10 Movies To Watch If You Like I’m Thinking Of Ending Things

If you enjoyed the subversive and often cryptic themes in I Am Thinking Of Ending Things, have a look over this list of more cerebral films.

Iain Reid’s novel, I’m Thinking Of Ending Things, was recently adapted into a Netflix film by Charlie Kaufman. Kaufman is the screenwriter behind Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, and Anomalisa, the latter of which he also co-directed.

I’m Thinking Of Ending Things is only the third film he has directed, but was praised by critics. On the surface, the film is about a couple on their way to meet the boyfriend’s parents. The girlfriend is considering ending the relationship, hence the title. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the title could be referring to suicide, and that it also might not be about either of these two characters.

10. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

Just like Kaufman’s most recent project, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind plays with time in a similarly mind-boggling and thought-provoking way.

Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey star as a seemingly perfect but actually very troubled couple who erase the memories of each other after a painful breakup. The film switches between several sequences, each one marked by the changing seasons — and Clementine’s hair color.

9. Anomalisa (2015)

David Thewlis provides the voice for this film’s main character, Michael. Every other character is voiced by Tom Noonan — everyone except for Lisa, who is brought to life by Jennifer Jason Leigh.

Michael meets Lisa during a miserable business trip and is confused but attracted to how different she is, even though everyone else considers her to be worthless.

8. Memento (2000)

For viewers who enjoyed the mystery in Kaufman’s Netflix film, Christopher Nolan’s Memento is sure to be another enjoyable watch — that is, enjoyable in the same confusing, thrilling, and awe-inspiring way. The film plays with time and takes place across several timelines.

Leanard Shelby (Guy Pearce) suffers from anterograde amnesia following an accident in his past. The last thing he remembers is his wife’s death, and he is determined to find the man he believes killed her. This proves difficult, even when he leaves himself notes and tattoos to remind himself.

7. Lost In Translation (2003)

Sofia Coppola is the director and writer behind the ambiguous relationship presented in Lost In Translation. Portrayed by Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray, Charlotte and Bob meet in a Tokyo hotel by chance.

Charlotte is the wife of a photographer, to whom she’s been married only a few years, and Bob is a fading movie star who is in Japan to film a commercial for a brand of whiskey. This film is slightly uncanny, yet immaculately styled, and the relationship between the two characters is so unique as to be inscrutable, not unlike Jake and Lucy.

6. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (2012)

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is a young adult movie based on Stephen Chbosky’s popular novel of the same name. Logan Lerman stars as Charlie, a troubled teen whose mental health is struggling after the suicide of his friend. His only friend is his English teacher (Paul Rudd) until he befriends a group of senior students (Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman).

The conversations surrounding suicide, Charlie’s past (and the structure of the timeline), his introverted personality, and his mental health are surprisingly similar to those brought up in I’m Thinking Of Ending Things.

5. Revolutionary Road (2008)

Another movie starring Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road sees her onscreen reunion with Leonardo DiCaprio. The 2008 film is directed by Sam Mendes, adapted from the novel by Richard Yates.

Just like Jake and Lucy, Frank and April seem to be the ideal couple. They live in suburban Connecticut with their two children, but soon encounter issues in their marriage. April decides that she wants to move to Paris after failing to launch her career as a theatre actress, while her husband becomes more and more obsessed with his “work.”

4. Marriage Story (2019)

Similarly, Marriage Story is an examination of the ways a seemingly perfect relationship can fall apart. However, in Noah Baumbach’s film, the couple still has love and respect for each other at the end of the film.

Scarlett Johansson plays Nicole, a theatre actress, while Adam Driver portrays her husband Charlie, a stage director. The movie switches between memories of their relationship and the present day, where they slog their way through a painful divorce while looking after their son.

3. American Beauty (1999)

Another Sam Mendes film, American Beauty is a suburban satire that follows a husband’s slow slide into depression. Everything in his life seems ordinary — perfect, in fact — until he realizes he’s bored in his life.

His marriage starts struggling, so he turns his attention to his daughter’s friend, Angela. This infatuation becomes problematic very quickly, not least because Angela is a minor, and Lester is already married. The abstract style of the film is sure to attract fans of I’m Thinking Of Ending Things.

2. A Star Is Born (2018)

Another remake of the 1954 musical starring Judy Garland and James Mason (which is also excellent), A Star Is Born is a 2018 film directed by Bradley Cooper. Cooper also stars as Jackson Maine, a famous musician who struggles with alcoholism.

He meets and falls in love with a struggling artist named Ally, portrayed by Lady Gaga. Jackson believes in her and encourages her to pursue her dreams while dealing with his own internal struggles. The third act introduces themes that are prominent in Kaufman’s film. Of course, fans will also enjoy the musical aspect.

1. La La Land (2016)

La La Land is another one for fans of musicals. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone play a jazz pianist and aspiring actress, respectively. The two meet in Los Angeles, where they fall in love and being a romantic relationship.

While Sebastian wants to open a club, Mia is intent on making it big in the film industry. They each realize a degree of success, but it comes at the cost of their relationship. As their romance begins to come apart, they must choose between their dreams and their love.

[Originally shared with ScreenRant.]