Decoding "Kinds of Kindness": A Deep Dive into Yorgos Lanthimos's Triptych Fable
Yorgos Lanthimos is back. He created films like "The Favourite" and "Poor Things." Now, he's here with "Kinds of Kindness." This film is not for everyone. It will burrow into your mind. It might spark uncomfortable conversations. Get ready. That’s what Lanthimos delivers.
Should you spend your time and money on this film? If you enjoy bizarre and surreal stories, you might like "Kinds of Kindness." It caters to those who enjoy narrative curveballs. Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons give captivating performances. They navigate a twisted landscape in a way that's admirable yet unsettling. This is not a popcorn movie. Expect a psychological rollercoaster. This film is confusing and disturbing. It’s not for the faint of heart or those looking for light entertainment.
Is "Kinds of Kindness" Your Kind of Movie? Delving into the General Overview
You might wonder what this film is about. Lanthimos isn’t one to spoon-feed his audience. "Kinds of Kindness" explores painful sacrifices in our pursuit of desire. It dares to ask: Are we in control of our destinies? Or are we merely puppets guided by unquenchable desires? How much control do we cede to those who hold our perceived happiness?
So what is "Kinds of Kindness" really about? Picture a triptych of stories that share a theme but tell distinct tales. A man feels trapped, yearning for control of his life. A policeman is thrown into chaos when his wife returns, yet seems different. Finally, a woman embarks on a quest for someone said to have extraordinary abilities. It may seem overwhelming, but we’re just getting started.
To summarize, "Kinds of Kindness" is about breaking free and questioning reality. One story follows a man trying to escape his predetermined existence. Another involves a cop dealing with his altered wife’s return. The third story revolves around a woman seeking someone destined for greatness. Are you intrigued? Or confused? Perhaps both. That’s likely what Lanthimos intends.
Unpacking the Plot: A Triptych of Twisted Tales
Let's delve deeper into "Kinds of Kindness". It features three interconnected stories that explore control, identity, and odd human behavior. We meet a man fighting for autonomy, a police officer confronting a strange mystery, and a woman on a spiritual mission. This film is a cinematic buffet, showcasing Lanthimos' humor and existential dread.
Are these tales random, or is there method in Lanthimos' madness? There is indeed a method! "Kinds of Kindness" consists of three loosely connected films. It resembles a cinematic anthology, with stories echoing one another. A character named R.M.F. serves as a key link. The core actors – Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, and Hong Chau – appear in different roles across the segments. It resembles a theatrical troupe performing different plays using the same cast. This approach plays with audience expectations and enriches storytelling.
Lanthimos calls "Kinds of Kindness" a "triptych fable." For clarity, a triptych is an art piece divided into three parts. In film or literature, it involves three related narratives. Each panel stands alone but together they offer deeper meaning. They illuminate and enhance each other, creating a richer experience.
So, "Kinds of Kindness" offers three self-contained stories that contribute to a larger theme. One tale explores a man's pursuit of control, another a policeman’s mysterious marital situation, and the final one follows a woman seeking a spiritual savior. The film structurally emphasizes its tripartite nature. As previously mentioned, it literally tells three stories, woven into the fabric of the film. Lanthimos and his cast guide us through these interconnected worlds.
Let’s break down each tale further. Story one tells of a man trying to control his existence. We meet someone lacking agency, dancing to external strings. His journey focuses on reclaiming control in a world intent on denying him autonomy. It’s a primal scream for self-determination, wrapped in absurdity.
Story two is called “R.M.F. Is Flying.” It features Jesse Plemons as a man longing for his missing wife, played by Emma Stone. She was lost at sea,
presumed drowned, a tale of maritime dread. Then, she returns. A wave of unease washes over him. He doesn’t like the returning person. It’s her body, but something feels wrong. This story probes identity, perception, and a haunting thought. The person you knew may be altered, or never who you perceived. It’s a marital mystery with a chilling Lanthimos twist.
Now we reach story three. Emma Stone plays a woman deep into the world of purity-wellness-cult-leader. Willem Dafoe plays this leader with unsettling charm. She isn’t casual; she is a devoted disciple. Her mission involves seeking a quasi-messianic healer. This is a blend of spiritual journey and new-age thinking, with dark Lanthimos cynicism. Yet, temptation shadows her spiritual journey. The lure of her past life pulls at her. It’s a tale of faith versus doubt, and the clash between spiritual desires and earthly temptations.
Now, let's examine endings. Especially the ending of "Kinds of Kindness." Spoilers ahead, but vague ones. In the final act, Emily, played by Emma Stone, is in celebratory spirits. A dance sequence occurs; she seeks Ruth, portrayed by Margaret Qualley. They aim to meet the mysterious OMI and AKA, played by Dafoe and Hong Chau. However, fate intervenes cruelly. Emily drives recklessly, leading to a car crash. Ruth dies in the accident just before they reach their goal. As the credits roll, we see a post-credits scene with R.M.F. He's conveniently eating a sandwich. In classic Lanthimos fashion, he spills ketchup on his shirt, where his initials are stitched. This absurd image blends the ordinary and bizarre.
Speaking of the post-credit scene, what’s its purpose? Is it just Lanthimos being himself, adding oddity? Not exactly. The scene, while seemingly trivial, has a clever role. It provides R.M.F.’s presence a full circle in the film. He has been consistently there throughout the stories, doing what titles suggested. R.M.F. is, in essence, the grounding figure in "Kinds of Kindness." He anchors each story amidst swirling absurdity. His mundane sandwich-eating with a ketchup spill reminds us that even in bizarre situations, everyday moments exist.
The Enigmatic R.M.F.: More Than Just Initials
R.M.F., those initials appear repeatedly in "Kinds of Kindness." You may wonder, "What is R.M.F.?" Let’s unwrap this mystery. R.M.F. is a character in the film, played by Yorgos Stefanakos. But he’s not any ordinary character; he’s a unique thread in all three segments. Unlike other characters who shift, R.M.F. remains consistent across narratives. He’s a minor figure, often present in the background but always the same character, with initials prominently on his shirt. He is the quiet observer, constant amidst chaos.
So, what do R.M.F. initials stand for? Is it a hidden message or an inside joke? The answer is anticlimactic: according to Yorgos Lanthimos, R.M.F. doesn’t stand for anything specific. Yes, an acronym can just be an acronym. In an interview with Variety, Lanthimos stated that they avoided giving specific meaning to the character or initials. They serve stylistic purposes, quirky identifiers instead of hidden clues. This subversion fits Lanthimos's style; sometimes intriguing mysteries have no neat answers. R.M.F.'s enigma adds to his charm in the bizarre film universe.
The post-credits scene reinforces R.M.F.'s role as a grounding presence in the movie. He represents the ordinary in extraordinary scenarios. In a film with bizarre events and surreal situations, R.M.F. is relatable. He merely wants to eat his sandwich, even while chaos reigns around him. R.M.F. becomes a mirror for us, facing life's absurdities while seeking normalcy. Sometimes, normalcy is simply a sandwich with ketchup mishaps.
"Poor Things" 2.0? Connections and Departures
With "Kinds of Kindness" following the acclaimed "Poor Things," it’s natural to ponder: is it a sequel or spin-off? The answer: no, it’s neither. "Kinds of Kindness" isn’t a sequel. Think of them as siblings in Lanthimos's film family—similar DNA but distinct identities.
The connection to "Poor Things" is clear and intentional. Both films share Yorgos Lanthimos's vision and feature Emma Stone as a lead. "Kinds of Kindness" was filmed after "Poor Things," creating an exciting creative echo. Lanthimos explored the fantastical world of "Poor Things" before diving into contemporary strangeness with "Kinds of Kindness." The familiar actors provide a sense of comfort amid uncharted narrative territory.
Even with shared elements, "Kinds of Kindness" and "Poor Things" are distinct films with unique themes and structures. "Kinds of Kindness" features a triptych structure exploring obsession and humiliation through separate narratives. Reviewers note that it aligns more with Lanthimos's earlier unsettling works like "Dogtooth" or "The Lobster." It feels smaller than the grand world of "Poor Things." The film is rooted in present-day absurdities rather than fantastical historical events. The structure differs too; "Poor Things" has a linear narrative while "Kinds of Kindness" embraces a fragmented story approach. Fans of "Poor Things" will find familiar Lanthimos fingerprints but must prepare for a film carving its unique path.
Control, Power, and
Sacrifice: Unpacking the Themes
"Kinds of Kindness" explores heavy themes. It dives into control, power, and sacrifice. The film shows how far people will go, how much they will sacrifice to hold onto twisted relationships, whether as abuser or abused. It reflects our ability to inflict and endure pain for connection, control, or distorted love.
This film analyzes obsession, control, and humiliation. These are visceral themes shown in disturbing ways. Power dynamics are examined—who has it, how they use it, and the consequences for others. Psychological control is insidious. Often it masquerades as care or devotion. Humiliation strips dignity, asserting dominance.
Returning motifs deepen these themes. Sexuality, violence, and psychological control intertwine. They are not isolated; they resonate across all three stories. Recurring phrases about water, meat, and limbs signify love's raw currents and its cruel potential. The film addresses primal relationship truths, challenging societal norms and exposing uncomfortable realities of kindness.
Behind the Camera: New Orleans as a Character
New Orleans was not chosen randomly; it reflected Lanthimos's story ideas. "Kinds of Kindness," initially titled "And," was filmed while "Poor Things" was in post-production. This may indicate creative blending between the two projects. Additionally, the city influenced the film's atmosphere. The urban grit couples with natural beauty and mystery.
The cult storyline involving water influenced the choice of New Orleans. The team sought a secluded lakefront house fitting for water-obsessed rituals. New Orleans’ proximity to Lake Pontchartrain matched the vision perfectly. Production designer Gasparro remarked that finding this location was the hardest task. Location shapes Lanthimos's films significantly, influencing tone and narrative depth.
Reception and Box Office: A Divisive Delight?
Critically, responses to "Kinds of Kindness" are mixed. Lanthimos often challenges viewers with his unconventional style. Not everyone will appreciate its unsettling nature and structure. However, critical acclaim for the film is substantial. Many praise Lanthimos's vision, his cast's performances, and his exploration of challenging themes. His versatility shines through.
The "divisive" label is a badge of honor for Lanthimos. It shows he provokes reactions and encourages active viewer engagement. "Kinds of Kindness" is a film demanding attention and interpretation. It offers a challenging journey into human behavior and kindness's complex realities.
Navigating the Disturbing Terrain: Viewer Discretion Advised
Now, let’s address the film's unsettling nature. "Kinds of Kindness" is not a typical feel-good movie. It earns its R rating for numerous reasons and does so emphatically. The Motion Picture Association gives it an "R" for disturbing violence, sexual content, nudity, and language.
"How explicit is Kinds of Kindness?" The rating covers violence that is visceral and unsettling. Expect violent scenes that will elicit discomfort. The sexual content is rarely titillating but focuses on power dynamics and uncomfortable desires. Nudity serves thematic exploration of vulnerability and the body’s duality of pleasure and pain.
Yes, there is strong language, blunt and unsettling dialogue lacking sentimentality. This film is not for those seeking light entertainment or who are faint of heart.
The provocative content has led to walkouts during screenings. Some viewers found its three-hour depiction of control and consent too intense. Reports detail audience exits due to the film’s graphic exploration of violence and sexuality. This reaction reflects the film's courageous thematic honesty rather than a flaw in execution.
The film shows its power. It provokes strong reactions and pushes viewers out of comfort zones. Be aware before buying your ticket: "Kinds of Kindness" aims to challenge and disturb. It lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.
Is "Kinds of Kindness" scary? No jump scares or monsters in closets. It's unsettling and psychologically unnerving. At times, it can be viscerally horrifying. The film blends "diabolical psychological terrors with body horror." It digs deep into fears about cruelty, vulnerability, and bodily fragility. It reveals "the full scope of human cruelty that even top horror films avoid." This film doesn’t rely on cheap thrills or supernatural beings. It’s rooted in real human pain and suffering.
Interestingly, "Kinds of Kindness" does this without typical horror tropes. No dark lighting, fantastical settings, or jump scares build tension. Lanthimos shows he understands what scares us in 2024. It's not the bumps in the night but the darkness within us. The horror is psychological and existential. It deals with uncomfortable realities of relationships and power dynamics. This horror lingers and festers. It may cause you to question the nature of kindness itself.
Meet the Players: A Rotating Ensemble of Characters
A fascinating aspect of "Kinds of Kindness" is its ensemble cast. These talented actors play roles across three distinct stories. It’s a twisted game of musical chairs. Actors cycle through different roles while maintaining connection and resonance. "Kinds of Kindness is a triptych of loosely connected stories, each casting actors as different characters." This shows the versatility of the cast and Lanthimos's directing skill.
In the three segments, actors assume diverse roles. For instance, Alwyn and Athie play "an art appraiser and swim instructor," along with "a frat boy and police officer," and even "a jilted ex-husband and mortician." This rapid role-switching keeps the audience alert. They continuously re-evaluate perceptions of characters and actors. It highlights the film's exploration of identity, performance, and fluidity of behavior.
The cast forms an ensemble, yet some characters stand out. Let's take a brief look at a few notable ones:
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