Kinds of Kindness: Three Tales of Weirdness, One Too Many

Kinds of Kindness is an anthology film that brings together three distinct stories, each featuring the same talented cast playing different roles. The film’s structure and tone evoke the uncomfortable, surreal style typical of Yorgos Lanthimos, creating a sense of disorientation that lingers throughout. The first part of the anthology stands out as the strongest, with a captivating narrative that draws the viewer in immediately. The chemistry between the actors, paired with Lanthimos' signature awkwardness and sharp dialogue, makes it the highlight of the film. It has the kind of depth that could easily be expanded into a full-length feature, and you find yourself wishing the movie had focused entirely on this first segment.

The second part is still engaging but not quite as effective. While the performances remain solid, the story feels like it’s trying to capture the same magic as the first part without fully succeeding. The pacing slows down, and the narrative doesn’t feel as tight, leaving it somewhat forgettable in comparison.

The third and final story, unfortunately, is where the film loses its way. It drags on longer than necessary, and by the time it reaches its conclusion, the initial intrigue has evaporated. The emotional weight and the biting satire from the earlier parts feel lost here, replaced by an aimless, drawn-out plot that doesn't have the same punch.

The performances throughout the film are uniformly strong, with the cast proving their versatility by taking on different roles in each story. The film’s tone and style remain consistent, and the discomfort created by Lanthimos is palpable, but there’s a sense that the movie overstays its welcome. At times, it leans too heavily into its art-house pretensions, feeling a bit self-indulgent in places.

Overall, Kinds of Kindness is an interesting and thought-provoking experience, but its uneven pacing and narrative structure leave it feeling like a film that could have been much stronger if it had focused on fewer, more impactful stories. The first segment alone makes this film worth watching, but the final act weakens its overall impact.