WLR #9

Kinds of Kindness

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos

Three impenetrable Black Mirror episodes made watchable by the power of two generational actors.

This isn’t it, is it? Sure, he’s a “genius,” but even an auteur needs a critical flogging every now and then to keep them grounded. What we have here is a pretentious vanity project, reminiscent of Beau is Afraid in its sprawling surrealism and deeply misanthropic vibes. But while Beau had some wit and warmth beneath the weirdness, this felt much colder and less clever.

When something this ambitious—a three-hour, three-piece epic—goes all in on bizarre (cutting off fingers, cults, pornos, messiah and daddy figures), you hope it’s building toward something… more. Instead, I found myself thinking, “Oh wow… Oh. Okay. Theres boobs. Oh wow. Okay.” There’s plenty of evocation for the sake of it, which is ironic since Yorgos’ previous films have brilliantly subverted that tendency, especially in Dogtooth. Here, it’s beyond indulgent.

That said, Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone continue to astound in everything they touch, whether it’s film or TV, big role or small, comedy or drama. They are the reason this experiment is tolerable, but genius? Lolz, this ain’t Videodrome, yo. Bloggers be trying to tell you it’s a misunderstood masterpiece, but honestly, they’re just trying too hard to be film bros. This wasn’t it.

Two stars

Thelma

Directed by Josh Margolin

June Squibb is a legend. Ethan Hunt don’t got shit on Thelma. I miss my Nanny, I miss my Patricia…

Three-and-a-half-stars

Ghostlight

Directed by Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan

A remarkable slice of cinema—a rare example of a movie inspired by theater that manages to maintain its roots while still achieving its own language in the cinema. The line “I’m not sorry you woke up; I just wish he did too” stands as one of the most gut-wrenching moments delivered in theaters this year. Toy Story 3 level emotions.

I’d leave it at that, but I have to gush a bit. I absolutely loved it. It’s rare, truly rare, to see a film so infused with the stage breathe so freely on screen. It’s a tough thing to do. But the film becomes magic in those moments. Proof that a smart script, a deft directorial touch, and committed actors can take you anywhere. I didn’t want it to end—nor, it seemed, did the few others in the cinema. As the film rolled along, it just got better and better, unfolding layers of goodness. I would’ve spent the entire day with them.

Three-and-a-half-stars