FILM REVIEW: "Kinds of Kindness" is a grotesque, poetic mystery

With a film as enigmatic as “Kinds of Kindness”, it’s hard to find a rational entry-point to discourse. The film has left me (or rather, not left me at all), with such an impression of chilling awe that the concept of psychological horror has been totally remodelled for me. The film doesn’t need heavy shepherd tones or screaming protagonists to carry the audience down into a paralytic state of shock.

Director Yorgos Lanthimos, in this film, shows off a mastery of when not to grant relief. And uses it. Our threshold for taboo has grown high in the 21st century, so it’s doubly impressive that Lanthimos can come along and re-humble audiences the world over with three poetic narratives. Crimes and miracles are symmetrically woven together with expert pacing and sardonic, dark comedy.

The film is a twisted delight and a step forward for modern film.

4 out of 5