Why KINDS OF KINDNESS is This Year's Most FRUSTRATING Film 

The problem with this movie watching it in the cinema is that there's no breaks between stories. There should be 10mins break between each story. In Indian movies a break is a normal thing. In kinds of kindness I was begging for the end in 3rd story because I was tired phisicly and mentally :D😂😂😂😂

So personally, Kinds of Kindness is hands down my favorite film of the year so far. That being said, it’s absolutely NOT for everyone

I don’t think kinds of kindness is frustrating to me. This is the best depiction of the world we live in.

Like The Killing of a Sacred Deer the second and third stories include an element of magical realism mixed with tragedy. I loved all three segments in different ways. Yorgos Lanthimos keeps bring novel approaches to the art of cinema, and I’m thrilled to part of it.

I remember when Jesse Plemons was just "That guy from season 2 of the Fargo TV show." It's been fun watching his star rise. He just needs the right role and there's for sure an Oscar in his future.

This one's for the Dogtooth/Filippou fans lol I fully enjoyed it 🤣

After sleeping on it I personally LOVED it but I know it won’t be for everyone

Lanthimos said the movie was inspired by Camus' Caligula, but in a 'reverse' manner-exploring the lengths people are willing to go to in order to 'fit in,' seeking security in work, relationships, and life/faith. It’s an anthology movie with philosophical meaning and questions. Those unfamiliar with Camus' work or existentialism may not enjoy the movie as much. While I personally enjoyed it, I do agree that the film could have been made in a way that better communicates its message to a wider audience.

“Wild Tales” is a GREAT Argentinian anthology film.

Have you not seen Dogtooth or Killing of a Sacred Deer? This film was Lanthimos returning to his most innovative.

I liked story 1 a lot, but I'm surprised you found it surprising. I think its super clear from the setup everything that's gonna happen in it, which is not a criticism since it's executed very well, but to me its a story that really only has one place to go.

It is HORRIBLE, flat, and pointless! Save your money!!!

I thought it was brilliant! I actually liked the 3rd story the best 👌

Have you seen any other Yorgos films besides The Favorite and Poor Things? I ask because KOK is Yorgos back into his original form. Weird, offbeat and darkly comedic. Dogtooth is my favorite film of his and this one had that same tone. The stories I found really interesting, wicked and engaging throughout.

I hate this movie

I saw Kinds of Kindness in theaters last night. I loved it so much; it inspired me to come up with an idea for my own short film. It’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely for me!

The biggest mark against Kinds of Kindness is that it's being marketed as a comedy. It has a few funny moments but in my opinion, that thing is a straight-up horror movie. When I was writing out my initial thoughts after seeing it, I ended up including a lengthy (but mostly spoiler-free) content warning at the beginning because I felt the marketing had done such a poor job of accurately representing what kind of movie it was. It was hands-down the most emotionally exhausting film I've ever sat through and while I mean that as a compliment, I wouldn't have wanted to see it if I were at all struggling in the moment. In fact, I wasn't able to watch The Lobster and The Killing of a Sacred Deer before seeing KoK like I initially planned and I ended up feeling so drained by it that it's probably going to be a while before I can handle any more Lanthimos. In that respect, I actually think the marketing for KoK may almost be bordering on irresponsible. I've only recently started getting into Lanthimos's movies but I have loved everything I've seen from him so far, Poor Things being my favorite with KoK resting somewhere between that and The Favourite. I even drove 20 miles just to make sure I saw KoK on opening day because there weren't any closer theaters with showings. However, I fully understand why some people don't like it and it will not surprise me at all if it gets 0 awards attention. It is a fascinating work of art but it is by no means for everyone. I probably wouldn't even recommend it to someone I didn't know well because it's just so intense and everyone's reaction to it is going to be different.

Whenever I see people so put off by animal cruelty I wonder if they eat animals. And if they do, they are just put off by dog/cat cruelty ans are ignoring the rest.

Not being able to take your eyes off the screen while wondering the whole time if you even like it....sums up the experience of this movie

I haven’t seen it yet, and the fact that this movie is not Bait for awards, makes me already like it

I thought it kept getting better personally. The last story was my favorite. It reminded me a lot of the film "safe"

Not that suprising really - if you loved The Favourite and Poor Things then you are in the McNamara/Lanthimos group. If you were a fan of Dogtooth, The Lobster or The killing of a sacred Deer then you are in the Filippou/Lanthimos group. Not saying you can't be both. I personally loved The Favourite and Poor Things and struggled with the others so I have a good idea of what's in store. I'll catch Kinds of Kindness on home media one day I'm sure but won't be going to see it in the cinema.

I think the througline is the abuse themes and the order working with the first having the most intrigue and the last being the most literal with the themes and upbeat in tone despite its heavy moments. Also the dissonant choir as she passes out in the sauna? The slow motion tear drops in the jacuzzi? How is the third part not a vibe. People either like it the most or the least out of the three I've seen. I'm in the former camp.

My favorites in order, 3, 1, 2. I'm not exactly sure why, except that the third was so strange that I found it the most compelling. I enjoyed Emma Stone racing around in her car as she (and we) tried to figure out what was going on! But all three were good, interesting, and I need to see the movie more than just once to attempt to see the threads that connect them. Then there is the dog story, with accompanying video, that Emma Stone's character tells her "father" in episode 2 - what was that about, and why was it there? I'm sure to be in the minority, but I enjoyed this movie more than Poor Things, as audacious and wonderfully acted as PT was.

It’s weird just to be weird and I’m not here for it anymore.

I feel like you probably should research the Director before going in the movie.

WOW, Brian ! First The Fall Guy, and now this ? 🤔

I take it that you don't consider "Cloud Atlas" or "Pulp Fiction" to be true anthology movies. How about the "Sin City" movies? What are your favorite non-horror anthologies?

If you haven't seen Dogtooth (2009) you really should! It has a lot of similar themes as Kinds of Kindness and I feel sticks the landing a lot more strongly.

This movie is fantastic. Definitely not for everyone, a polarizing movie just like Beau is afraid was

Kinds of Kindness was so dumb, yet so good. I cant explain it. Fantastic acting.

See the movie to the very, very end. Do not leave after the credits to the third story, and you will see who eats that sandwich. It is an understandable movie. Yes!

I couldn't look away, the acting is marvelous. I have no idea what was meant.

I frankly don't understand some of these criticisms. Personally, I loved story 3, I think is the BEST of the three. In a sense it is the more 'realistic' in how it depicts people manipulated by a cult leader. To say that Jesse Plemmons has little or nothing to do in story 3 is really beside the point. Nobody says that he has to be the main character in all the three stories. Jesse Plemmons is the main character of the first two stories and, in the first story, Emma Stone's character is underdeveloped and has little to do. So what?? Also, I do wonder how much do you know about Yorgos Lanthimos's work apart from the Favourite and Poor Things. Have you watched the Lobster or the Killing of a sacred deer? Even better, have you ever watched his movies in Greek, or do you know only English-language movies? Also, 73% on Rotten Tomatoes is not "mixed to favourable reviews"... Finally, the 'true line' of the stories, its main theme, is love as power -- which is basically the same theme of the Favourite.

This film would have gotten more kudos if it would've had an intermission. Something that is not done anymore.

We were trying to find motifs and meanings in the film. Yorgos revealed R.M.F stands for…. Nothing at all! The fact he exists in all stories means nothing! R.M.F eats a sandwich is an unrelated nonsensical title. ’Kinds of kindness’ relates to nothing as well. The movie was previously called ‘And’ and ‘R.M.F’ which also mean NOTHING. This movie has nothing to say and it shows. I think it is one of the worst films of the year for me.

The only frustrating aspect is the slow, hypnotic pace of your analysis, filled with clichés. If you liked more the third story, you would have said that the first story was not strong; in that case you would have said it's frustrating because the first part sets the tone. You can't compartmentalize the movie to suit your analysis; even though it's an anthology, it should be interpreted as a cohesive whole. What is also frustrating, is that you failed to see the impeccable cinematography, editing, score and so many more and most importantly that this is a return to Yorgos true cinematic style not the one you prefer. You were wrong with the Oscars predictions last year (Poor things included), you might be wrong this year as well.

I had a great time. I think you went in with built up expectations.

enjoyed your review but i think this film, or at least the actors will definitely win some awards. l'll come back go this comment in the future

I can't wait to see this.

Kind of Kindness are like police bodycams that recording weird, mental health people's life.

Interested to see what Bryan thought of his early work

The 1st and 3rd stories were the best. I loved this movie.

Soundtrack is horrid. If director’s goal was to totally repel and insult us, he succeeded.

Yeah I agree with you on anthology films. All three stories have to be equal in their greatness. Reminds of New York Stories from 1989. The three stories in that film had different casts and directors (Scorsese, Allen, and Coppola) for all three. Scorsese’s film is the best one. I wonder how it works with the same cast and director for all three here in Kinds of Kindness.

I loved this film! I thoroughly enjoyed all 3 stories!

I don't know why, but I don't like Jesse Plemons. I have no idea as to why I don't like him, but it's just a fact. Emma Stone is amazing and she deserves to be loved. But Brian making a video about NOT liking a Yorgos Lanthimos movie with Emma in it is weird. Definitely worth the watch, tho😄

I guess you Love Top Gun and Star Trek

This film is not for the faint of heart. I loved how strange and non conventional it was.

This was made to be an F cinema score movie. I loved it. I prefer this Lanthimos. Personally found Poor Things to be beautiful to look at, but too traditional and predictable as a narrative

If you don’t think there’s a reason for the order then you probably didn’t get it. I mean it starts with a car crash and ends with a car crash? All the stories were very connected with their themes. I do agree with you though that it won’t factor into the Oscars at all. For me it’s the second best film of 2024 behind The Beast.

What movie is that clip at 4.52, with the blue zombies, from?

I finally saw Kinds of Kindness this weekend on Disney+. I like Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Lobster. I LOVED The Favorite and especially Poor Things. This movie was a big let down. I liked story #1 the best. I wish that had been expanded into an entire film. Stories 2 and 3 felt very half baked to me.

I like this movie more when I look at it as 3 short films, instead of one film with one look, feel and style. If that makes sense. But then again, I’ve liked all of his movies.

i was engaged and entertained by the movie and i would not recommend this just to anyone. 2 people walked out of my screening. It's not my fave but I also didn't dislike it. It's just weird AF, so trademark Lanthimos. Jesse Plemmons is amazing. As a female, I also feel #3 the most - I can see why she'd be the perfect pick for a cult.

In trying to think of other anthology films, I thought of the French Three Colours films in the early 90s (Blue, White, and Red), but I had forgotten that those were all released separately (albeit within about a year of one another). Why not just release the three stories as three separate films if there's no real narrative thread connecting the three? (The only Lanthimos film I have seen, I have to admit, was The Favourite, which I did like a LOT. I just don't get out to see movies as much these days . . . . (Poor Things is on my to-see list based primarily on Brian's positive reviews).)

I loved The Favorite, and then I watched The Lobster, I thought it was a film about detective, how wrong I was, I liked the film, very different, but the ending is so frustrating.

I enjoyed it. But I do like anthology films. It was a refreshing twist on narrative film. However, I too didn’t see a clear through line between the stories. I found myself wanting some sort of connecting scene to close the movie. When the movie ended, I was just like…”ok.”

Poor Things is more 'mainstream' than his previous movies. Did you like the Lobster?

Finally got to watching this and I’m just. I am confused. There was a weird amount of sexuality in the film that I felt didn’t make sense for the message they wanted to send me as the viewer. I loved Poor Things. I barely got through this :(

I looooooved the movie. It is very unique and entertaining. I won’t accept any criticism of it

I'm sorry, but this movie just wasn't my cup of tea. This was a bit out there.

I think I kinda loved this!! I laughed out loud multiple times, enjoyed the bits of humanity, and thought it had the best ending of the year 😅

Just bc you say its “going to go down as “the most frustrated film of 2024” does not mean it will, just bc you say it will. . . I do believe Jesse could get an great nominations and wins for this film

It’s nice to some originality in films.

I saw the film at Sundance London on 35mm and I agree with you. I loved his two previous movies and liked The Lobster. There are things I admire about Kinds of Kindness. However overall I felt a bit let down by it and it didn't fully work for me. I look forward to the next film though.

I really enjoyed listening to this. Were/are you a professional film critic?

I had no idea it was nearly 3 hours long when i watched it today , I did think it was very slow paced but that adds to the atmosphere,despite finding it a bit of a slog by the 2nd and 3rd acts there was enough intrigue that it left me wanting more

The most bizarre movie I've ever seen. Tarantino on steroids!

Was does RMF mean ?

It's interesting that The Favourite and Poor Things solidified Yorgos as an "i'll be there opening weekend..." director for you. For me The Favourite and Poor Things seemed somewhat conventional compared to his prior work. I was a bit bored of his style. Just another interesting director that had his rough edges sanded off by Hollywood. But Kinds of Kindness, although far from perfect, puts Yorgos back on track for me. It's imperfect in a perfect way. However you review is totally reasonable.

Yorgos and emma stone have another movie again coming next year

1 for them, one for yourself

This movie is a masterpiece in disguise in my opinion. I also think it will be hard for people to get it.

I feel like everyone didn't connect with either the 2nd or 3rd segment

You know nothing about the original Lanthimos, you're too attached to Hollywood traditional narrative Lanthimos.

I literally just hit play on the video but I must say up front that I wasn't frustrated a bit while watching this flick 🤷‍♂️

Watched it last night, the more I think about it the more I like it. Ima be honest I laughed maybe 3 good times in that almost 3 hour runtime. I like the actors and I’m glad it was weird.

This is for the “Dogtooth” stans

I love your shirt. I am from Honolulu, HI

I agree that the first story was the best of the three, but as soon as I noticed Defoe made Plemons dress like Ron Burgundy I couldn't focus on anything else.

this movie was a miserable unfunny and overly long watch. people walked out, which i thought was excessive until that third story started and then i got jealous of them

This movie was shit. I wish I had left after the first part. It didn't get better. And I like lynchian, sci fi, weird, horrory, arty, "smart", whatever. Could have been ok if it was 15 minutes.

The reason why i enjoy movie violence is because its not real. if people were hurt for real i'd be horrified. The dog wasn't actually hurt in the making of the movie, so how is it different to people getting hurt on screen? you are ruining it for yourself.

I don’t get the love for POOR THINGS. The last half hour was disappointing.

We miss your reviow ❤ about films of new seasion. Amazing critics for kind of kindness. I dont watch it yet... But i enjoy your reviow becase yoy talk about all sides of film. My opnion Many story in same film Not good idea This kind of many story in same time Suit to tv. Every episode of searios in tv make new story. Becase many story need time. I mean Must all this story be in Televion films.. in one searies. To be combleted and not short and they take time to show the all story one by one. And audiance if they dont want contunue watch the rest of story Do by choice. And i think Audiance in cenima Need to watch one full story. Not many short films in long film. That take long time or the story be so brief. And the style of this film If they make bad story with good story The bad story distroy the rest of film. I can not say my opinion about the story now Becase i dont watch the film yet But i talk about the style of film at first imprission. I love vidoe ❤❤👍❤❤ Brian You was comperhnsive when you talk about film.

Cradles of Cruelty. Call it what it is. YORGOS for The Favorite and Poor Things, yes, but this misanthropic trash? If KoK is a true representation of Yorgos, may he retire from film making immediately. Every excellent actor in KoK lost my respect by participating with the dark narcissistic hatefulness in this screenplay including sexual cannibalism. We can vote with our ticket and PVOD purchases, and I vote never to be filmically assaulted by topics like this horrid abomination of a movie.

walked out of the theater thinking “damn willem dafoe lays major pipe”

It sounds like it’s similar to Cloud Atlas

my friend saw it and called it "Wes Anderson but instead of 4 short films it's one long and not as creative" I'll give it a try anyway.

It’s NOT David Lynchian. The only reason that anyone would say that is bc it’s an “out there” type of film. At least his stories are interesting and multilayered. This movie was simply horrible. I hated it. 3 hours I won’t get back. I do agree. The first story was the best of the three. But that’s not saying much. That said… I saw previews to poor things and tried watching the first ten min. And I stopped watching. Thank god I didn’t pay for it at the movie theatre . I guess you have to have a taste for this directors films. I do not. Great on him he can find awesome actors to play his stories out. But. Just not for me.

here before somebody casts jesse plemons in another movie

Loved LOVED the movie

I liked!

So does this mean we don't have to see you drooling all over Stone this awards season because she's in a Yorgos movie? See "Thelma" that opened this weekend Starring June Squibb in her first leading role! She's magnificent, and the film is not at all frustrating! ❤ 😂

We'll come back in January when Jesse Plemons gets an Oscar nom for this movie. 😂

Feels like Tommy Wiseau made a comeback

I couldn’t stand it. All the really interesting parts of each story were just glazed over and never fleshed out.

😳😳😳😳😳😳 already saw the audience score 😳😳😳😳 and yikes 😬😬😬

2024 isn't releasing great movies apart from Dune Part 2 and Inside Out 2.