Kinds of Kindness - Review

Yorgos Lanthimos follows up the Oscar-winning Poor Things with a lengthy anthology film that may test your patience.
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[@paradisecity0406able]

Of course Dan would want to be in the middle with Willem Dafoe in the thumbnail

[@jackyoung8059]

If any one of these shorts were fleshed out to a feature length, the stories would’ve been more impactful and possibly satisfying

[@jeffreyvalentyn6815]

I agree with almost everything you said except the last part. I think with this not only being a Lanthimos movie but also based on toxic relationships you’re never going to get a satisfying ending. And I actually liked all three!

[@travisspazz1624]

Oh man, act 3 was 'see it now' for me!! It felt like if Yorgos directed an episode of The Leftovers. And such an insane ending 😅

[@filmfreak21]

There is one place the fish eye lense is present. In the final part at the morgue

[@marty007bond]

😅😅

[@Shionshowa]

I didn’t remember that. Only remember the black and white

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

I can’t say I’m tiring of Willem Dafoe in so many movies, man it is so fun to see him absolutely owning Hollywood to this day, always in such creative challenging roles every time. Most movie stars start coasting on their fame in easy roles with big cash. But nah Willem Dafoe is roaming through the top names of the industry as well as indie flicks. Can’t wait to see him in Nosferatu as the Van Helsing type character, he’s not unlike Anthony Hopkins in his reliability as an actor

[@steffdia7080]

Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons this week with director Lanthimos are doing the korean movie remake "Save the green planet". But the remake will be called "Bugonia".

[@TheFirefox]

I remember watching “Save the Green Planet!” at a Midnight Madness screening at the Toronto International Film Festival in the early 2000’s. It may have even been its global premiere. It was so bonkers; I can totally see how someone like Lanthimos would be chosen for the remake.

[@Yachirobi]

I didn't like the original and I think it will be worse for me in the remake. But I'm intrigued... and confused... by him remaking that film.

[@nms7872]

This movie has had one of the strangest and most unique poster campagins for a movie in quite some time. One of those posters felt like nightmare fuel. I have a feeling I still wont know why the posters are that way even when I see the movie.

[@ericlucas1]

Are you talking about the poster with the weird face?

[@addamsfamily6085]

@@ericlucas1yes it creeps me out

[@nms7872]

@@ericlucas1 the one with the bunch of repeated characters like Emma Stone in dancing position making up the face of RMF.

[@launchpadmcquack8142]

Sounds like I'll be watching this at home where I can break the segments up individually. I do love Yorgos Lanthimos movies though, which I've always found a bit strange because for the most part I'm a much more 'mainstream' movie lover who doesn't seek out arthouse films. But Yorgos' movies resonate with me. . Movies, like music, are fun. You never really know what is going to speak to you.

[@benzaiten933]

I can respect anyone who will do 'their thing' but at times might end up with a bit of a let down. at least they're original and they tried.

[@xaviconde]

I think the opposite. The first segment was less interesting to me, the second was more interesting, and the third the best. It's pace is slow but it is not boring and the three conclusions paid off. I recommend it.

[@nevskislake]

Great review, Dan! I have only liked one of Yorgos' movies. and that was Dogtooth. I am not sitting in the theater to watch a nearly three-hour movie from him. For those who love his work though, enjoy!

[@ieatgremlins]

Dogtooth is his best film. It was fantastic.

[@ZachBobBob]

Dogtooth is WILD

[@mywalkabout]

I’m new to Yorgas’s movies, but I’ve seen most over the last year. Definitely a fan, and seeing this one Friday!

[@thedudeabides3138]

Thank you Dan, great and fair review. Won't be going near this as a result.

[@Houldey]

honestly, this just reminds me that I haven't rewatched Poor Things yet, i'll just give that another spin.

[@JROTCBALL]

Major blockbusters aside, this is one of my most anticipated movies of the year! It won’t open till next weekend in my market n looking forward to it!

[@jessrl8025]

I didn't enjoy Poor Things, but it was an interesting movie. It made me want to give Lanthimos' other movies a chance. With that said, I doubt I will see Kinds of Kindness in theaters. It was due to the run time, but now with your review, it will be one I'll save for when it comes to streaming.

[@ClarkwBrunson]

Great review

[@wazzup102]

I always think in leak speak when I hear the DAN15 code and think DANIS lol

[@missdancefan]

2-3-1 are the order I enjoyed the film. The whole thing is devastating because the impact of all kinds of kindness in this Anthology twist your soul. Or mine anyway. You find yourselves laughing and feeling on the edge at the same time. It really does make you feel and then think. As well as question people's heart and motivation in the film and irl.

[@TheWindii]

Sounds a bit like this is Lanthimos‘ „Beau is Afraid“. Great parts but overly long and indulgent.

[@bluescat59]

It’s crazy to think of “Poor Things” as his one entry into the mainstream

[@kennethschwartz9351]

Walked out of that one too--when Emma's character discovered her sexuality with vegetables.

[@NoCountryforBadMovies]

Dan! Make more episodes of All my Movies! It doesn’t have to be a weekly thing. Once every couple months is good.

[@joancrawford5781]

Just saw the movie. You articulated exactly what I felt but could not quite put into words.

[@halcyionic]

I was definitely losing it in the third segment until I had a moment of clarity “oh THAT’S the theme here”. I think it may help to watch again with that in mind but I’m not sure if it’ll fix it entirely

[@bgwinn]

There’s an abstract artistry about Lanthimos which … even when his work has flaws, even glaring flaws… I still love and respect it. Also, every time I see a Lanthimos movie it sort of resonates with where I am in life personally at some level. I can’t decide if that is some kind of general humanity built into the style or if it’s coincidence. Either way, I can’t wait for the next one

[@HemingwayJay]

Hey, Dan! Did you plan in reviewing The Bikerriders?

[@kdot89]

All I've heard about this film is that it's more like his earlier films as opposed to the most recent Favourite and Poor Things. That's unfortunate for me since those movies made me fall in love with this director. Sounds like it leans to the arthouse end of the spectrum that I can't stand.

[@solvseus]

I've seen the trailers, I've read and listened to people talking about it, I even looked it up for more info, and now I've watched this video. I still have NO idea what it's about. Considering who made it, I have a feeling even after I watch it, I still won't. Art?

[@LithionR1se114]

I feel like the second section meandered middle way through but the post credits scenes of DogEarth were hilarious, absolutely lost it to the one in the garage with the knocked over stool

[@sasukeissocoollike]

Maybe I’ll watch the first two when I get the chance O:

[@kmn2222]

After seeing it I know I would like it a hell of a lot more on a second screening.

[@georgetouros6021]

I agree with your individual rankings 100%. If he'd only released the first part as a short film, I'd be really cheering for it. But the other 2 segments feel like overstretched Key & Peel sketches that got cut for time from the original show.

[@indigosnow_]

I absolutely loved it. Mad fun 😅 in how weird and crazy it was. Adore the execution of the themes. Fascinating stuff. Also Jesse Plemons, what an actor

[@jman9082]

gotta say, I completely disagree about the preference of the 3 stories. I found story number 1 to be interesting but felt more like an appetizer for things to come. I thought story 2 was the strongest, and I thought the ending of that one was fantastic and so well executed. Story 3 being close behind with some of the most intriguing, shocking, and laugh out loud moments of the film. Overall, not my favorite Yorgos but I'm very pleased to see him do another one for the og sickos out there.

[@keepcalmandre-roll5480]

The, what I feel to be unnecessary animal cruelty scenes in every one of his movies, which often serve no narrative point (seagull death in Poor Things for example) has put me off watching anymore of Yorgos’ movies.

[@SeansMovieCorner]

I haven’t been bothered by them in his other movies, but I was in Kinds of Kindness, so hopefully that tells you what you need to know

[@francescofilippi2824]

It is made to represent the toxicity of the main character compared to the veterinarian. I don't understand why people take things literally

[@jstmarton]

There's stuff in this too and it was hard to watch.

[@josephreusch]

They hang a dog in this one for a joke credit scene (skip this one for sure)

[@tiznip]

but the rape doesn’t bother you?

[@TVandManga]

Great video.

[@jacobfleming3926]

I’m excited for this movie. Poor things was my 2nd favorite movie of 2023 next to KOTFM

[@ieatgremlins]

I really loved KOK, especially the first story. I hope you will like it too!

[@mattcollins3591]

I like “weird” movies, but this and “poor things” were too weird and out there. This was suppose to be a “dark comedy” but I found it very disturbing and out there. There’s a difference in “art” and trying to be “art” just by being shocking. It’s overdone and frankly, takes me out of it. I don’t get it. 🤷‍♂️

[@ftuT]

We'll see Dan, I usually trust your judgement, but YL hasn't disappointed me yet.

[@terrimallett3760]

The first story had a real "Secretary" vibe, which is a weird and fun thing in film.

[@andsoistopped]

I think this film was made prior to Poor Things.

[@gabrielsaladbar3547]

The first story was definitely my favorite by far, third one felt long and slow like you say but I’m not mad I watched the movie

[@ieatgremlins]

I loved this anthology. I laughed hard, I was grossed out, confused, and ultimately deeply satisfied. Although I think the second segment was the best, my favorite was the first story.

[@lindseyp9131]

Agreed! The second was my favorite

[@ethanaleman]

Now I know

[@Partoftheratpack]

I liked it. Especially after thinking about it more when I left the cinema

[@ceno10101]

1:27 wait, that scene you showed is supposed to be a joke?

[@MellowFelloh]

Sounds like I should watch just the first two parts and leave when the third one starts. Which is perfectly fine for me. I didn't like that the runtime was so long

[@martymascarin486]

I agree with your overall assessment of each segment. The last one really laid the movie low for good. The comic bizarreness of Dafoe's over-controlling boss and Stone's NASCAR-like driving tendencies in the last segment became buried under being provocative for provocative sake. Too much indulgence---did we REALLY need to see the super close-up of Dafoe and Stone French kissing in the last segment? Was the director sending up the gynecological camera work in porn movies? Too much indulgence. A single daily screening at our local cinema of hold-over Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes was outdrawing four screenings of "Kindness" combined. Surprised it's actually managed to stay a second week. Perhaps there was a lull in inventory delivery. \

[@shabberto]

Valid take but I absolutely loved it. If you're sensitive to Yorgos' magic like me, you might also find this to be one of his most entrancing films.

[@lawnjart16]

This movie was one I have been going back and forth on. I really liked Poor Things, but really did not like Killing of a Sacred Deer. Considering the comments from Dan, I think I am going to pass on watching it in theater. Maybe I will try watching it when it comes to streaming and just watch a segment a day

[@AshiqD1955]

I’m the opposite - love KOTSD and bit Poor Things but am equally ambivalent about this one

[@Ann-vi5ns]

This is up there as one of my top three worst movies ever. The dog cruelty, sealed the deal for me. Waaaay self indulgent. Terrific performances.

[@TheatreJG25]

I liked Killing of Sacred Deer and the Favorite. I didn't care for The Lobster or Poor Things so his filmography is hit or miss for me

[@brianwysol]

Dan, I loved this movie. Best of the year 10/10

[@jeffreyvalentyn6815]

This take seems to be an echoed by many other reviewers that were half baked on the movie and I have to say I completely disagree. I just saw this movie after sitting on the fence for a month because of reviews like this and I thought it was great; I really wished I saw it sooner. I think every short was great with the second being my favorite and the third being so much better than many made it out to be. Speaking directly on the third, it truly does feel longer and slightly less relevant to the overall theme but I think it had the most dynamic and adventurous storyline as well as a fascinating blend of sci-fi and reality that was missing from the second and especially the first. This is not at all to say Dan’s take is wrong or bad as I don’t think there is such a thing as a wrong take. I’m glad I watched as many reviews from people with similar views of Dan to prepare me. But don’t let reviews like this prohibit you from seeing a movie you may absolutely love!

[@billix0]

It's a big building with patients, but that's not important right now...

[@benbradbury1044]

I feel like from a world building/ lore aspect, the 3rd act was the most interesting. The first act set up some very strange stuff, but didn't veer (basically at all) into the surreal, or supernatural essence of the rest of the film. I liked it a lot as a whole, and found myself noticing a TON of throughlines, almost as if they wrote all 3 with a list of keywords, set pieces, or prop names, that were required in every piece. Often I found myself wondering where each piece fell into place in one of the 3. My current list: SPOILERS (Boat, abortion, gluttony, fish, desperation, bag, dog, sex, death, cult, redemption, power, alcohol). The film felt like a puzzle of the creator's design, assembled differently each time, though the significance of each piece was shifted by context. It's an extremely original film, and one that I feel almost begs for a rewatch before a true assessment can be made. Act 2 seemed to stray furthest from just about every theme Act 1 and 3 adhered to. Perhaps that was deliberate, in my mind they bookended something much more surreal. I love Yorgos and all of his filmography. I've been following him since I saw Dogtooth in 2010, and have seen everything since The Lobster in theatres. This isn't my favourite film of his, but I believe in time it will grow on me.

[@tomhensha929]

I've got a ticket to see it this weekend. I didn't care for Poor Things, hopefully this is better.

[@kennethschwartz9351]

Walked out of both.

[@josephreusch]

Just watched tonight. I loved poor things, that was a 10/10 for me. This movie just did not work for me overall. Part 1 was the most interesting (I didn’t know beforehand it was a 3 in 1 thing, but I realized once that happened 1 hr in, that it would probably be 3). Part 2 was not really enjoyable at all, part 3 was ok. Overall it felt completely pointless with some funny moments but some of the shock value also just felt there for just the shock alone, 5/10 for me, no interest in seeing again.

[@niknigal3379]

The third story was definitely a let down for me, but I loved the first two

[@jonathanboetto8849]

That's funny. The third segment was actually my favourite. I would've watched an entire movie of Emma Stone recklessly tooling around in a purple Dodge Challenger. And I agree that the second segment had a weirdly unsatisfying ending. Especially if we're meant to take it at face value and it's not a hallucination, it didn't really work for me.

[@kennethschwartz9351]

I wish Emma would get to be in a "normal" movie and actually play a character in a movie with a plot. and not forced weirdness.

[@piusdoe8984]

Interested in this director, Emma and Dafoe, after Poor Things. But it feels like it came out too quickly. Makes it feel more like a rushed job? Idk did not feel the need to watch it all.

[@mywalkabout]

it's funny, but I thought the 3rd segment was the best, although the whole movie was great and had me captivated from beginning to end.

[@ZachBobBob]

The runtime of this one is really putting me off seeing it

[@phantom213]

The Lobster is still by far the best movie by Yorgos.

[@destine1547]

I felt the first story was good, the second story was the weakest event though I enjoyed it, and thought the third was the most emotionally potent and well rounded mix of fucked up, funny, and poignant.

[@studio500]

I enjoyed all three stories. The third one suffers because it is the last one after everyone sitting on their butt for 2 hours already 😂 Maybe I missed it, but it would have been interesting if the characters played by each actor is a reincarnation and carries over very subtle karma to the next. Then, that feels a bit more of a build-up to maintain audience attention. Either way, it was an enjoyable wacky movie and a good change of pace compared to the by the numbers movies in the theaters these days.

[@Witchlitus]

Loved The Lobster, The Favorite, and Poor Things. This was too gross for me, had to walk out after act 2

[@bluesman6891]

I just saw Kind of Kindness and its the worse movie ever.

[@SydneyTravellersGuide]

Saw it at Sydney’s film fest 3’weeks ago. Loved it

[@kennethschwartz9351]

Hated it!

[@usun_oldhobbies5429]

I only now realized that I haven't seen a single movie made by him, even though I read and viewed multiple reviews on every one of them. Something is very repelling about his premises and style to me. It's disturbing and disgusting even.

[@BarrySagittarius240]

I saw this movie over the weekend. I think you were a little too kind to it.

[@AnnaBoland]

hi dan- youtube keeps auto-deleting my comment about this, but please be aware that the perfect jeans insta does not really seem like theyre the right fit (vibes-wise) for the channel

[@dharmendrababu9622]

Hey Dan, long time viewer, please review KALKI 2898 AD it's opening this weekend , I asked u to watch RRR but u missed it in theater, I hope u watch this one in theater and review ❤

[@mbnasir6]

Great review, i feel the same way but much more negatively about segement 2 and 3. Just nonsensical and really uncomfortable at times, for no pay off. Could do without all the nudity and scene of rape. All of this despite Poor Things being my favourite movie of the past year.

[@strangemarkings]

This movie is way better if you don’t take anything in it literally, but instead let it wash over you like pieces of classical music devoted to control, relationships, love and living a brutal, ridiculous world. I don’t think the segments are meant to tell a finite and fully understandable story, but instead they’re meant to create feelings that might resonate with your own life.

[@natashatomlinson4548]

My God this movie sucked out loud . Only the second movie I’ve ever given up on and walked out . Such pretentious “ art.”

[@C.Dat.guyoverthere]

I normally try not to watch anyone's reviews before watching a movie, but I need to know if it was worth sitting nearly 3 hours in the theater. After this, I think I'm willing to still check it out just to see Jesse Plemons act well.

[@jugdhiss]

1st part good. 3rd part is QUINTESSENTIAL crap in purest form. In fact, I shall term it : "CRAP DELUXE".

[@kenthehobo]

Yeah, his movies are definitely not my thing.

[@eternalfailure4081]

Part of me wishes this film could have an opening as big as Inside Out 2. Not from any money or business viewpoint. I would just love it if loads of people got to see a film so weird. Would make all the discussions more interesting. In fact maybe just enact a law, force people to go watch all the films. Love them or hate them, now everybody gets to see them!

[@defvent]

Not really a fan of anthology films

[@CameronBrooks]

Worst movie I’ve seen in a long ass time

[@SkolneyVikings]

I guess Lanthimos has elevated to that level of director where he can put any incoherent bullshit up on screen that he wants and people will call it genius.

[@natashatomlinson4548]

Best review here . Exactly what I thought after suffering through two hours of this movie before waking out

[@ethangood9875]

This was my fourth Lanthimos film, and it delivered what I've come to expect from the director: deadpan dark comedy laden with social critique that leaves the audience grasping at obfuscated meaning. I still don't know if I actually like him as a director or if I just enjoy the fact that his films all have a recognizable voice and style. Personally, I found the 1st and 3rd stories to be the most interesting, but that's mostly because the payoff in the 2nd story complicated my reading of the film, which I felt at the time was an examination of abusive relationships. I still think that's one of the main themes of the piece, though perhaps not the central theme tying everything together.

[@tonyg76]

Very odd movie :( Other than Poor Things (Possibly more for Emma Stone) I have not liked Lanthimos movies. He is an overrated director, at least personally.

[@andycalmes4201]

Definitely skipping this one

[@cram2979]

Your loss

[@MichaelWutsch]

I don't think I get the appeal of this guy's movies. They are too weird for me

[@warrenjohns3194]

what’s a normal movie?

[@benzaiten933]

that is the appeal to many- or certainly for me. something a bit different, it's refreshing!

[@ieatgremlins]

I think people, abusive relationship dynamics, and life in general are weird and he encapsulates that perfectly.

[@CuloHole]

I agree. Poor Things bored the fuck out of me 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BoredandDumb]

Despicable Me part 35​@@warrenjohns3194

[@RobRobRobRobRobRobRob]

I’ve never given a Lanthimos film a middling rating. Whether I love it or hate it, he knows how to elicit a response.

[@v1deo.hunter.d317]

Yorgos is a hack

[@MarvelousMusicmmusic]

These directors need to relax a bit with these bloated movies

[@BussinandDiscussin]

Why did Emma Stone want to go into softcore so much? Its weird. Its like if Meryl Streep did Basic Instinct.

[@giorgos_mark8401]

Very shallow review

[@brianng8350]

Not a fan. After defending the writers’ strikes and loving The Favorite and Poor Things, this is a disappointment. The stories are weak. Because this is an anthology, we need to connect with characters quickly; but we don’t. This seems like a vanity project. Disappointed.

[@emeyeme-1111]

I didn't like poor things... It was an excuse to be weird and over sexualize Emma stone. Her acting saved everything but it can't do it again

[@AshiqD1955]

Fully agree on your Poor Things take

[@francescofilippi2824]

Wow the director is most probably gay...

[@kennethschwartz9351]

Silly and corny--walked out--this Blemons character is an overrated actor---decent in Friday Night Lights

[@incognitomode24]

I hate this guys movies. Poor things was terrible

[@ieatgremlins]

Have you seen anything else by him besides Poor Things? I think Dogtooth and The Lobster are better.

[@ajfanotreally2523]

I don’t get the hype around dogtooth, I guess this guys movies just aren’t for me cuz I couldn’t watch more than an hour of it.

[@ieatgremlins]

@@ajfanotreally2523 To each their own. I think Dogtooth depicts profoundly disturbing abuse in a fresh way. I particularly loved how he explored the power of language to manipulate/limit others, it was really clever. Also, it's very funny.

[@evaterry1111]

This was the worst 2 hours and 45 minutes of my life

[@neonpitchforks]

Crap review