'I'm Thinking Of Ending Things' First Look: Charlie Kaufman's Film Tackles "Loneliness And Hopelessness And Regret"

To say that “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” is one of our most-anticipated films of 2020 is an understatement. Even before COVID-19 delayed the release of so many big features into 2021, we were still hyped for Charlie Kaufman’s triumphant return to filmmaking. And the source material he’s working from for his new Netflix film actually couldn’t be more perfect for the unique filmmaker.

READ MORE: Charlie Kaufman Approached His Netflix Film ‘I’m Thinking Of Ending Things’ As His Last Directing Job

And as seen in the new first-look photo from his upcoming feature, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” has one of the best casts that you could ask for, as the film stars Jessie Buckley, Jesse Plemons, Toni Collette, and David Thewlis. The picture that has been released (via EW) doesn’t really show anything too shocking or strange, which are things you have come to expect from a Kaufman film. But as someone who has read the novel, trust me, there’s more to this film than a simple dinner scene featuring some of the best actors working today.

But that being said, Kaufman explained that he doesn’t purposefully take on projects that are meant to keep viewers on their toes.

READ MORE: Charlie Kaufman’s ‘I’m Thinking Of Ending Things’ Arrives On Netflix In September

“I don’t set out to do a mindfuck,” he said. “I’m not setting out to do something that ‘tops’ some sort of brainteaser I might have done before. But there’s no question that I’m trying to build on the stuff that I’ve already done.”

For those not familiar with the novel that inspired the film, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” follows the story of a young woman that is being dragged out to meet the family of her boyfriend. However, in her mind, she’s already done with the relationship and is looking for a way out. But that’s just when things start to get interesting, as the story takes all sorts of creepy and weird twists and turns. However, for Kaufman, this is a film that has some very universal themes.

READ MORE: Charlie Kaufman Wrote A Novel About A Failed Film Critic In The Most Charlie Kaufman-Sounding Novel Ever

“Loneliness and hopelessness and regret — these are things that are part of the fabric of this film,” Kaufman explained.

As mentioned above, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” is a story that fits perfectly in Kaufman’s filmography, even if it tends to be a bit darker than his previous work. And as such, it’s probably best to go in as cold as possible and avoid any sort of spoilers. You’ll be glad you did.

You can see the first-look photo below (plus one more from the New York Times).

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“I’m Thinking Of Ending Things”- Jesse Plemons as Jake, Jessie Buckley as Young Woman, Toni Collette as Mother, David Thewlis as Father
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“I’m Thinking Of Ending Things”- Jessie Buckley as Young Woman
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