I'm Thinking of Ending Things
A character does mentally utter those words, the title of I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS, but by the end of the film you may have to re-evaluate just who. That could be construed as a major spoiler, as you may have seen the trailer for this new film which was released on Netflix last week. A young woman is on a road trip with her boyfriend, bound for his parents' farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. Then and throughout the movie, we hear her thoughts. Even after merely six or seven weeks, she's ready to move on. She really likes the guy, thinks he's kind and smart, but feels things are already stuck in neutral. She seems conflicted.
Her name changes a few times during the movie. Jake (Jessie Plemmons) also seems suspiciously knowledgeable about physics and engineering, which are what she is studying at a university. She says she doesn't like poetry, but then recites some at length. After very long scenes of dialogue, they reach the house, but Jake is reluctant to bring his girlfriend (Jessie Buckley) inside even after his mother (Toni Collette) has just waved to her from the upstairs window. Even though it's freezing cold. He'd rather show her the barn, where there are frozen animal corpses. Once inside, things only get weirder when we meet the parents. Dad (David Thewlis) seems vaguely threatening. Apparently there's something disturbing in the basement. Then, time seems to accelerate. Perhaps through the young lady.
There is a lengthy reference to John Cassavetes, who might've approved of this movie. There is also one to, yep, Robert Zemeckis, but that's a different story.....
I haven't yet mentioned that I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS, which was adapted (from Iain Reid's novel) and directed by Charlie Kaufman. It is very much a piece of his work. Another dark, melancholy head trip that lends itself to multiple interpretations even as it is still playing. If you are planning on making this journey, I would advise (beforehand) avoiding reading too much about it, and certainly not indulging the interpretations that have sprung up on YouTube. I found myself in line with some of them. I think it is fairly clear by the finale whose head we are really in. Have you noticed my frequent use of italics in this review? It's appropriate.
Many will not get through this movie. It will be far too cerebral and deliberate for them, though I can't imagine how someone wouldn't be curious as to the next wild idea to come forth. There will be confusion, of course, but by the time the dancers appear near the end at least one of your interpretations as to what the hell is going on will be validated. This is the sort of film to watch, then think on for hours and days. Then watch several more times. As I pondered and made connections, it only grew sadder. I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS in fact becomes almost unbearably sad and despairing. I read a few reviews that question how Kaufman even gets out of bed in the morning.
Perhaps he has tamed his demons sufficiently to only run free in his work. He seems like a well adjusted guy. BEING JOHN MALKOVICH, ADAPTATION, THE ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, SYNEDOCHE, NEW YORK are some of his earlier screenplays and share a certain nihilism, but also a learned resignation of life and how unknowable and absurd it really is. I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS, which has bravura acting by the leads and the supporting cast, joins this bleak canon with a wildly challenging but oddly exhilarating experience that will give the thoughtful another glimpse into themselves, and perhaps at that introvert in the shadows, who may harbor a head full of regret and loss. And dreams. Maybe a few show tunes.
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