“I’m Thinking of Ending Things” Review

Jesse Plemons (Left) and Jessie Buckley star in Charlie Kaufman’s latest film, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things.”

Charlie Kaufman is a screenwriter who constantly pushes the envelope of what can be depicted onto the big screen by showcasing surreal ideas. “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” sees Kaufman take a long meticulous approach to the psychological thriller and, unfortunately, it fails to amount to anything and falls short of Kaufman’s previous achievements.

The film depicts a young woman, played by Jessie Buckley, and her boyfriend Jake, played by Jesse Plemons, as they go on a road trip into the country to visit Jake’s parents, played by David Thewlis and Toni Collette. Throughout the entire film, the film’s protagonist debates ending her relationship and these doubts manifest into a terror-filled descent into madness that reveals much more about the main characters than previously intended including their pasts, desires and goals.

Kaufman’s narrative is far too drawn out and it results in a disconnect between the viewer and the story. There is an interest into what the insane events the characters experience is going to add up to throughout most of the film. By the time the ending rolls around, it's nothing special. 

The film is so bent on its own symbolism that it’s difficult to tell what is actually occurring and why the viewer should care. Other films Kaufman has written have not only delivered ground breaking stories with deep symbolism, but they also had interesting characters that were relatable. “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” has strong acting from Buckley and Plemons, but these roles have no meat to them.

(From Left) Along with Plemons and Buckley, Toni Collette and David Thewlis’ performances add a level of interest into the film’s story.

Despite a running time of 2 hours and 14 minutes, the lack of action, characterization or interesting story developments make the pacing of the film unbearably long. 

This is a shame since the film is packed full of eye-catching imagery and the writing, at times, can be fascinating.

Kaufman’s work as a screenwriter has included the madness of a screenwriter in “Adaptation,” teleporting oneself into the mind of actor John Malkovich in “Being John Malkovich” and deleting memories of a past lover only to reencounter them in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” With all of his incredible work, it makes the film’s lackluster story all the more disappointing.

The dialogue, by itself, is well written with characters discussing poetry, farm life, the works of David Foster Wallace, among other things, and it all flows together quite well. If these lines were in a better story, this screenplay might have been a contender in Kaufman’s bibliography.

While his story isn’t as good as other works, Kaufman’s direction is well thought out. Visually, the film is very Kubrickian with lingering shots that build tension and establish mood. The icy lighting makes a quaint, homey farmhouse or a couple sitting in a car more uncomfortable which is what was intended for the plot. 

Kaufman has a very distinct, extreme style and, like many extremes in art, it can result in interesting work and dull work. Unfortunately, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” falls into the latter category. Despite many admirable qualities, the ingredients assembled just didn’t make something of merit which is the real tragedy.