This film is available to stream September 4th on Netflix.
Charlie Kaufman is an artist who has created brain-twisting works for decades. He wrote the brilliant oddities Being John Malkovich, Adaptation and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, while also serving as writer/director on the Oscar-nominated animated feature, Anomalisa. For those who haven’t seen the latter film, it featured a meek lead character uncomfortable in his own skin, trying to find meaning in his life while seeing those around him as alien and impenetrable, and perceiving the outside world as being overwhelming.
His latest is the similarly eccentric piece, I’m Thinking of Ending Things. It’s based on a novel by Iain Reid, but actually feels like something that could have come directly from the filmmaker’s own mind. The movie a piece of art that is vibrant and sharply written, yet incredibly depressing. If you don’t care for Kaufman’s unique style or dark take on existence, this film will no doubt be a frustrating or even infuriating endurance test. However, if one can adjust to the surreal environment and empathize with the main characters, it is a remarkable and powerful experience that one is unlikely to forget.
A young woman (Jessie Buckley) ponders ending her relationship with boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons), but agrees to travel with her beau to his family home and meet his mother (Toni Collette) and father (David Thewlis). It’s an uncomfortable journey, with the woman mulling the situation in her head as well as the pros and cons of being with Jake. She appreciates Jake’s simple kindness and warmth, but also has dreams of completing her physics PhD and even branching out as a painter. The pair travel through a snowstorm and arrive at the isolated farmhouse, only to find things increasingly strange and surreal. In fact, Jake is incredibly nervous and his parents exhibit strange quirks. Even more disturbingly, she’s told to stay away from a scratched-up door leading to the basement. It isn’t long before the guest just wants to return to town and sever ties, but must endure an extended evening in the house.
All of the cast members are fantastic in their unique roles which require unusual ticks and comedic moments alongside pathos and despair. There isn’t a moment that isn’t unsettling. One can see the pressure, nervousness and increasing exasperation Jake feels about the situation and dealing with his folks. The parental roles are incredibly challenging, running the gamut from exaggerated reactions to behavior that seems downright threatening. And most importantly, the female protagonist is relatable as she attempts to process the surreal events occurring around her and attempts to figure out what’s going on. In the process, even she starts displaying some unusual attributes. Everyone is phenomenal in their unusual roles.
The movie is a technical marvel as well. It’s gorgeously photographed in color by Lucaz Zahl (Cold War, Ida). These are some very pretty shots of the snow falling in a small town early on. The cinematographer once again uses square framing which, which ultimately adds a layer of claustrophobia to the proceedings. The lighting and sets themselves are equally impressive, depicting a farmhouse that is in some respects relatable quaint and relatable, but slowly becomes something far eerier and more surreal in appearance, creating a tangible sense of unease.
While certain elements of the feature are open to interpretation, it seems that he discussions between the lead characters and thoughts about their interests, their fear of growing old and complaints our everyone’s tendency to waste time all come into play again abstractly late in the film. In the end, this movie does not dance around the harshness of life. It is most definitely a movie about regret, missed opportunities and unfulfilled aspirations, as well as desire and the hidden wants and desires that are present within us all.
Personally, I believe that I’m Thinking of Ending Things is a unique and exceptional film. Still, viewers should realize that it is not a feel-good movie and is very much an acquired taste. However, if you enjoy the work of Charlie Kaufman, then it is most assuredly worth grabbing a drink (you’ll need it), plunking yourself down and letting the atmosphere and mood take you to a very dark and sad place.