"I'm Thinking Of Ending Things": Movie Review
Written By Alex Greenbaum
Charlie Kaufman's ("Anomalisa", "Synecdoche, New York") proven directorial track record and quirky yet first-rate writing style (since the 1999 classic "Being John Malkovich") has been nothing short of a pleasure to experience. With Kaufman's new Netflix film, "I'm Thinking Of Ending Things", there's a grand assortment of philosophical concepts to chew on, some figuratively and literally, that blew me away. While some of the narrative choices leave a bit to be desired, it's compelling story beats about aging, perspective, and loneliness is not only timely but happens to be one of the best cinematic, intellectual achievements of the year.
A young woman (Jessie Buckley) and her doting boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons) travel to his parent's house for an out of this world, existential experience.
Keeping an open mind, and establishing its unusual framework early on, each glance, edit, and narrative puzzle piece begins to add up. While two viewings are definitely warranted, Kaufman intrinsically feeds the first viewing with enough clues to ponder its deeper vision with clarity. However, some of its more "horror" elements do, albeit infrequently, hinder its layered commentary on selflessness.
Engaging acting (with the likes of Toni Collette and David Thewlis) only strengthens a superb, Oscar-worthy screenplay by Kaufman. For long time fans of Kaufman's extensive library of films, it might ultimately just rank as one of his best.
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