Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Starring: Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Emma Stone
Like a twisted kaleidoscope of human behavior, Kinds of Kindness weaves together three distinct tales within its nearly three-hour runtime. Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his surreal and darkly comic sensibilities, reunites with co-writer Efthimis Filippou to delve into the multifaceted nature of control and its impact on our lives.
“The Death of R.M.F.”: The film opens with corporate lackey Robert Fletcher (Jesse Plemons), whose life is meticulously orchestrated by his boss, Raymond (Willem Dafoe). Raymond’s orders dictate every aspect of Robert’s existence, from meals to intimate moments with his wife (Hong Chau). When Robert is tasked with murder, the delicate balance of control shatters, leaving him desperate to reclaim his place in the corporate machine. Plemons delivers a stellar performance, capturing the desperation of a man unphased by drastic change.
“The Return of the Missing Wife”: A policeman grapples with the impossible: his wife, presumed dead at sea, inexplicably returns. As he questions her identity and the boundaries of control, the tension escalates. Lanthimos masterfully blends deadpan humor with creeping unease, keeping us guessing until the final frame.
“The Dance of Desperation”: Emma Stone shines as a mysterious dancer who captivates a reclusive artist. Their interactions are a delicate dance of power dynamics, revealing hidden desires and vulnerabilities. Stone’s performance is hauntingly mesmerizing, leaving an indelible mark on the film.
Lanthimos’s signature deadpan surrealism is on full display, but Kinds of Kindness also surprises with moments of genuine emotion. The film’s overlong runtime occasionally weakens its impact, yet the audacity of its vision prevails. Prepare for a journey that’s alternately hysterical and terrifying, leaving you pondering the many shades of kindness and cruelty.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
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