The ending hurts as much as it did the first time. The way the story builds to those final moments is so sharp. Each escalation pushes us closer to the people experiencing the nightmare and their feelings of isolation and hopelessness. I had the benefit of watching this in black and white, making the mist feel even bleaker and the drama more acute. There is so much commentary on the human condition and the endless tribalism and war that we are capable of. That's what sets this film apart for me. Hell breaks loose, but it's never really about what is happening; it's about who it is happening to. The ending, too, with its sharp sting has that impact because we have become so emotionally invested. The Mist works so well because it doesn't lose focus. It shows just enough to bring things to a fever pitch without overplaying its hand. It's smart, pointed, and succeeds in what it set out to do. I love it.