Movie Review: The Craft of Yorgos Lanthimos in ‘Kinds of Kindness’
In 2009 I saw my first Yorgos Lanthimos film – Dogtooth.
The film is one of the reasons I decided to become a filmmaker.
It left me deeply impressed by how he managed to fill the most static scenes with tension. And compress fundamental ideas about society into a one-location family drama.
Following his films through the years.. I´ve been worried that Lanthimosis films will loose their grip and artistic integrity because of his success..
But, Im very happy to see that, Kinds of Kindness, is a mature version of the same artistic exploitation!
This film is a biting exploration of what it means to be a human in a dependent and vulnerable situation, showcasing Lanthimos’ caustic wit.
Visual and Stylistic Choices
The story unfolds through carefully composed scenes. And an acting style that goes against every idea about what quality acting is.
The actor’s lines are delivered, as if they are being read directly from a script.
Creating a stiff and rehearsed expression that normally would be the mark of an amature film.
This expression is masterfully accompanied by the tense piano driven film score. That makes this strange acting style complete.
The film is shot on KODAK color and B&W 35mm filmstocks. The black and white shots are mostly used for dreams and the character’s inner imaginations.
Its not always for the same purpose, which I like!
The use of wide-angle lenses distorts the space. Reflecting the distorted realities the characters inhabit. The film is a cold-hearted triptych that uses these visual elements to enhance its narrative.
And the subdued color palette underscores the emotional coldness in the narrative.
The Three Stories of Kinds of Kindness
This is an anthology film. (A collection of works, such as stories, essays, or films, grouped together by a common theme)
Each narrative explores themes of dominance, submission, and the often cruel ways people exert power over one another.
The first story, “The Death of R.M.F.,” centers on Robert Fletcher, portrayed by Jesse Plemons. Robert is a man trapped under the thumb of his domineering boss and lover, Raymond.
This sets the stage for the film’s exploration of control and submission, as Robert grapples with his own desires and the oppressive demands placed upon him.
In the second story, “R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich,” we are introduced to a New Age cult led by the enigmatic Omi and Aki. Their quest to find a woman with the power to raise the dead adds a layer of supernatural intrigue to the film.
The cult’s arbitrary and often cruel conventions serve as a stark commentary on the lengths people will go to exert control over others.
The third and final story, “R.M.F. is Flying,” follows a police officer named Daniel, who is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his wife, Liz. When she returns, Daniel is convinced that the woman who has come back is not his wife but a sinister doppelganger.
This narrative delves into the psychological torment of loss and the nature of identity.
Each story in Kinds of Kindness is a self-contained narrative, yet they are all connected by the recurring character of R.M.F., who appears in different contexts.
Storytelling and Thematic Exploration in Yorgos Lanthimos’s Films
The three stories in Kinds of Kindness are connected through the theme —kindness. As stated in the title.
I think the choice of using the anthology structure allows Lanthimos to explore the theme from a broader perspective, and is a great choice for this film. But it also means that the film’s nearly three-hour runtime can feel overwhelming. (Yes, a few audience members left the theatre.)
From an audience perspective, Kinds of Kindness is not an easy film to digest.
But its worth taking on the challenge because of Lanthimos ability to juxtapose extreme violence, with moments of genuine human emotions. It is on full display in all of them!
When I leave the cinema, I question everything about the nature of human kindness.
The characters’ journeys—whether it’s Robert’s search for his missing wife, Emily’s descent into the cult, or Sarah’s misguided devotion. Are all steeped in Lanthimos’s trademark sense of irony and dark humor.
The Character of Robert Fletcher
Robert Fletcher, the protagonist of the first story in Kinds of Kindness, “The Death of R.M.F.,” is a complex character played by Jesse Plemons.
Robert is a man caught in the web of his domineering boss and lover, Raymond. His journey is an exploration of identity, desire, and the struggle for self-preservation.
The character is marked by his internal conflict, that feels very relatable to me. He is torn between his loyalty to Raymond and his own need for autonomy.
This is such a great portrait of the longing for freedom and the fear that comes when he actually receives it.
What makes Robert Fletcher interesting is his connection to the other characters in the film. His actions and decisions have repercussions that ripple through the entire narrative, linking the three stories in subtle yet significant ways.
Robert’s character is also a testament to Lanthimos’s skill in creating multifaceted, nuanced individuals. His journey is not just about his relationship with Raymond but also about his own self-discovery and the cost of his choices.
As the central figure in the first story, Robert sets the tone for the film’s exploration of human kindness—or the lack thereof.
And Im truly impressed by the acting of Jesse Plemons, I think this is the best Ive ever seen him in any movie.
Conclusion
This latest film from Searchlight Pictures is not just another film—it’s an invitation.
Yorgos Lanthimos’s Kinds of Kindness is a masterclass in filmmaking.
Compared to Lanthimos’s films like Poor Things, which was characterized as an empowerment fantasy, Kinds of Kindness seems to revert back to themes of control and human subjugation, suggesting a shift in his storytelling focus and emotional depth.
And I urge anyone interested in the medium to watch and study this film.
The film’s wit and cold-hearted approach to storytelling make it a challenging but rewarding experience.
With standout performances from Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Hong Chau, and Willem Dafoe. Kinds of Kindness is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
Leaving me to think about the true nature of kindness and the cost of being human.
If you like this film, I can recommend “Mother, Couch” directed by Niclas Larsson.
You can read my review of the film here: Movie Review: Mother, Couch directed by Niclas Larsson – A Confusing yet Thought-Provoking Family Drama
