Kinds of Kindness 2024

Structured as a triptych fable, Kinds of Kindness unfolds through three distinct yet loosely woven tales:

“The Death of R.M.F.”

In this gripping segment, we follow Robert Fletcher, who finds himself ensnared in a web of control spun by his domineering boss and lover, Raymond. Raymond dictates every facet of Robert’s existence, from orchestrating his marriage to Sarah (Hong Chau), to purchasing their home and vehicles, even determining the moments they engage intimately. The turmoil escalates when Raymond orders Robert to crash his vehicle in a deadly attempt to eliminate a man known merely by his initials: R.M.F. The initial effort leaves them both injured but alive. When Raymond demands Robert attempt the lethal mission once more, Robert musters the courage to express his fearful reluctance, only for Raymond to harshly dismiss him, declaring he’s “free now.” With his life now in shambles, a cherished John McEnroe tennis racquet, a gift from Raymond, is taken from him, leaving Robert desolate. In a moment of openness, he reveals to Sarah that Raymond had ensured medical personnel supplied abortifacients disguised as miscarriages, leading Sarah to abandon him completely. In desperate pursuit of Raymond’s approval, Robert encounters Rita (Emma Stone), who—much like him—finds her own life manipulated by Raymond. Tasked with the same deadly mission, Rita is injured, leading Robert to a desperate conclusion. In a frantic act, he kidnaps R.M.F., delivering him to a hospital valet station and ultimately running him down in a final attempt to assert control and redemption. He subsequently arrives at Raymond’s mansion, where Raymond assures him of his unwavering belief in Robert’s capabilities.

“R.M.F. Is Flying”

The narrative shifts to Officer Daniel (Jesse Plemons), who is grappling with the mysterious disappearance of his wife, Liz, a marine biologist. Miraculously, Liz reappears, rescued by a helicopter piloted by R.M.F., but she comes back with unsettling changes. Daniel becomes increasingly alarmed by her peculiar behavior, an aggressive pet cat, and the physical alterations that challenge their shared life. Amidst a whirlwind of suspicion surrounding Liz’s identity, she reveals her unexpected pregnancy. Out of fear, Daniel orders her to leave, ultimately succumbing to paranoia during a traffic stop that leads to drastic consequences, including his suspension from the police force and medication prescriptions. As Liz recounts a bizarre dream where dogs rule as the dominant species, Daniel spirals deeper into madness, culminating in horrific acts of self-mutilation instigated by his delusions. Tragically, Liz succumbs to Daniel’s demands, leading to a new arrival at his doorstep—a different Liz who brings a glimmer of hope amid the chaos.

“R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich”

The final tale follows Emily and Andrew, members of a sex cult led by the enigmatic Omi and Aka. Here, purification rituals and the quest for a woman who can resurrect the dead drive the story’s tension. A series of unsettling encounters leads Emily back to her estranged husband Joseph (Joe Alwyn) and their daughter, culminating in a harrowing betrayal. After a failed attempt to find a resurrection candidate, Emily faces expulsion from the cult under dubious conditions. Desperate to return, she seeks out Ruth, a potential resurrection candidate, but her plans take a shocking turn when tragedy strikes. In a moment of wild celebration after witnessing a miraculous event, Emily’s joy turns to horror as her impulsive actions have fatal consequences for Ruth. The film concludes with a whimsical scene during the credits, featuring R.M.F. comically eating a sandwich, a brief respite amidst the unsettling narratives.

Each narrative weaves a complicated tapestry of manipulation, desperation, and the lengths one can go to seek redemption, all under the ominous shadow of R.M.F.