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Im thinking of ending things rating2/16/2024 ![]() (I’m sure I’ll pop up in the sequel.)īut the task of tackling Kaufman gets trickier when focusing on his latest film, I’m Thinking of Ending Things, which is based on Canadian writer Iain Reid’s twisty 2016 novel. For another thing, make one false move and Kaufman just might write a 700-page novel about you, as he did with this summer’s Antkind, a freewheeling satire that takes direct aim at The New Yorker’s Richard Brody. Even attempting to untangle his work risks making a dunce of yourself, as I now realize re-reading my embarrassingly lightweight pan of his last directorial effort, Anomalisa. For one thing, the man has perfected a MacArthur-genius-level brand of auteur-esque mystique through his cerebral and near-uniformly excellent filmography. Utterly hypnotic and equally perplexing, ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ is an unshakeable psychological drama on love, life, and loss.It is nerve-wracking, writing a review of a Charlie Kaufman film. Else you'd think you were losing your mind, but that’s precisely what Charlie Kaufman intends. Fortunately, streaming allows you to pause, rewind and make sure you saw what you think you did. Subtle blink-and-miss moments ensure you're paying attention. The slow-building suspense revels in its own pace, as the visceral cinematography immerses you in a world of cold desolation, with sound design to compound the feeling of loneliness. Together, they render a unique and surreal Kaufman-esque narrative to life. Jessie Plemons continues to impress with his range, switching between docile to simmering animosity. Toni Collette, in typically fine form, delivers an oddly compelling performance. Most of the film’s narrative is held together exceptionally by Jessie Buckley’s distant yet immersive rendition of a woman contemplating the reasons to leave her boyfriend. ![]() That’s where the talents of Jessie Buckley, Jesse Plemons, Toni Collette and David Thewlis truly shine - each of them mesmerising. ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ is filled with awkward and absurd moments, but the cast makes them painfully human. This also sets the tone for the rest of the film which may appear superficial, especially in its first half, but gradually delves into something more profound. But something’s inexplicably off, and despite Jessie Buckley’s character repeating the film’s title in her head, you can’t put your finger on it. The first 22 minutes are mostly spent in conversation between the unnamed young woman and Jake, alongside her narrative thoughts. But those familiar with Charlie Kaufman know that term isn’t associated with his body of work. When they finally meet his mother (Toni Collette) and father (David Thewlis), things slowly spiral out of control for the couple.Īs far as setups go, the plot appears straightforward, to begin with. As they drive up to his farmhouse, the couple engages in conversation from their hobbies to philosophy. ![]() But the young woman has second thoughts about their relationship and contemplates breaking up with him. Review: Jake (Jesse Plemons) wants to introduce his girlfriend (Jessie Buckley) to his parents and show her where he grew up. Story: A young woman goes on a trip with her boyfriend to meet his parents for the first time.
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