Directed by: Moritz Mohr Starring: Bill Skarsgård, Jessica Rothe, Michelle Dockery Genre: Dystopian, Action Comedy Boy Kills World (2024) is an action-packed film directed by Moritz Mohr, featuring Bill Skarsgård as the protagonist, known only as "Boy." The movie combines elements of dystopian thrillers with dark humor, delivering a visually striking and intense experience. Plot Overview Set in a dystopian future, the story follows Boy, a deaf-mute whose family is brutally murdered by the corrupt Van Der Koy dynasty. Rescued and trained by a mysterious shaman, played by Yayan Ruhian, Boy transforms into a formidable fighter. He embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance against the Van Der Koy family, leading to a series of violent and chaotic confrontations. Direction and Cinematography Moritz Mohr's direction is characterized by high-energy sequences and a stylized visual approach. The film features inventive action scenes that are both chaotic and meticulously...
Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos
Starring: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe
Genre: Black Comedy, Drama, Anthology
Kinds of Kindness (2024) is a distinctive film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, featuring a talented ensemble cast including Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, and Hong Chau. This anthology presents three separate stories, each exploring themes of control, submission, and the complexities of human relationships.
Plot Overview
The film is divided into three segments:
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The Death of RMF: Robert (Jesse Plemons) lives under the strict control of his boss, Raymond (Willem Dafoe), who dictates every aspect of his life, from his diet to his marital relations. When Robert defies an extreme order, he faces severe consequences.
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RMF is Flying: Daniel (Jesse Plemons), a police officer, is reunited with his wife Liz (Emma Stone) after her mysterious disappearance at sea. However, Daniel becomes suspicious that the woman who returned is not truly his wife.
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RMF Eats a Sandwich: Cult members Andrew (Jesse Plemons) and Emily (Emma Stone) are tasked by their leaders, Omi (Willem Dafoe) and Aka (Hong Chau), to find a woman with the purported ability to resurrect the dead.
Direction and Cinematography
Yorgos Lanthimos returns to his signature style of blending surrealism with dark humor. The cinematography is intentionally subdued, focusing on urban anonymity to reflect the film's themes of control and submission. This approach contrasts with the vivid worlds created in his previous works, offering a more restrained visual experience.
Performances
The ensemble cast delivers commendable performances. Jesse Plemons showcases his versatility by portraying three distinct characters, capturing each one's unique struggles and complexities. Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe also provide strong performances, embodying their roles with depth and nuance.
Themes and Symbolism
The film delves into themes of dominance, free will, and the human desire for control. Each story examines different facets of these themes, portraying characters who either exert control over others or grapple with their own loss of autonomy. The narratives invite viewers to reflect on the nature of submission and the complexities of human relationships.
Critical Reception
Kinds of Kindness has elicited mixed reactions from critics. Some praise its thought-provoking themes and the cast's performances, while others find the film's abstract nature and lengthy runtime challenging. The Guardian notes that the film is "emotionally arid and mannered," suggesting that it may test the audience's endurance. Conversely, NPR comments that the film "feels like a lazy and self-admiring riff," indicating a sense of repetitiveness in Lanthimos's exploration of control and submission.
Conclusion
Kinds of Kindness is a bold exploration of control and human behavior, characteristic of Yorgos Lanthimos's unique storytelling approach. While the film's abstract narratives and thematic depth may not resonate with all viewers, it offers a compelling experience for those interested in unconventional cinema.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Recommended for: Fans of Yorgos Lanthimos's previous works and viewers who appreciate films that challenge traditional storytelling conventions.
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