Review: I’m Thinking of Ending Things

From the man who brought you Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Charlie Kaufman), comes the film I’m Thinking of Ending Things. The Netflix Original is based on the novel of the same name written by Ian Reid. The film tells the story of a couple who are taking a drive to meet his parents, however, she is thinking of ending things – hence the Title. 

This film is incredibly artsy and shot in a similar style as Eternal Sunshine with the editing style, color grading, cut transitions, and even the use of snow. If artsy is your thing, then this film might be your jam. It’s possibly the artsiest film I’ve seen since The Fountain and has more pointless philosophical dialogue than a Tarantino film. Seriously, the first 30 mins of the movie are filled with dense dialogue about philosophy and poetry while driving to Jake’s parents’ home.

You can check out our other review of I’m Thinking Of Ending Things here.

A Blend Of Genres For I’m Thinking Of Ending Things

I’m Thinking of Ending Things has been labeled a drama/horror/thriller, and it definitely starts in the drama vein and creeps its way into the others. As the couple arrives at Jake’s parents’ home, things definitely are not as they appear. The best way I can think to describe it is that there is definitely a glitch in the matrix. After leaving his parents home, it becomes evident that there is something seriously wrong and you begin to question EVERYTHING! 

After trucking along at a staggeringly glacial pace, watching scenes where characters change actors, ages, people get angry for no reason, and things are just plain weird, our leads end up making out in Jake’s High School parking lot. This is where we reach the climax of the film and things get even more weird – yes, it’s possible.

Did you know you were watching a musical?! Yup. It’s Westside Story up in here, folks. The film ends with a ballet scene by the school janitor. Jake winning an award after which he breaks into song, as well as a cliffhanger. What?!

At The End Of Things, It’s Not Worth Your Time

So, yes, I’m Thinking of Ending Things is 2 hours of artistic crap. It’s buried under several layers of obscurity leaving everything open to interpretation. So, here is my interpretation: 

The Janitor is actually the main character of the film. The entire story is in his head. He is a shut-in, loner, and the girl, whose name we never actually learn, is someone random he’s never worked up the courage to actually speak to. So, he’s built this entire world in his head, ultimately committing suicide in his truck after work on a snowy evening in the parking lot of the High School.

In the end, I found this film to be incredibly confusing, way too artsy, and incredibly boring most of the time. I do not recommend it

So, what did you think of I’m Thinking Of Ending Things?