By Yorgos Lanthimos’s latest film, “Kinds of Kindness,” is a triptych of short stories that delve into the absurdity of power dynamics. Known for his unique and often unsettling cinematic style, Lanthimos continues to challenge audiences with his exploration of love, power, and free will, set against a backdrop of surreal and sometimes violent extremes.
The film unfolds in three parts: “The Death of R.M.F.,” “R.M.F. is Flying,” and “R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich.” Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone, along with Willem Dafoe, navigate through these stories, portraying characters caught in the web of control exerted by those in power. The recurring theme suggests that human agency is an illusion, and individuals will go to great lengths for acceptance.
Costume design plays a pivotal role in “Kinds of Kindness,” with Jennifer Johnson using attire to signify the characters’ status and influence. Raymond, played by Dafoe, exudes wealth and authority through his Italian suits, while Plemons’ character, Robert, is manipulated into wearing outfits that symbolize his subservience.
The film’s humor emerges through its costuming, particularly with Dafoe’s character revealing his knees in a comedic twist or donning bright orange Speedos as a sex cult leader. These moments of levity serve to enhance the film’s disconcerting atmosphere rather than provide relief.
“Kinds of Kindness” stands out for its unconventional narrative and pacing, offering a cinematic experience that elicits a range of emotions from its audience. Lanthimos’s work leaves viewers in a state of reflection, pondering the film’s themes long after the credits roll. The film is a testament to the power of cinema to evoke a collective, visceral response, cementing Lanthimos’s reputation as a master of the strange and thought-provoking.
