Cinephile № 1,193 “Kinds of Kindness”

Recommendation: 3/5 Stars, STREAM

Plot: “A man seeks to break free from his predetermined path, a cop questions his wife’s demeanor after her return from a supposed drowning, and a woman searches for an extraordinary individual prophesied to become a renowned spiritual guide.” -IMBD

Review: When I decide to review a film, my trusty little black notebook accompanies me to the cinema. Throughout the film, I do my best to capture notes, impressions, feelings, reactions, and key moments I don’t want to forget in the story. For a standard feature, I can capture anywhere between 9 and 11 notes per film. For a film with a standard three act structure, this usually means 3 to 4 notes per act.

For the latest film from writer/director, Yorgos Lanthimos, Kinds of Kindness, I captured 25 notes for myself. Given the complexity of his films, which include The Lobster, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Poor Things, and Dogtooth, this is not the least bit surprising. What I didn’t expect was the uneasy feeling that would linger with me throughout most of his newest film.

All Lanthimos films feel awkward and hyper-controlled; working within constrained limitations is their charm. Wes Anderson is my favorite director, so this sort of sandbox intrigues me. Now, if you are drawn to a director like this versus someone who does…