Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5 Stars)
Released 06-21-2024
Watched 09-03-2024
Reviewed 09-26-2024
Watched on Hulu
"Can you believe, all that time I was lost in the middle of nowhere, cold and hungry, all I could think about was not the hot meals I was missing, or the warm blankets back home, or even my dad. All I could think about was your..."
“Kinds of Kindness” is Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest attempt to push the boundaries of absurdist cinema, but this anthology film ultimately collapses under the weight of its eccentricity. Comprising three loosely connected tales, each segment struggles to find coherence amidst the chaos.
The performances, notably by Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, showcase undeniable talent, yet the characters are too bizarre and unrelatable to evoke genuine sympathy or interest. The narrative threads often feel disjointed and unnecessarily convoluted, leaving the audience puzzled rather than intrigued.
In “The Death of R.M.F.,” we see a man’s life unravel under the oppressive control of his boss, leading to a shocking climax that feels more grotesque than thought-provoking. The second story, “R.M.F. Is Flying,” descends into a surreal nightmare as a man’s paranoia about his wife’s sudden return spirals into madness, with graphic scenes that seem excessive rather than impactful. The final story, “R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich,” involving a cult’s quest to find a woman who can raise the dead, feels more like an exercise in shock value than a coherent narrative.
Lanthimos’ trademark dark humor and unsettling visuals are present but feel overused and, at times, gratuitous. The anthology format, while ambitious, results in a fragmented viewing experience that never entirely comes together. With a runtime of 164 minutes, it overstays its welcome, leaving the audience fatigued rather than fascinated.
Despite some visually stunning moments and commendable performances, “Kinds of Kindness” lacks the emotional depth and narrative cohesion to anchor its surreal premise. It may appeal to die-hard fans of Lanthimos’ style but will likely alienate casual viewers seeking a more coherent story. For those curious about its oddities, it’s best saved for late-night viewing.
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