About the film (courtesy of Searchlight Pictures):
A triptych fable, following a man without choice who tries to take control of his own life; a policeman who is alarmed that his wife who was missing-at-sea has returned and seems a different person; and a woman determined to find a specific someone with a special ability, who is destined to become a prodigious spiritual leader.
Yorgos Lanthimos’ Kinds of Kindness is a challenging yet rewarding exploration of human connection, societal expectations, and the complex nature of empathy. It’s a film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, prompting reflection and debate. I actually think I need to see it a second time for a fuller digestion as to what I experienced. My head is still sort of spinning.
Kinds of Kindness unfolds as a series of interconnected vignettes, each presenting a different scenario where acts of kindness – or the lack thereof – have profound consequences. Lanthimos’ signature style, characterized by stark visuals, deadpan humor, and unsettling scenarios, is on full display. However, Kinds of Kindness marks a subtle shift in his approach. While maintaining his penchant for the absurd and unsettling, the film demonstrates a greater emotional depth and a more nuanced understanding of human behavior.
The ensemble cast delivers exceptional performances, bringing to life a diverse array of characters who navigate the complexities of kindness in their own unique ways. Jesse Plemons delivers a particularly compelling performance as a man struggling to reconcile his desire to be kind with the harsh realities of the world around him. The supporting cast, including Margaret Qualley, Emma Stone, Hong Chau, and Willem Dafoe, offer equally impressive portrayals, each adding another layer to the film’s intricate tapestry.
Yorgos Lanthimos has really gotten Emma Stone to step out and embrace some rather uniquely racy characters. If you weren’t aware, Lanthimos’ last film, Poor Things (2023) showed a side of the ever-evolving Stone that audiences had never seen in previous roles. Before that, she was also featured in another of his works, The Favourite (2018). So impressed, he brought her back for a third time for an even more complex role (or roles, technically). This is also the second film in a row in which Lanthimos worked with Willem Dafoe. He likes who he likes, apparently.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its ability to provoke thought and spark conversation. It raises profound questions about the motives behind acts of kindness, the societal pressures that shape our behavior, and the often-blurred lines between altruism and self-interest. It challenges us to reconsider our own understanding of kindness and to examine the ways in which our actions impact others.
However, Kinds of Kindness is not without its flaws. Its deliberate pacing and unconventional narrative structure may not appeal to all viewers. Some may find the film’s bleak worldview and ambiguous ending unsatisfying. Additionally, while the film’s thematic depth is commendable, its emotional impact can feel somewhat muted due to Lanthimos’ detached directorial style.
Despite these criticisms, Kinds of Kindness is a film that deserves recognition for its ambition, originality, and thought-provoking themes. It’s a film that stays with you, challenging your assumptions and inviting you to explore the complexities of human interaction.
While it may not be an easy watch, it’s a rewarding one, offering a unique and unsettling perspective on the nature of kindness in the modern world. Whether you find it disturbing or enlightening, Kinds of Kindness is undoubtedly a film that will leave a lasting impression.
While definitely not for everyone, including myself at times, Kinds of Kindness is only in theaters starting Friday, June 28th.
