Movie Review: ‘Kinds of Kindness’ – Emma Stone’s Fearless Dance with Yorgos Lanthimos
Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos reunite for a spellbinding journey in ‘Kinds of Kindness.’ If future civilizations wish to understand the Emma Stone phenomenon, her performance in this film is the perfect testament. Without uttering a word, Stone delivers a mesmerizing improvised victory dance that captures her unparalleled fearlessness and joy.
A Unique Collaboration
Stone and Lanthimos, in their third collaboration, continue to explore new depths of Stone’s talent. Their synergy is evident as they push the boundaries of storytelling and performance, creating a cinematic experience that is as perplexing as it is captivating.
A Thirst for Joy
The film, however, is a stark departure from the beauty of Lanthimos’ previous works like ‘The Favourite’ and ‘Poor Things.’ ‘Kinds of Kindness’ offers little in terms of conventional beauty or recognizable kindness, echoing its enigmatic title.
The Triptych Structure
Working again with screenwriter Efthimis Filippou, Lanthimos presents a triptych: three interconnected mini-films featuring a stellar cast. Regulars like Willem Dafoe join forces with Jesse Plemons, Hong Chau, Margaret Qualley, Mamoudou Athie, and Joe Alwyn, delivering performances that anchor the film’s ambitious narrative.
Exploring Free Will and Subjugation
The film opens with Eurythmics’ iconic ‘Sweet Dreams,’ setting the tone for a meditation on free will and subjugation. Each segment explores different facets of this theme, from the workplace to personal relationships and religious devotion.
Segment One: Control and Rebellion
In the first segment, Robert (Plemons) works under the oppressive Raymond (Dafoe), who dictates every aspect of his life. Robert’s complacency shatters when he’s asked to commit manslaughter, leading to his downfall and obsessive quest for redemption.
Segment Two: Identity and Trust
Stone shines in the second segment as Liz, the missing wife of suburban cop Daniel (Plemons). Upon her mysterious return, Daniel’s suspicions grow, leading to a series of unsettling tests that Liz inexplicably complies with, revealing deeper questions of identity and trust.
Segment Three: Cult and Redemption
The final segment plunges into a cult led by the eerie Omi (Dafoe) and Aka (Chau), where Stone and Plemons, as cult members, search for a woman who can raise the dead. This quest for spiritual leadership and belonging leads Emily (Stone) through a dark, perilous journey.
An Ambiguous Journey
Each segment’s conclusion leaves more questions than answers, echoing the film’s overarching ambiguity. The narrative’s complexity and lack of resolution might frustrate some, but it’s a testament to Lanthimos’ challenging storytelling.
Final Thoughts
‘Kinds of Kindness’ defies conventional cinematic expectations, offering a thought-provoking exploration of control, identity, and free will. While it may not provide the satisfying closure of ‘Poor Things,’ it’s a compelling journey into the darker aspects of human nature.
Movie Details
Release: Searchlight Pictures, in theaters Friday
Rating: R for strong/disturbing violent content, strong sexual content, full nudity, and language
Running Time: 144 minutes
Rating: 2.5 stars out of 4
Keep your head up and keep moving on, as the film suggests, for ‘Kinds of Kindness’ is an experience that challenges and rewards in equal measure.
