Even if you used one of those magnificent telescopes that can observe objects millions of miles away, you still might not be able to detect even a hint of kindness in “Kinds of Kindness,” a pitch-black anthology of aggressively weird and wickedly funny stories from the wonderfully warped minds of director Yorgos Lanthimos and Lanthimos’ co-writer and frequent collaborator, Efthimis Filippou. This is the kind of film that will send some viewers to the exits by the halfway point, while others surely will hail the bold genius of Lanthimos’ absurdist flourishes. My reaction falls somewhere in between.
There are moments of pure pop entertainment thrills, e.g., the perfect use of the classic “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics and that already famous (from the trailers and promos) scene in which Emma Stone, her hair the same color as her rust-colored pantsuit, dances as if she’s been struck with a David Lynch Taser against the backdrop of a purple Dodge Challenger and someone in a wheelchair who appears to be unconscious.
(When we find out the context of this scene, it’s just ...
perfect. Bizarre and depraved, but great.) Other segments, including a nauseating exploration of cannibalism that feels contrived and attention-getting, had me counting the moments until the next scene.
On the whole, “Kinds of Kindness” is a mixed bag of tricks and treats. Even with a running time of 2 hours and 44 minutes, “Kinds of Kindness” never stalls out or feels b.