Dispatch From Cannes: Emma Stone’s Kinds of Kindness May Be the Most Brilliantly Bonkers Film You See This Year

The Cannes Film Festival is synonymous with unveiling cinematic gems that challenge and captivate audiences worldwide. Among this year’s standout debuts, Yorgos Lanthimos’s latest film, Kinds of Kindness, stands out as a fascinating spectacle of storytelling prowess and thematic complexity.

A Unique Narrative Structure: Exploring Ambiguity Through Three Tales

Unlike any other film you’ll watch this year, Kinds of Kindness is constructed around three interconnected stories, each delving into themes of power, control, freedom, and identity. Lanthimos’s signature style shines through as the director weaves a narrative tapestry that both challenges and entices viewers.

Story One: “The Death of RMF”

The film opens with Jesse Plemons playing an employee under the iron fist of his boss, Willem Dafoe. Emma Stone’s presence in this segment adds depth to the exploration of control and autonomy—a recurring motif throughout the film. As Plemons’ character grapples with newfound freedom, he questions whether liberation is truly as desirable as it seems.

Story Two: “RMF Is Flying”

In this narrative arc, Plemons appears again, now a policeman, entangled in a web of doubt and obsession when his wife returns from being lost at sea. Emma Stone’s portrayal adds layers to the exploration of identity as her character becomes increasingly alienating yet intriguing.

Story Three: “RMF Eats a Sandwich”

The final story features Plemons and Stone as cult members, searching for salvation in an unusual manner. This segment highlights themes of guilt and redemption, punctuated by the appearances of industry stalwarts like Willem Dafoe and Margaret Qualley.

Themes of Power and Autonomy

A critical examination reveals that Kinds of Kindness is as much about its characters’ search for identity as it is about their struggle with power dynamics. The film challenges the viewers to reflect on their own comfort zones, particularly in relation to freedom and control—an idea poignantly illustrated by the pandemic’s influence on societal behaviors.

Cinematic Brilliance: Performances and Aesthetic

• Ensemble Cast: The film boasts a stellar cast delivering performances that are as unpredictable as they are riveting. Emma Stone, in particular, shines through her multifaceted roles.
• Ambiguity and Easter Eggs: Lanthimos invites viewers to engage with the narrative actively by planting subtle clues throughout—inviting endless speculation and discussion.
• Visual Spectacle: The film is a feast for the eyes, combining striking visuals with moments of visceral horror and dark humor that are distinctly Lanthimos.

The Appeal and Challenge of Kinds of Kindness

As audiences anticipate its theatrical release on June 21, Kinds of Kindness is positioned to divide opinions. It’s a film designed not just to be watched but to provoke thought, inspire debate, and linger in the mind long after viewing.

Will it Be an Obsession?

While some may find its complexity alienating, others will revel in the opportunity to dissect each frame, seeking meaning in its enigmatic layers. For those with a taste for cinema that defies convention and challenges viewers intellectually, Kinds of Kindness promises to be an exhilarating experience.

In Conclusion: A Film That Stands Apart

Kinds of Kindness, with its bold narrative choices and thematic depth, is set to carve out a unique space in the annals of film history. Whether it achieves cult classic status or becomes a talking point for years to come, there’s no denying its brilliance as one of the most intriguing films unveiled at Cannes this year.