‘Kinds of Kindness’: A Surgical Examination of Human Interactions and Manipulation by Yorgos Lanthimos
- The film examines how kindness can transform into a tool for control and manipulation, both in the workplace and at home on an individual level, as well as within religion, culture, and politics at the societal level in his triptych fable.
“Kinds of Kindness” is abstract, visceral, and downright stunning. The film pulls you in with striking, almost haunting scenes that speak directly to the senses. True to director Yorgos Lanthimos’s style, it’s layered with complex social commentary on kindness and human interactions, but it doesn’t hand you the answers — you have to stay fully engaged to grasp it. Yet even without digging into every layer, the raw beauty of the visuals is enough to leave an impression. Whether you’re here for deeper social messages or just to experience its artistry, the film offers something unforgettable for everyone.
Lanthimos crafted “Kinds of Kindness” for audiences at the extremes, purposefully steering away from the middle ground. The movie invites you to fully embrace one of two distinct experiences. You can let yourself be drawn into its intense, visceral visuals, absorbing the impact without needing to connect every piece, allowing the dreamlike imagery to create a deeply immersive, almost detached sensory experience.
Alternatively, the film appeals to those who crave intellectual depth. Every scene is layered with symbolism, rewarding viewers willing to pause and reflect. Much like a carefully composed painting, it holds both an abstract beauty and a wealth of meanings waiting to be unraveled.
As I observed, it became evident that Lanthimos examines how kindness can transform into a tool for control and manipulation, both in the workplace and at home on an individual level, as well as within religion, culture, and politics at the societal level in his triptych fable.
Kindness often comes with an unspoken set of rules and expectations—a hidden (and sometimes not so hidden) cost. People may go to great lengths to alter their behavior, hide their true selves, or compromise their values and morals, all in the hope of being noticed, accepted, or cared for in order to receive more of that kindness. However, this dynamic isn’t one-sided; those who offer kindness frequently have their own hidden motivations, whether it’s a sense of superiority or the pleasure of exerting influence. Sometimes, acts of kindness are not as selfless as they appear; they can serve as a means to gain admiration, gratitude, or social leverage. In this way, kindness becomes a subtle tool—an acceptable way to create feelings of obligation and loyalty in others.
I truly hope Lanthimos stays true to his style and never molds his work to fit commercial standards. Cinema needs filmmakers like him—those unafraid to defy convention and create work outside mainstream constraints.
People in power often use kindness to manipulate and control, creating unspoken obligations that cultivate loyalty, dependence, or a sense of indebtedness. Because kindness is culturally viewed as a virtue, this manipulation operates under the guise of benevolence. Acts of kindness, cloaked in societal approval, often go unquestioned, but beneath the surface, they’re designed to build influence and align recipients with the giver’s interests. Kindness becomes a socially approved form of control. Even those who sense this manipulation may feel trapped, unable to refuse without appearing ungrateful or risking social exclusion. Some who muster the courage to break free and seek their independence often struggle to manage on their own because they haven’t truly been free for long and don’t know how to function outside that controlled environment. The confusion can easily draw them back into submission, making it frustratingly easy to revert to what feels familiar, even if it isn’t healthy.
Even genuine kindness can have unforeseen and extreme consequences. Kindness may enable negative behaviors by providing a safety net for those who exploit it. A well-intentioned gesture of love may be manipulated by the recipient, twisted to serve their own interests. Kindness is repurposed and weaponized against those who extend it. When their kindness is weaponized, the person may experience feelings of betrayal and resentment, realizing that their good intentions have been exploited. This can result in trust issues when they encounter genuine kindness from others, or it may lead them to use kindness as a weapon themselves. They might begin to employ acts of kindness strategically, using them to manipulate others, and the vicious cycle continues.
We also have a mysterious character, R.M.F., who appears in each segment and uniquely remains the only cast member to hold the same role throughout. In “The Death of R.M.F.,” he consents to and ultimately meets his demise at the hands of Robert. Then, in “R.M.F. is Flying,” he briefly pilots a helicopter. In the third segment, he is revived by Ruth and later enjoys a sandwich in “R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich.” R.M.F. serves as the sole thread connecting all three parts, acting as the catalyst that ignites the underlying tension and drives the story forward.
The cinematography in this film is a visual feast—bold, high-contrast, and brimming with vibrant colors. At first glance, the framing feels deceptively simple, yet each shot is loaded with layers of meaning, rewarding viewers who take the time to dig deeper. The choice to use extreme wide-angle lenses adds a surreal, almost immersive quality, pulling the audience further into this unique world. Notably, Lanthimos breaks from his usual studio confines, opting for on-location shooting that breathes fresh life into his aesthetic.
Jesse Plemons delivers a standout performance, meticulously embodying the absurdity and intensity of his complex characters. His work in this movie is the best acting performance by any actor this year, showcasing his remarkable ability to convey a wide range of emotions with authenticity. Emma Stone also shines, particularly in the second segment as “Liz,” where she brings so much depth to the role.
I truly hope Lanthimos stays true to his style and never molds his work to fit commercial standards. Cinema needs filmmakers like him—those unafraid to defy convention and create work outside mainstream constraints. His unique voice and bold storytelling are essential in a landscape often dominated by formulaic narratives and predictable structures.
By staying true to his vision, Lanthimos not only enriches the cinematic landscape but also inspires a new generation of filmmakers to take risks and explore unconventional filmmaking. The diversity of voices and perspectives in film is vital for its evolution, and Lanthimos’s work exemplifies the kind of artistic integrity that can lead to profound and transformative experiences for viewers.
Lokesh Bag is a writer, movie critic, and sketch artist. He has a graduate degree in Agricultural Entomology. An Ambedkarite, Bag has been creating meaningful conversations about caste, gender, and social issues. He has been published in The Quint and he often writes on various topics in tweet-chunks on Twitter/X for his fans. He believes in working towards a better tomorrow, one word at a time.