The much-anticipated third collaboration between Emma Stone and director Yorgos Lanthimos, titled 'Kinds of Kindness,' premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Following the Oscar success of 'Poor Things,' expectations were high. However, the film's reception was far from favorable, leading to a surprising reaction from Lanthimos. Here’s what happened.
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, and Margaret Qualley, the anthology film 'Kinds of Kindness' made its debut at Cannes and received a 4.5-minute standing ovation. Despite the initial applause, the film faced harsh criticism from viewers and critics alike.
Given the success of 'Poor Things,' many anticipated another hit from Stone and Lanthimos. However, 'Kinds of Kindness' was met with significant backlash. Audience members criticized the three-hour film for its explicit content, including graphic violence and sexual scenes. The portrayal of control and consent also sparked controversy, leading some viewers to walk out during the screening.
According to Variety, director Yorgos Lanthimos left the theater abruptly after the 4.5-minute ovation, without addressing the audience. This sudden departure left many attendees disappointed and added to the film's already contentious reception.
The anthology, which includes open sex scenes and depictions of cannibalism, divided critics. While some praised the film as 'delightfully grotesque,' others found it challenging to appreciate. The film's graphic content and controversial themes were significant points of contention.
'Kinds of Kindness' comprises three segments, each focusing on different characters' stories: A man who feels pushed around by his boss and even in his marriage, a man who experiences bizarre events upon the unexpected return of his presumed-dead wife and a woman who leaves her marriage to join a sex cult led by a charismatic leader.