Film Review: Endings Beginnings
Shailene Woodley and Jamie Dornan in Endings, Beginnings. Photo: PR Supplied.
I have always appreciated films that shine in their own softness. The ones that, while valuing a confrontation of prominent themes and ideas, also promote a sense of delicacy in the viewing experience. For the heartbreaking yet heartwarming story of Endings, Beginnings (2020), I was once again able to revisit this realm of films, all whilst enjoying mesmerising cinematography and three commendable performances in the process.
A film by Drake Doremus, Endings, Beginnings explores the intricacies of restarting and the willpower to begin again. Following a break-up that left more questions unanswered than expected, Daphne (Shailene Woodley) returns to her hometown with the hope to inscribe a new chapter to her life. Amidst searching for work and a sense of stability, she encounters the opposite identities of Jack (Jamie Dornan) – the quiet and accomplished – and Frank (Sebastian Stan) – the free-spirited and adventurous. As stark sunlit days transform into alluring nights, Daphne must navigate the grounds between these two best friends, forming a complex yet captivating love triangle in a tale of loss, discovery and rebirth.
There’s no doubt the editing and cinematography of this film is unique. From a frequent transition between camera shots (wide, close-up and angled) to an unusual insertion of jump-cuts within intimate scenes, I was continually fascinated by the manipulation of media on screen. Furthermore, the film would often experiment in moving speedily from light to dark auras (depending on place and time), prompting a heightened appreciation for how setting can convey mood and meaning. Colour was also an integral part of this film’s cinematography, with diverse shades representing the juxtaposing emotions of intensity, mediocrity and anticipation. This might be considered too far-fetched an assumption, but I couldn’t help but notice these particularities in film form.
Shailene Woodley and Sebastian Stan in Endings, Beginnings. Photo: PR Supplied.
Moving to the acting performances, Woodley glowed in her role of Daphne, enhancing tender and vulnerable moments with care and kindness. From Divergent and Big Little Lies to Endings, Beginnings, Woodley continues to provide intriguing performances with diversity in narrative and emotion. The likes of Dornan and Stan were also impressive in the film, each brining depth to their characters and a subtle conflict that propelled the storyline. As a point of discussion, I would have appreciated more screen time depicting the tense relationship between Daphne and her mother, Sue (Wendie Malick). Familial unrest was an integral catalyst to the events for this film, and I think it would have been incredibly beneficial to devote more time to this area of significance. This could also be applied to the relationship between Daphne and her sister, Billie (Lindsay Sloane) which, due to a lack of pinpoint focus, did feel a little confused and fuzzy by the film’s completion.
Briefly shifting back to the storyline, there was something quite effective about the decision to dive directly into the body of the story, with flashbacks serving as the main contextual construction. Maybe it was because we are so used to the classical narrative structure that this became noticeable? Nonetheless, it was an effective breath of fresh air in regard to an audience’s introduction and immersion into a film. Arriving at its conclusion, Daphne leaves the audience with her final thought of reflection:
“Everything might not be ok, but that’s ok. You are exactly where you need to be. You are loved.”
In the times we are currently facing with the COVID-19 crisis, it’s fair to say words and phrases like this can find a distinct resonation.
Films and the cinematic environment have become integral to societal connection and understanding. For stories like Endings, Beginnings, which underline an aesthetic of poignancy and vulnerability, they maintain a resilient power to question, confront and ignite discussion. Something so fascinating, and so important.
4/5 stars
Endings, Beginnings is available to rent via Foxtel Store from May 23 and On Demand from July 15 via multiple platforms: Google Play, iTunes, Fetch TV, Telstra Bigpond, Sony (Playstation Network), Microsoft & Quickflix.