After the comparatively “normal” visions of “The Favourite” and “Poor Things”, Yorgos Lanthimos returns to his provocateur roots with “Kinds of Kindness”. This latest project, co-written with longtime collaborator Efthimis Filippou, delves into the multifaceted nature of control. Lanthimos and Filippou create an anthology film that feels like three distinct movies stitched together, each exploring how control—or the lack thereof—shapes and limits our lives.
Kinds of Kindness
“Kinds of Kindness” thrives on its intriguing ideas and strong performances, especially from Jesse Plemons, who anchors the film with his emotional depth. Despite its ambitious scope, the film sometimes feels like an unfinished draft of a richer, more cohesive narrative. Nonetheless, Lanthimos’ mastery of tone—alternating between hysterical and terrifying—keeps the audience engaged, even as the film resists easy interpretation.
The first segment, “The Death of R.M.F.,” introduces us to Robert Fletcher (Jesse Plemons), a corporate lackey under the thumb of his controlling boss, Raymond (Willem Dafoe). Raymond dictates every aspect of Robert’s life, from his work schedule to his personal relationships, even forcing him to drug his wife Sarah (Hong Chau) to prevent her from becoming pregnant. The tipping point comes when Raymond orders Robert to murder a man with the initials R.M.F., pushing Robert to his breaking point.
Plemons excels in portraying Robert’s desperation and gradual unraveling, grounding the surreal narrative in an emotional reality. This segment effectively sets up the film’s central theme: the destructive nature of control and the chaos that ensues when it’s challenged. The symbolic gifts of John McEnroe’s broken tennis racket and Ayrton Senna’s battered helmet further underline the theme of lost control.
The second segment, “R.M.F. is Flying,” shifts focus to Daniel (Plemons), a man grappling with the presumed death of his wife (Emma Stone) in a helicopter accident. When she mysteriously returns, Daniel’s inability to accept her leads to increasingly extreme and horrific behavior. This segment, while less thematically cohesive, showcases Plemons’ versatility and deepens the film’s exploration of control and identity.
The final segment, “R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich,” introduces Emily (Stone) and Andrew (Plemons), who work for a cult led by Omi (Dafoe) and Aka (Chau). The cult seeks to reverse death, and Emily becomes obsessed with a woman from her dreams, Rebecca (Margaret Qualley). As Emily navigates her obsession and a return to her abusive past, the film delves into the ultimate loss of control: death and the desire to conquer it. This segment allows Lanthimos to fully indulge in his penchant for the weird and disturbing, creating a haunting conclusion to the anthology.
While “Kinds of Kindness” may not tie its segments together as seamlessly as Lanthimos’ best work, its thematic richness invites deep analysis and discussion. Plemons’ performances—each layered and compelling—serve as the glue holding the film together. There’s a sense that a more refined version of this film could have emerged with tighter creative constraints, but Lanthimos’ confidence in his unique vision shines through.
“Kinds of Kindness” might be seen as a creative diversion in Lanthimos’ illustrious career, a reminder of his boldness and willingness to explore complex ideas. Even if it remains a footnote, it underscores his lack of desperation and his confidence in his voice, inviting audiences to join him on a challenging, thought-provoking journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the main plot of “Kinds of Kindness”?
According to IMDb, “Kinds of Kindness” is an anthology film exploring the theme of control through three interconnected stories, each delving into how control—or the lack thereof—shapes and limits our lives.
2. Who directed “Kinds of Kindness”?
The film was directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his unique and provocative storytelling, as detailed on Wikipedia.
3. Where can I watch “Kinds of Kindness”?
You can watch “Kinds of Kindness” on iWatchOnline, a platform offering a wide range of films and TV shows.
4. What themes are explored in “Kinds of Kindness”?
The film explores themes of control, identity, and the human condition, as noted in reviews on Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes.
5. How has the film been received by critics?
Critics have praised “Kinds of Kindness” for its strong performances and thematic depth, while also noting its structural and pacing issues. This reception is evident from detailed reviews found on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.
For more detailed reviews and opinions, you can visit the aforementioned sources.
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