★★★★★

I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)

Written by Dalton Welsh - September 8, 2020

With his third directorial effort “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” Charlie Kaufman has proven now without a shadow of a doubt, if he hadn’t already, that he is one of the greatest creative minds in the history of filmmaking. Also written by Kaufman, the film follows Lucy (Jesse Buckley) as she travels with her boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons)  to meet his parents for the first time, all the while thinking that maybe it would be best if she ended things between them. Abstract, methodical, and existential the film deals heavily with how everything in life succumbs to time presented with poetic and purposeful dialogue, beautiful cinematography, stellar performances, and a central character whose journey feels so genuine and ultimately heartfelt.

The title “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” works on multiple levels both in Lucy’s consideration of ending the relationship, as well as her dwelling upon how all things must end when faced against the enemy of time. The film begins with this singular idea of Lucy’s dissatisfaction with Jake and slowly blossoms into an anxiety inducing study of complacency. In turn the film begins to gradually become more surreal as it visualizes the intrinsic fears that plague Lucy. Such as the awkward discomfort presented by Jake’s parents that fosters a fear in Lucy of turning into them, watching on as they succumb to ailments and mundanity. This idea of the debilitating nature of time is also seen in the long traveling sequences, the claustrophobic nature of being in this confined space for such a long period mirrors Lucy feeling trapped with Jake fearing that she is wasting her time when she could be doing things with the people she actually cares for. All this adds to the films overwhelming psychological discomfort, to the point where it borders on horror, significantly amplifying the empathetic resonance of Lucy’s journey. As we watch and pray that she gains the confidence to put her foot down and stride towards her true desires.

These aforementioned travelling scenes display the growing mundanity between Lucy and Jake trough an expert use of dialogue. Kaufman intricately combines relatively prosaic dialogue, to display the lack of energy present in their relationship, with more poetic and profound discussion to not just maintain audience interest in the scene but also to convey why they got together in the first place. Seeing the remnants of what their relationship was beginning to fall apart really adds to the dynamic of what could otherwise be dull scenes. Through this, while Lucy’s Journey is the focus of the story as we begin to see her qualms and passions revealed, we also slowly get bits of the thinking process of Jake and what his desires in life are. Further expanding the emotional depths of the film. All revealing ‘thinking’ to be the operative term in the film’s title, encouraging us to maybe be a little more open about our goals and grievances and to let your thoughts and feelings be open.

The performances respectively from both Jesse Buckley and Jesse Plemons as Lucy and Jake are also great. With so many scenes of just the two of them it requires great screen presence, with both bringing such humanity to their roles. With Buckley displaying great range, from subdued to heightened as the film becomes more surreal. And despite Jake feeling intentionally dull Plemons is able to, through the subtlety of his performance, bring about great empathy with his character. Then there are the parents played by Toni Collette and David Thewlis who both give wonderfully weird, unflinching, and dedicated performances.

Visually the film makes great use of colour and lighting thanks to director of photography Łukasz Żal in tandem with production designer Molly Hughes. Even preceding these elements, the choice to make the film a 4:3 aspect ratio helps to further elevate said anxieties. The warm vibrant reds and greens of the interior sets are both beautifully realised and fuel a feeling of stress through their almost sickly warmth. Juxtaposed with the exterior scenes that take place entirely in the snow where the lighting is an intense white to create an aura of great cold as well as both the literal freezing and metaphorical freezing of our protagonist who feels stuck, unable to break free.

So, with a strong multi-layered message about striving for your true passions in life when faced with stable complacency, told beautifully through the surreal and existential trials and tribulations of Lucy. Amplified by diverse and inventive dialogue, compassionate and superb performances from the lead and supporting cast and a fantastic use of colour and lighting in both the cinematography and production design. Charlie Kaufmann has crafted another masterpiece to behold, admittedly not to everyone’s taste, but if you are a fan of more avant-garde, boundary pushing cinema with a lot of heart, inspired themes and beautiful visuals, then this is a must see.