People will argue that the frustration felt during the runtime is all part of the film’s design, but it nonetheless still makes it difficult to keep engaged. Each scene is a well-crafted puzzle piece, but they just don’t all fit together. As the film goes on, Kaufman introduces increasingly absurd visuals and sequences which makes it tough for us to get back on board with the film after such self-indulgence. These segments are exhausting and quickly become tedious. It feels like Kaufman debating and talking to himself. There are plenty of moments where characters will argue, debate and have lengthy monologues over different poets, artists, and philosophers to talk about time, the universe and the human condition. The biggest problem with I’m Thinking of Ending Things is not with the over-arching narrative making little sense, but with how long stretches of the film are self-indulgent. You can see that both actors trusted in Kaufman and his script, and gave it their all. Collette and Thewlis will be talked about the most for sure but Buckley and Plemons do incredible work in such a challenging project.
The blending of different tones works best here too: flitting from big laughs to unbearable tension to heart-wrenching sadness. One particular speech from Thewlis’ character talking about their relationship ripped my heart to shreds: lamenting on how time changes us. Collette and Thewlis are absolutely mesmerising as Jake’s peculiar parents, both clearly having a blast in their roles whilst also delivering depth and heart. The individual scenes are much more engaging and accessible than the overall film, and I’m Thinking of Ending Things is undoubtedly at it’s most entertaining when the four characters finally meet and spend the evening together.
That is as much plot as I can really cover. Once she meets Jake’s parents (Toni Collette and David Thewlis), that’s when the absurdity dials up and the young woman begins questioning herself and everything around her. Even before they reach their destination, we are made aware through voiceover that the young woman (Buckley’s character doesn’t actually have a name) has second thoughts about her relationship, and we quickly learn about her feelings and attitudes towards different aspects of her life and life in general. A young woman (Jessie Buckley) goes on a road trip with her new boyfriend, Jake (Jesse Plemons), to see his family at a rural farm. One thing I can confidently say, however, is that the film will have dug deep into your mind without you realising it and stay there long after the credits roll. It’s Schrödinger’s cat in moving image form: at once brilliant and frustrating. At times, I was on the edge-of-my-seat, other times I wanted to leave my seat. The film is messy, nonsensical and self-indulgent but simultaneously entertaining, powerful, and meaningful. Even trying to formulate thoughts, let alone opinions, is difficult. It comes as no surprise to hear that other reviewers are struggling to put their thoughts of Charlie Kaufman’s latest feature, I’m Thinking of Ending Things, into words.
“It’s Schrödinger’s cat in moving image form: at once brilliant and frustrating.”
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