I'm Thinking of Ending Things (2020)

I'm Thinking of Ending Things Poster

Nothing is as it seems when a woman experiencing misgivings about her new boyfriend joins him on a road trip to meet his parents at their remote farm.

Introduction
"I'm Thinking of Ending Things" is a 2020 mental drama film directed by Charlie Kaufman, based on the 2016 book of the same name by Iain Reid. The film stars Jessie Buckley, Jesse Plemons, Toni Collette, and David Thewlis, and follows a girl who takes a trip with her boyfriend to fulfill his parents at their remote farmhouse, all the while pondering ending their relationship. As they browse a surreal and disturbing series of events, the movie looks into styles of aging, memory, reality, and existentialism.

Plot
The story begins with a girl, unnamed in the film however referred to as Lucy in marketing product, who is thinking about breaking up with her partner Jake. In spite of her thoughts of ending the relationship, she accompanies him to visit his moms and dads at their farmhouse. As they drive through a snowstorm, Lucy contemplates her choice, leaving the audience to question her state of mind and the reality of their circumstance.

Upon their arrival, Lucy is confronted with strange and upsetting interactions with Jake's parents, as well as weird occasions that blur the lines between reality and dream. Throughout the dinner, Jake's parents appear to rapidly age and fall back in age, adding to the strange nature of the visit. As the evening unfolds, Lucy becomes progressively interrupted by her surroundings, as well as by the mysterious behavior of Jake and his household.

After the upsetting supper, Jake and Lucy decide to leave the farmhouse and head back to the city. On their method, they stop at a high school where Jake utilized to work as a janitor, and as they explore the empty school, they come across 2 students rehearsing a dance. This scene further heightens the surreal nature of the film and forces the protagonists to confront their own insecurities and fears.

As the narrative advances, it becomes apparent that the story may not be told from Lucy's point of view, however rather from that of the older janitor who is exposed to be Jake. The movie recommends that the occasions are an item of his imagination and quelched desires, as he faces the options he made in his life and his longing for love and connection.

Themes
"I'm Thinking of Ending Things" explores various complicated styles that leave the audiences contemplating the nature of truth and the human condition. The film checks out the concept of aging and the method individuals handle the passage of time. Through characters like Jake and his parents, the film portrays the worry of aging, the pain of regret, and a yearning for lost chances.

Memory and the subjective nature of truth are also central motifs in the story. As characters continuously question their perceptions and memories, the film illustrates the intrinsic unreliability of personal narratives. The fragmented and surreal nature of the storytelling highlights the defects in recollection and the human propensity to create alternate variations of occasions.

Existentialism is another essential style explored throughout the film, as characters face their own death and face the meaning of life. Jake's self-questioning and battle to understand himself and his location on the planet are representative of a bigger human undertaking to discover function and significance out there.

Conclusion
"I'm Thinking of Ending Things" is a thought-provoking and tough film that leaves audiences questioning the nature of truth and the intricacies of human psychology. Through its surreal storytelling, striking visuals, and poignant themes, Charlie Kaufman crafts a special and haunting exploration of life, love, and the passage of time. The movie's darkly gorgeous and enigmatic nature makes certain to leave audiences both captivated and disturbed, inviting repeat watchings and extensive contemplation.

Top Cast

  • Jesse Plemons (small)
    Jesse Plemons
    Jake
  • Jessie Buckley (small)
    Jessie Buckley
    Young Woman
  • Toni Collette (small)
    Toni Collette
    Mother
  • David Thewlis (small)
    David Thewlis
    Father
  • Guy Boyd (small)
    Guy Boyd
    Janitor
  • Hadley Robinson (small)
    Hadley Robinson
    Laurey / Tulsey Town Girl 1
  • Gus Birney (small)
    Gus Birney
    Aunt Eller / Tulsey Town Girl 2
  • Abby Quinn (small)
    Abby Quinn
    Tulsey Town Girl 3
  • Colby Minifie (small)
    Colby Minifie
    Yvonne
  • Anthony Grasso (small)
    Anthony Grasso
    Diner Manager
  • Teddy Coluca (small)
    Teddy Coluca
    Diner Costumer