by Michael Leoni

Who is in the cast of When Today Ends?

When Today Ends stars Jacqi Vene as Jenna Ross, Gavin Leatherwood as Nick / Nicole Meyers and Kenny Johnston as History Teacher, among 7 credited actors.

Does When Today Ends have a post-credit scene?

No. When Today Ends has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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