Writer: Yorgos Lanthimos
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou
Cast: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hunter Schafer
Yorgos Lanthimos’s second film in the space of less than a year, ushers you into a labyrinth of moral quandaries and psychological minefields, further solidifying his reputation for creating films that are not just seen, but experienced on a visceral level. Teaming up once again with Efthimis Filippou, the duo crafts a narrative that is as dark and twisted as it is keenly insightful.
Divided into three segments, the film maintains a tight but expansive grip on its audience with each telling dark fables revolving around control, abjection, and the delusions that free will imposes. This anthology approach allows Lanthimos and Filippou to explore various dimensions of human despair and desperation, each more haunting than the last.
The plot follows Emily, portrayed by Emma Stone, whose pursuit of arcane powers leads her into the enigmatic realm controlled by Omi, Aka, and Andrew. Willem Dafoe, Hong Chau, and Jesse Plemons give life to these cult-like figures with performances that are unsettlingly compelling. Under Omi’s guidance, the twisted journey that Emily embarks on delves into the most macabre corners of human intention. It’s a narrative labyrinth where every turn unearths both depravity and dark humor.
Clocking in at nearly three hours, the runtime may deter some, but for those willing to surrender to its sprawling narrative, the rewards are substantial. Each segment not only stands strongly on its own but also weaves together a cohesive exploration of the human condition, making the entirety of the film feel like an intricate tapestry of intertwined destinies.
The film does not shy away from the grotesque. Acts of desperation and body horror populate the screen, becoming an uncomfortable yet essential backdrop to the moral questions Lanthimos poses. Yet, amidst this darkness, there lies a perverse humor that brings momentary relief, only to plunge you back into the existential dread that defines the film.
One cannot discuss Kinds of Kindness without mentioning its score. The music becomes another character within the narrative, heightening the tension and underscoring the anxiety and horror that lurk in the shadows. This, combined with Lanthimos’s unique directorial vision, creates sequences that are as unsettling as they are unforgettable.
While some may argue that Kinds of Kindness does not break new ground in terms of thematic exploration beyond Lanthimos’ previous works, it retains an unnerving grip with its captivating plotlines and phenomenal performances. From its premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, the film has been both celebrated and critiqued for its ambitious storytelling and relentless dark tone.
In essence, Kinds of Kindness is a true Lanthimos endeavour—challenging, provocative, and unrelentingly dark. It invites you to question the very foundations of kindness, morality, and what it means to wield power over another, all the while dragging you through a narrative rife with the grotesque and the profoundly human. It’s a cinematic experience that will haunt you long after the credits roll.
