End of Days, released in theaters on Nov. 24, 1999, is a dark, action-packed supernatural thriller directed by Peter Hyams that tackles the existential dread surrounding the turn of the millennium. The film ambitiously blends religious horror and intense physical action, setting a desperate race against time in the heart of New York City.
The story centers on Jericho Cane (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a deeply cynical, former NYPD detective whose life has been shattered by tragedy.
Now working as a private security operative, Jericho is tasked with protecting a wealthy investment banker who has been targeted for attack.
However, the seemingly random attacker is soon revealed to be less a common criminal and more a literal force of evil: Satan (Gabriel Byrne), who has arrived on Earth in human form.
The Devil has come to fulfill an ancient prophecy that states he must find and impregnate a specific young woman before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day, 2000, thereby ushering in the End of Days.
That woman is Christine York (Robin Tunney), a troubled young woman whose identity is unknown to her.
Jericho is initially skeptical of the supernatural claims but soon finds himself compelled to protect Christine, becoming her sole guardian against the most powerful, manipulative, and unstoppable entity in existence.
Jericho is aided by his partner, Bobby Chicago (Kevin Pollak), who attempts to keep Jericho grounded in reality, though the escalating bizarre events quickly challenge his worldview.
The supporting cast, featuring Rod Steiger, Miriam Margolyes, and Derrick O’Connor as figures entrenched in the mystery and faith, helps explore the deeper spiritual questions raised by the prophecy.
CCH Pounder adds authority as a key investigator trying to piece together the chaos, and Udo Kier appears in a memorable role.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gabriel Byrne in End of Days (Photo/Universal Pictures)
Reception for End of Days
End of Days grossed $20.5 million on its opening weekend, finishing in third place at the box office.
The film would gross $212 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave End of Days two out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
End of Days‘ legacy lies in its success as a genre hybrid, fully committing to both the spiritual horror and the explosive, large-scale action expected of an Schwarzenegger vehicle.
It stands as a distinctive turn-of-the-millennium cultural artifact, leveraging the real-world anxiety about the year 2000 to deliver a thrilling confrontation between ultimate good and ultimate evil.
