Charlie Kaufman's new film "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" stars Jesse Plemons as Jake and Jessie Buckley as "The Young Women". The movie has been polarizing to say the least. Some of called it a strange, nonsensical and self indulgent mess, while others, such as myself, have called it the best movie of the year so far. While the movie is undoubtedly strange, on a second viewing I think many will understand that the complex puzzle that is this movie isn't unsolvable.
During my first viewing, I was mostly confused. However the message of it all didn't make sense until after the credits started rolling. I knew that his movie would be a grower (as somewhat of a revelation towards the end of the film will change your entire perception of the movie). Not too long after my first viewing, I re-watched it and completely loved it.
"I'm Thinking of Ending Things" is a resoundingly ambitious yet small scale art house film, that has you pondering throughout. The themes of loneliness, regret, fantasy, escapism, and time passing through people, really weave their way into your emotions and brain, as Kaufman delivers one of his most thought provoking films to date. Heck, he even throws in some themes of the impact of art/cinema while he's at it. It has been a while since I have watched a modern movie (that has gotten moderate attention) has had this much to say.
The plot of the movie would be hard to explain to someone, as it means multiple different things on separate viewings. The movie has the audience questioning what's real and fake. When it unravels completely and connects the puzzle pieces together, the message of the movie is 10 times more powerful. It is a unique movie. It's unarguably strange and perplexing, but it is all for the themes that Kaufman is trying to convey.
The actors all give very good performances as well. Jesse Plemons gives the most memorable performance of his career so far as Jake. Jessie Buckley, Toni Collette, and David Thewlis also all give quality performances.
I also loved the gorgeous cinematography and images in the movie. This is a good trait of many of Kaufman's movies, but I think this may be Kaufman's best looking film. The score by Jake Wadley is also remarkably elegant and I'm hoping for a Oscar nomination for the score at least.
I don't think the movie is perfect however. The film is very dialogue heavy, and while most of these conversations are very well written, introspective, and thought provoking, some just don't resonate as well (and go for a bit too long). There is also a scene or two that I think could've probably been executed better. The last 'problem' I can think of is honestly not really a flaw, but it might be for some people so I'll just say it. That 'flaw' is that the movie isn't nearly as enjoyable on the first viewing. It's fascinating, but since you are most likely confused a lot of the time, it can feel pointless and convoluted. Due to the fact that you are somewhat ambiguous to what's happening (until the end), it's not as effective. That last one all changes on a second viewing however.
All in all however, "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" is a resoundingly audacious meditation that many will love and many will hate. It's both beautiful and poignant, while being dark, unsettling, and crushingly depressing. While not a perfect movie, it is one that is unique and will sit as a gem for cinema in 2020.
9.0/10
Review of I'm Thinking of Ending Things
