This Is How the World Ends (film)
A brother races to save his sister from the last party on earth.
This Is How The World Ends is a 2026 science fiction film directed by Robert dos Santos in his directorial debut. The film stars Josh Kempen, Frances Sholto-Douglas, and Sean Cameron Michael. It is notable as the first straight-to-VHS release in approximately 20 years, a deliberate choice by the filmmakers to contrast with modern digital distribution.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Robert dos Santos
- Producer
- Byron Davis / Suraya Sulliman
- Starring
- Josh Kempen / Frances Sholto-Douglas / Sean Cameron Michael
- Editing
- Christopher-Lee Dos Santos
- Music
- Edward George King
- Released
- 2026
- Country
- United States / South Africa
- Language
- English
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The film follows Tom Freeman, played by Josh Kempen, as he rushes against time to bring his sister Danni Freeman home from the 'last party' on earth during a war between humans and machines. Danni, believing the war signals humanity's final days, runs away to enjoy her last moments. Tom, trusting government reports that the war is being won, gives chase as the world descends into chaos.
Reader's Guide
This Is How The World Ends is significant for its release strategy: the first straight-to-VHS film in about 20 years. The filmmakers cited the existential threat of AI to the creative industry, mirroring the film's own theme of AI conflict, as motivation for bypassing digital platforms. Director Robert dos Santos also hopes for a theatrical release. The film's plot—a personal rescue mission amid a human-machine war—reflects contemporary anxieties about artificial intelligence.
Did You Know?
- The filmmakers chose VHS to protest AI's threat to the creative industry, aligning with the film's AI war theme.
- Robert dos Santos made his directorial debut with this film.
- Sean Cameron Michael plays a character named Rick 'The Broadcaster' Douglas.
More in Direct-to-video science fiction films 1-24
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