I’m Thinking of Ending Things
Movie Trailer
Release Date
September 4, 2020
Genre
Psychological Thriller, Drama, Mystery
Cast & Crew
- Jessie Buckley as Young Woman / Lucy
- Jesse Plemons as Jake
- Toni Collette as Mother
- David Thewlis as Father
- Guy Boyd as Janitor
Director
Charlie Kaufman
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Anomalisa (2015)
- Synecdoche, New York (2008)
Producer
Anthony Bregman, Charlie Kaufman, Robert Salerno, Stefanie Azpiazu
Writer
Charlie Kaufman (screenplay), based on the novel I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid
Budget
Estimated at $20 million
Production Company
Likely Story, Projective Testing Service, Netflix
Running Time
134 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong language
- Psychological intensity
- Disturbing themes
Movie Story
“I’m Thinking of Ending Things” is a mind-bending psychological thriller directed by Charlie Kaufman, known for his deeply introspective and often surreal storytelling. The film, based on Iain Reid’s novel of the same name, follows a young woman (Jessie Buckley) as she accompanies her boyfriend, Jake (Jesse Plemons), on a road trip to his parents’ remote farm. Although she is contemplating breaking up with Jake, she finds herself unable to articulate these thoughts, leading to an internal struggle that unfolds throughout the film.
The narrative begins with the couple’s long, seemingly endless drive through a snowstorm, where the young woman, who goes by various names (Lucy, Louisa, Lucia), ruminates on her relationship and her dissatisfaction with life. The dialogue between Jake and the young woman is philosophical and introspective, touching on themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time. The film’s title reflects her recurring thought, “I’m thinking of ending things,” which could refer to both the relationship and a broader sense of despair.
When they arrive at Jake’s parents’ farmhouse, the tone of the film shifts from contemplative to increasingly surreal and unsettling. Jake’s parents, played by Toni Collette and David Thewlis, exhibit strange behavior, and time seems to lose all sense of continuity, with characters aging rapidly or regressing to younger versions of themselves. The boundaries between reality and imagination blur as the young woman’s grip on her own identity and the situation begins to slip.
The farmhouse scenes are rife with eerie and disorienting moments, from unsettling dinner conversations to strange occurrences in the house’s various rooms. The film’s atmosphere is thick with tension, as the young woman becomes more disoriented and uneasy, questioning what is real and what is not.
Interspersed with the main narrative are scenes featuring an elderly janitor (Guy Boyd), whose connection to the story becomes clearer as the film progresses. These scenes add another layer of mystery, suggesting that the events at the farmhouse may be memories, fantasies, or projections of the janitor’s mind.
As the film builds to its enigmatic conclusion, Kaufman challenges the viewer to question the nature of identity, the reliability of memory, and the ways in which people construct and deconstruct their own realities. The film ends on an ambiguous note, leaving much open to interpretation, true to Kaufman’s style.
Special Effects
“I’m Thinking of Ending Things” uses its cinematography and editing to create a disorienting and dreamlike experience. The film’s visual style, with its muted color palette and claustrophobic framing, enhances the sense of unease. The special effects are subtle but effective, particularly in the way time and space are manipulated, contributing to the film’s surreal atmosphere. The transitions between scenes are intentionally jarring, reflecting the fractured nature of the narrative and the young woman’s psyche.
Box Office Performance
As a Netflix release, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” did not have a traditional box office run. However, the film garnered significant attention on the streaming platform, where it became a topic of discussion for its challenging narrative and complex themes. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and bold storytelling, though it also polarized audiences due to its unconventional structure and ambiguous ending.
Filming Locations
- Fishkill, New York, USA
- Various locations in the Hudson Valley, New York, USA
Notable Quotes
- “Sometimes a thought is closer to truth, to reality, than an action.” – Young Woman
- “People like to think of themselves as points moving through time. But I think it’s the opposite. We are stationary, and time passes through us.” – Jake
- “I’m thinking of ending things.” – Young Woman
Behind-the-Scenes
Charlie Kaufman’s adaptation of Iain Reid’s novel was a deeply personal project, reflecting his interest in themes of existentialism, memory, and identity. The film’s ambiguous nature and non-linear storytelling are trademarks of Kaufman’s style, and he worked closely with the cast to explore the psychological depth of their characters. Jessie Buckley’s performance as the young woman was particularly praised for capturing the character’s inner turmoil and confusion.
Awards
- Nominated for 4 Critics’ Choice Awards (including Best Adapted Screenplay – Charlie Kaufman)
- Nominated for Gotham Awards (Best Screenplay)
- Nominated for Independent Spirit Awards (Best Director – Charlie Kaufman)
Final Verdict
“I’m Thinking of Ending Things” is a thought-provoking and unsettling film that challenges viewers with its complex narrative and abstract themes. It’s a film that demands active engagement, rewarding those who appreciate introspective and unconventional storytelling. With strong performances, particularly from Jessie Buckley and Jesse Plemons, and Charlie Kaufman’s unique directorial vision, the film stands out as a deeply philosophical and emotionally resonant piece of cinema.
IMDb Rating
6.6/10