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Kinds of Kindness (2024)
This film is a feel-good reminder that kindness can make a real difference in people's lives. From small acts of kindness to life-changing gestures, it's a heartwarming story that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
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Lanthimos' Film Is a Head-Scratcher That May Never Click
summarizeEditor's Summary
I'll admit it – Yorgos Lanthimos' latest film, The Kindness of Strangers, is a real head-scratcher. It's got some seriously uncomfortable, gross, and violent scenes, but that's what makes it so unique. This absurdist anthology black comedy film explores the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of our actions. With an impressive cast, including Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, and Willem Dafoe, the movie tackles some important and timely themes. The film premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where Plemons won the award for Best Actor, and was released in the US by Searchlight Pictures on June 21, 2024. It's a thought-provoking experience that's sure to leave you talking.
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I must admit, I was initially hesitant to write a review for Yorgos Lanthimos' latest film, 'The Kindness of Strangers.' For me, this movie has been one of the most polarizing and challenging to digest – it's got some seriously uncomfortable, gross, and violent scenes, alongside plenty of subtle hints and suggestions that people can interpret in all sorts of ways.
However, I won't downplay the value of this film; those 'quirks' of Lanthimos are what make it so unique. The Kindness of Strangers is an absurdist anthology black comedy film written and directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, with the screenplay co-written by Efthymis Filippou. The film stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou Athie, and Hunter Schafer.
The film premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2024, where Plemons won the award for Best Actor. It was released in the US by Searchlight Pictures on June 21, 2024, and in Ireland and the UK on June 28, 2024. The film received generally positive reviews from critics and grossed $16 million worldwide.
This film is a long one, clocking in at nearly three hours and consisting of three parts or novellas. At first, it seems like the triptych is just a bunch of unrelated stories, and you're not sure which one you'll like more (for me, it was the third novella). But, as it turns out, the novellas are actually connected in some pretty deep ways. They all share the same actors, but they're playing totally different characters – different temperaments, looks, professions, social status... It's like the director, Lanthimos, is showing us how changeable life is, not just on the outside, but on the inside too. People can be totally different from one another, and yet, they're all just a bunch of interchangeable pieces in the game of life. And that's a pretty harsh game, if you ask me.
Another thing that's worth noting is this mysterious character, R. M. F. He shows up in all three novellas, and each time, he's up to something different. In the first one, it's a game-changer. In the second, he's just a fleeting presence. And in the third... well, let's just say it's a real showstopper. What's even more interesting is that all three novellas have the same enigmatic titles as the character. The first one's called 'The Death of R. M. F.,' the second is 'R. M. F. Takes Flight,' and the third is 'R. M. F. Eats a Sandwich.'
I was surprised to find that the film wasn't just a bunch of nonsense, an excuse for cruelty and mistreatment of the human condition. Instead, it tackles real issues in modern society, but with a healthy dose of irony and dark humor. You can't honestly portray and condemn the flaws of humanity without a bit of satire.
The first part of the film explores the role of authority, be it God, a 'big brother,' or some other kind of figure. It also touches on the theme of codependency, blind faith, and our reliance on these authorities. The question is, how much control do we really have over our lives? Can we live freely without looking over our shoulders? What does freedom mean to each of us, and is it even desirable?
The second installment of this series really got me thinking about the age-old issue of abuse, brutality, and the strong taking advantage of the weak. It's crazy how something like this can be so relevant, even today. And I learned a new term while watching this episode – self-harm.
Self-harm is a form of auto-aggression, essentially when you're causing harm to yourself as a way to cope with your emotions. Self-harm is about more than just physical pain – it's a cry for help, a desperate attempt to cope with the emotional turmoil that's building up inside.
When people self-harm, they're often trying to release pent-up emotions, whether it's anxiety, anger, or sadness. It's a way of expressing feelings that can't be verbalized, a way of dealing with the overwhelming pressure of life. It's a way of releasing tension and stress. It's a way of letting out negative emotions. It's a way of numbing the emotional pain. It's a way of punishing oneself for perceived flaws or mistakes. It's a way of distracting oneself from suicidal thoughts. It's a way of seeking attention or provoking a reaction from others. It's a way of silencing those nagging voices in one's head. It's a way of experiencing a fleeting sense of relief or euphoria.
Self-harm is a complex issue, but at its core, it's often linked to negative social and psychological factors. Dysfunctional family dynamics can play a huge role in triggering self-harm in young people. Unexpressed anger, physical abuse, or emotional neglect can all contribute to a child's decision to self-harm. Experiencing physical or sexual abuse can also lead to self-harm. The fear of talking about it or seeking help can be overwhelming, leading people to lash out at themselves instead.
Bullying, prolonged conflict with peers or colleagues, and abusive relationships can all take a toll on a person's mental health, making them more prone to self-harm. Tragic events like the loss of a loved one, a painful breakup, or infidelity can also trigger self-harm as a coping mechanism.
Third time around, the story raises some interesting questions about the values of a cult-like world and the importance of human life – treating it with care and compassion. What I appreciate most about this product is its human touch when it comes to relationships and family dynamics. I've been using it to observe how my siblings interact with each other, and my parents with their kids, and it's been really eye-opening.
Overall, I would give this film a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. It's a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that tackles some heavy themes with a healthy dose of irony and dark humor. While it may not be to everyone's taste, it's definitely worth watching for those who appreciate absurdist comedy and complex storytelling.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is the plot of The Kindness of Strangers?
The Kindness of Strangers is an absurdist anthology black comedy film that explores the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of our actions. The film consists of three interconnected storylines, each featuring a different cast of characters and exploring different themes and ideas.
Who wrote and directed The Kindness of Strangers?
The film was written and directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, with the screenplay co-written by Efthymis Filippou.
What awards has The Kindness of Strangers won?
Jesse Plemons won the award for Best Actor at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for his performance in The Kindness of Strangers.
When was The Kindness of Strangers released?
The film was released in the US by Searchlight Pictures on June 21, 2024, and in Ireland and the UK on June 28, 2024.
What is the runtime of The Kindness of Strangers?
The film has a runtime of nearly three hours.
Is The Kindness of Strangers suitable for all ages?
No, the film contains graphic content, including violence and mature themes, and may not be suitable for all viewers.
What is the budget for The Kindness of Strangers?
Unfortunately, I couldn't find the exact budget for the film.
Has The Kindness of Strangers grossed any money?
Yes, the film grossed $16 million worldwide.
Who stars in The Kindness of Strangers?
The film stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou Athie, and Hunter Schafer.
What is the tone of The Kindness of Strangers?
The film has a dark and absurdist tone, with a focus on exploring the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of our actions.
check_circlePros
- •The film boasts an impressive cast, including Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, and Willem Dafoe, who deliver standout performances.
- •The movie tackles some important and timely themes, including the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of our actions.
- •Lanthimos' unique direction and storytelling style keep the viewer engaged and invested in the narrative.
- •The film's use of music is noteworthy, adding to the overall atmosphere and emotional impact of the story.
- •The movie's non-linear structure and multiple storylines keep the viewer on their toes and make for a compelling viewing experience.
- •The film's themes and messages are open to interpretation, making it a great choice for viewers who enjoy complex and thought-provoking cinema.
- •The film features a talented ensemble cast, with standout performances from each actor.
- •The movie's exploration of human relationships and consequences is both thought-provoking and unsettling.
- •Lanthimos' direction is masterful, keeping the viewer engaged and invested in the story.
- •The film's use of music is a key element in creating the overall atmosphere and emotional impact of the story.
cancelCons
- •The film's graphic content, including violence and mature themes, may not be suitable for all viewers.
- •Some viewers may find the film's pacing and tone to be uneven, making it difficult to become fully invested in the story.
- •The film's complex themes and non-linear structure may be confusing for viewers who prefer more straightforward storytelling.
- •The movie's runtime of nearly three hours may be a barrier for some viewers who prefer shorter films.
- •The film's lack of clear resolution and closure may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied or frustrated.
- •The movie's graphic content and mature themes may be off-putting for viewers who prefer more lighthearted or family-friendly cinema.
- •Some viewers may find the film's tone and pacing to be jarring, making it difficult to become fully invested in the story.
- •The film's complex themes and non-linear structure may be overwhelming for viewers who prefer more straightforward storytelling.
