by Hudson Moura
Yorgos Lanthimos continues to push the boundaries of cinema with Kinds of Kindness, a strikingly original and thought-provoking triptych that delves deep into the human condition. The film interweaves three distinct narratives: a man struggling to regain control of his life, a police officer disturbed by the return of his missing wife, and a woman searching for a spiritually gifted individual destined to become a prodigious leader. Each storyline in Kinds of Kindness explores the themes of power, control, and free will, inviting viewers into a world that feels both realistic and surreal.
What sets Kinds of Kindness apart from Lanthimos’ previous works like Poor Things, The Favorite or The Killing of a Sacred Deer is its anthology format. The film’s structure challenges the audience to see how each story builds on the previous one, making it more complex and intellectually stimulating. Lanthimos, who collaborated once again with screenwriter Efthimis Filippou, has crafted a film that is not only visually compelling but narratively ambitious. The choice to move away from a singular storyline allows Kinds of Kindness to develop its themes in a multi-layered fashion, encouraging viewers to find new connections as the film progresses.
Visually, Kinds of Kindness is a departure from Lanthimos’ previous, more extravagant works. Here, he returns to a simpler, more naturalistic style, such as Dogtooth or Alps, with the film being shot largely in outdoor settings with natural lighting. This decision brings an intimacy to the characters and their environments, subtly enhancing the film’s exploration of human relationships. This pared-back approach does not make the film any less impactful; on the contrary, it allows the stories to breathe and resonate on a deeper level.
The film’s narrative complexity is matched by its stellar cast. Jesse Plemons, who won the Best Actor Award at Cannes for his role, effortlessly shifts between different characters, embodying the struggles and emotional turmoil of each one with grace. Emma Stone, Margaret Qualley, and Willem Dafoe also deliver remarkable performances, portraying different characters across the three stories with nuanced variations that give each tale a sense of continuity while maintaining their individual uniqueness.
Kinds of Kindness is an important film in today’s cinematic landscape, offering a bold reflection on the nature of power, human relationships, and the choices we make. Lanthimos challenges viewers to confront the complexities of the human experience, particularly how we navigate the delicate balance between being controlled and controlling others. The film’s refusal to conform to traditional narrative structures, coupled with its exploration of existential questions, makes it one of the most intellectually engaging films of the year.
While it may not cater to those seeking conventional storytelling, Kinds of Kindness is an undeniably powerful piece of art. Lanthimos has once again proven himself to be one of the most daring and innovative filmmakers of our time, creating a work that resonates long after the credits roll. Whether you are a fan of arthouse cinema or just looking for a film that will provoke thought and discussion, Kinds of Kindness is a must-watch.