5 Mind-Bending Films if You Liked I’m Thinking of Ending Things

Netflix’s latest hit, I’m Thinking of Ending Things, has caused quite a stir for among those who’ve seen it. Questions like: What’s happening? What’s this whole thing about? Definitely arise. Just don’t expect an answer. I’m Thinking of Ending Things is a cinematic experience that demands high engagements of all 5 senses. I’m don’t know where the sense of taste comes into play, but I’m sure it can be evoked. What makes this movie so jarring - narrative structure, cinematography, script, and of course, editing. If you like I’m Thinking of Ending Things, or are curious to find more perplexes gems like it, I’ve gathered five that I highly recommend. BY NO MEANS is this the end-all-be-all of mind-bending movies. I may have to write a couple round-ups in this category until I feel satisfied. 

P.S. Synecdoche, New York is not on this list because I didn’t want to feature another Charlie Kaufman vehicle. However, it would be right at the top, and I urger you to check it out - all of Kaufman’s filmography, for that matter. 

1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) Dir. Michel Gondry

There should be no reason or excuse if you haven’t seen this movie. If you haven’t, shame on you. This movie has an incredibly similar vibe to I’m Thinking of Ending Things, which is no big surprise as it was written by director Charlie Kaufman. Expect bizarre, hallucinogenic sequences, and maybe some tears as well. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a beautiful, hopeful story about love to I’m Thinking of ending Things’ general cynicism. Also, check out The Science of Sleep from Michel Gondry for the exact same reasons. 

2. Natural Born Killers (1994) Dir. Oliver Stone

Written by Quintin Tarantino, Natural Born Killers has all the pulp violence one would expect from the icon. Director Oliver Stone seems to take Tarantino’s story and give it a few doses of acid, or PCP… actually…. probably a cocktail of substances. It follows two young degenerates on a sporadic serial killing spree, and much can be said about the films’ subtext social commentary on violence in media. Jam-packed with crazy cuts, edits, animation - this film never seems to come down from its potent high. 

3. The Fountain (2006) Dir. Darren Aronofsky

Darren Aronofsky’s celestial story about the force of love is gorgeous and perplexes. At its core, it’s about a man trying to save his dying wife from cancer. We see this story unfold through an awesome adventure through time and space filled with analogy and symbolism. While Aronofsky’s films tend to be particularly gruesome in subject matter, The Fountain is a welcome departure. His film, Mother! very appropriately fits on this list. It is not recommended for the squeamish. 

4. My Son, My Son What Have Ye Done (2009) Dir. Werner Herzog

This one went under the rug for some reason. Werner Herzog is an eccentric cinematic icon. Performances by Michael Shannon and Grace Zabriskie are entrancing. It tells the story of a loving son who kills his mother in a delusional attempt to connect to Orestes' character from the titular Greek tragedy. The tension builds as Brad (Michael Shannon) sinks deeper in delusion and insanity. The film has several inexplicable surreal sequences. Highlighted by outlandish dialogue and a string of baffling characters, My Son, My Son What Have Ye Done assuredly satisfies any thirst for the unconventional.   

5. Waking Life (2001) Dir. Richard Linklater

Mind-bending, indeed. This animated feature is really an hour and a half of philosophical, existential banter into the fabric of reality, dream, and the point of being. It questions without seeking answers. Our characters and their circumstances flow in and out. It is a lot to take in, a lot to digest, but worth it. The animation is lavish and psychedelic. The questions raised in Waking Life will stick with you long after its viewing.