Kinds of Kindness

Kinds of Kindness (2024)

A Stylishly Dark and Absurdist Anthology of Modern Oddities

★★★☆☆

A humorous, offbeat diversion that thrives on shocking its audience into a state of "WTF."

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Kinds of Kindness is a triptych of vignettes featuring an incredible ensemble including Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, and Jesse Plemons. Each actor takes on a different role across the three stories, lending a unique, non-traditional energy to the proceedings. While the stylish, dark, and absurdist elements may not appeal to mass audiences, it successfully scratches the itch for those looking for something truly unique in the modern cinematic landscape.

"There are several instances through the course of the film where the audience may ask themselves WTF, but that's the point. There are some shocking and surprising elements just for the sake of morbid entertainment."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
• Starring: Jesse Plemons, Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe
• Supporting: Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Mamoudou Athie
• Cinematography: Robbie Ryan

The Vision

Lanthimos and co-writer Efthimis Filippou seem to be aiming for a humorous diversion rather than a search for deeper meaning. To avoid frustration, it's best to approach this film as a series of dark comedic experiments rather than a pretentious moral study. By embracing the mindset of "morbid entertainment," the viewer can celebrate the film for its offbeat nature without getting lost in the confusion of its more esoteric threads.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Award-Winning Performance: Jesse Plemons won the Best Actor award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival for his diverse performances across all three segments.
• Reunion: This film marks the fourth collaboration between Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos, following The Favourite, Bleat, and the Oscar-winning Poor Things.
• Back to Basics: Unlike the grand period sets of Poor Things, this film was shot on location in New Orleans, returning to the contemporary, stark visual style of Lanthimos’ earlier Greek films.

✅ Pros

• Masterclass ensemble performances, particularly from Jesse Plemons.
• Unapologetically unique and offbeat storytelling.
• Sleek, stylish cinematography that enhances the absurdist tone.

❌ Cons

• Lacks a strong deeper meaning or emotional core.
• The repetitive structure and long runtime may lead to frustration.
• May feel "shocking for the sake of shock" to mass audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

A successful exercise in the absurd. Go in expecting a humorous, dark diversion rather than a profound epic, and you will find a film well worth celebrating for its originality.

View original review on Letterboxd

Oddity

Oddity (2024)

An Unsettling Masterclass in Atmospheric Dread

★★★☆☆

A creepy and unnerving mystery thriller that thrives on simplicity and old-fashioned scares.

Directed by Damian Mc Carthy, Oddity is a haunting Irish horror story that relies on an effective, "no-name" cast and simple practical effects to deliver a heavy dose of dread. The film follows a blind occultist and medium as she uncovers the truth behind her sister's death. It is one of those rare modern horror experiences where the less you know going in, the better; it prioritizes an unsettling atmosphere that slowly unfolds over flashy gimmicks.

"There is nothing fancy here, just an unsettling heavy dose of dread that hangs in the atmosphere as the supernatural story slowly unfolds."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Damian Mc Carthy
• Starring: Gwilym Lee, Carolyn Bracken, Tadhg Murphy
• Country: Ireland
• Special Effects: Simple, practical supernatural elements

The Vision

Though billed as horror, Oddity actually feels more like a theatrical stage production, taking place mostly in a singular, claustrophobic location. Mc Carthy avoids the trap of a jump-scare heavy affair, instead choosing to build a morbid charm through the detailed, eerie objects that give the film its title. It’s a "crowd-pleasing" effort for fans of traditional ghost stories who appreciate pacing and suspense over high-intensity gore.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• The Wooden Man: The film's most striking prop—the life-sized wooden figure—was inspired by traditional folk horror and was entirely custom-made to maximize its uncanny appearance.
• SXSW Winner: Oddity won the Audience Award in the Midnighter section at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival, cementing its status as a word-of-mouth horror hit.
• Shared Universe: Director Damian Mc Carthy also directed Caveat (2020), and fans of his work will recognize his signature slow-burn style and mastery of single-location tension.

✅ Pros

• Expertly crafted atmosphere of consistent, heavy dread.
• Excellent use of practical effects and creepy set pieces.
• Strong, understated performances from the Irish ensemble.

❌ Cons

• The slow-burn pace may feel too measured for some.
• Stage-play feel might seem restrictive to those seeking epic scope.

🏆 Final Verdict

A chillingly effective mystery that proves you don't need a massive budget to terrify an audience. Oddity is a must-watch for fans of atmospheric, supernatural storytelling.

View original review on Letterboxd

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

 

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

A Breathtaking Epic of Revenge and Wasteland Lore

★★★★☆

An amazing cinematic achievement that expands the Mad Max mythos with visionary scale.

Directed by the visionary George Miller, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a breathtaking film featuring remarkable, unique sequences and stunning apocalyptic action set pieces. While the temptation to compare it to Fury Road is inevitable, it is ultimately unfair. This is a different animal altogether, trading that film's relentless sprint for a divergent, sprawling story format. It stands as an excellent revenge and adventure film capable of standing entirely on its own two feet.

"Furiosa will no doubt be discovered and appreciated for many years to come and will likely be considered a classic in its own right like Fury Road and the other films in this universe."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: George Miller
• Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth
• Cinematography: Simon Duggan
• Music: Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL)

The Vision

George Miller continues to prove why he is the master of high-octane storytelling. By focusing on a multi-year odyssey rather than a 48-hour chase, Miller provides a deep dive into the politics of the Wasteland—exploring the trio of strongholds: Gastown, the Bullet Farm, and the Citadel. While not as tight or suspenseful as its predecessor, the craftsmanship and world-building on display are nothing short of monumental.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• The Stowaway Sequence: The massive "Stowaway to Nowhere" sequence took 78 days to shoot and involved nearly 200 stunt people daily.
• Vocal Transformation: Anya Taylor-Joy has only about 30 lines of dialogue in the entire film, relying on physical performance and "the eyes" to convey Furiosa's trauma.
• Hemsworth’s Inspiration: Chris Hemsworth based Dementus’ eccentric personality and vocal cadence on a mix of a dictator and a flamboyant carnival barker.

✅ Pros

• Stunning, unique apocalyptic action set pieces.
• Exceptional world-building and expansion of lore.
• Visionary direction that stands out in the modern blockbuster era.

❌ Cons

• Lacks the relentless, tight suspense of Fury Road.
• The episodic structure may feel less urgent to some viewers.

🏆 Final Verdict

A classic in the making. It’s a shame it didn’t find a wider audience at the box office, because this level of artistry deserves to be rewarded. Furiosa is a towering achievement in the saga.

View original review on Letterboxd

The Instigators

The Instigators (2024)

A Breezy Boston Heist for Pure Shits and Giggles

★★★☆☆

A crowd-pleasing summer romp that prioritizes fun over the logic police.

Directed by Doug Liman, The Instigators is an amusing crime heist film anchored by the affable chemistry of Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. While the stakes and plot believability remain low, Liman’s effective direction keeps the action moving at a brisk pace. It’s the kind of light material that allows top-tier talent to play around in the sandbox, delivering a piece of eye-candy that doesn't demand much more than a willingness to have a good time.

"Audiences should take off the logic police caps here and just enjoy the film... Hong Chau thankfully brings some heart to the proceedings, preventing the film from spinning into over-the-top comedic ridiculousness."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Doug Liman
• Starring: Matt Damon, Casey Affleck
• Supporting: Hong Chau, Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser
• Platform: Apple TV+

The Vision

Doug Liman returns to the heist genre with a "let's have some fun" mentality. By pairing the deadpan Casey Affleck with a more grounded Matt Damon, the film creates a comedic friction that fuels the narrative. The inclusion of Hong Chau as a stabilizing force is a masterstroke, giving the audience a much-needed emotional anchor amidst the lighthearted chaos. It may not be "thought-provoking," but it’s a vibrant directorial showcase of breezy, commercial filmmaking.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Bourne Reunion: This marks the first collaboration between director Doug Liman and Matt Damon since the original The Bourne Identity (2002).
• Family Ties: The script was co-written by Chuck Maclean and Casey Affleck himself, infusing the dialogue with a specific Boston-centric rhythm.
• Boston Roots: Both Damon and the Affleck brothers are famously from the Boston area, making this project a hometown affair produced by their company, Artists Equity.

✅ Pros

• Infectious chemistry between Matt Damon and Casey Affleck.
• Hong Chau delivers a grounding, heart-filled performance.
• Breezy, energetic direction that makes for an easy watch.

❌ Cons

• Extremely low stakes and highly questionable logic.
• A thin plot that occasionally leans too hard on comedic tropes.

🏆 Final Verdict

A fun, unpretentious summer heist. While it won't change your life, The Instigators is a solid choice for anyone looking to trade logic for a few laughs and some high-quality star power.

View original review on Letterboxd

The Dead Don't Hurt

 

The Dead Don’t Hurt (2023)

An Unconventional, Slow-Burn Character Study of the West

★★★☆☆

A somber performance showcase that emphasizes the hardships and injustice of the untamed frontier.

Directed by Viggo Mortensen, The Dead Don’t Hurt is a period drama featuring great performances by Mortensen himself and a luminous Vicky Krieps. This is not a traditional Western filled with action sequences; instead, it is a slow-burn tale that utilizes non-linear time shifts to explore the brutal adversity and systemic injustice of the American West. It serves primarily as a haunting performance showcase, particularly for Krieps, under Mortensen's strong and steady directorial hand.

"It's not a particularly satisfying or crowd pleasing story since it features overcoming brutal adversity. But it's entertaining if one is in the mood for an unconventional dramatic character study."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Viggo Mortensen
• Starring: Vicky Krieps, Viggo Mortensen
• Supporting: Solly McLeod, Garret Dillahunt, Danny Huston
• Composer: Viggo Mortensen

The Vision

Viggo Mortensen's vision for this film is one of quiet, tragic realism. By eschewing the typical tropes of the genre—the fast-draw duels and grand vistas—he focuses on the internal lives of those left behind during conflict. The non-linear structure acts as a puzzle, forcing the audience to sit with the consequences of violence before they see the events that led there. It is a mature, somber piece of filmmaking that prioritizes the female experience in a world traditionally dominated by male archetypes.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Triple Threat: In addition to directing and starring, Viggo Mortensen also wrote the screenplay and composed the film's musical score.
• Authenticity First: Mortensen insisted on historical accuracy, including the use of period-correct saddles and costumes that reflected the specific immigrant backgrounds of the characters.
• Multilingual Dialogue: Reflecting the true nature of the 19th-century frontier, the film features dialogue in English, French, and Danish.

✅ Pros

• Luminous, top-tier performance by Vicky Krieps.
• Authentic, meticulously detailed production design.
• A fresh, non-linear approach to the Western genre.

❌ Cons

• Slow-burn pacing may be off-putting for traditional Western fans.
• Deeply somber tone makes for a challenging, non-crowd-pleasing watch.

🏆 Final Verdict

A somber and steady achievement. The Dead Don’t Hurt doesn’t seek to entertain with thrills, but to resonate through its depiction of survival and silent endurance. A must for fans of Vicky Krieps.

View original review on Letterboxd

Horizon: An American Saga

 

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024)

An Ambitious, Unfinished Tapestry of the Untamed West

★★★☆☆

An impressive and brutal epic that suffers from its own massive scale and incomplete narrative.

Directed by and starring Kevin Costner, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 is a classic Western tale that chronicles the trials, ambitions, and resilience of Americans settling the frontier. It is an undeniably impressive and brutal look at the era, yet it is so ambitious that the multiple story format feels unwieldy for a single theatrical release. While it captures the epic visuals only the big screen can provide, the film ends so abruptly—with an awkward montage of future chapters—that it leaves the audience with a nagging sense of being unfinished.

"There is not even a cliffhanger or natural chapter ending to the movie. It abruptly ends with an awkward montage of the next chapter in the saga, which gives the film a feeling of being incomplete."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Kevin Costner
• Starring: Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington
• Supporting: Giovanni Ribisi, Jena Malone, Abbey Lee
• Cinematography: J. Michael Muro

The Vision

Costner clearly draws inspiration from the sprawling format of Lonesome Dove and How the West Was Won, aiming to create a generational epic. His commitment to the theatrical format for such a dense story is admirable, but it clashes with modern viewing habits; many will feel this belongs on a streaming platform as a limited series. However, for true fans of the genre, what is on display is riveting and entertaining, providing a cinematic experience that benefits from being shared with a community in a theater.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Self-Funded Passion: Kevin Costner partially self-funded the $100M+ budget for the first two chapters, famously mortgaging his own beachfront property to see his 30-year dream realized.
• Epic Scope: The saga is intended to be told across four separate films, making it one of the most ambitious original Western projects in Hollywood history.
• Production Hub: The film was shot extensively in Utah, utilizing the state's iconic landscapes to recreate the diverse settings of the American frontier.

✅ Pros

• Stunning, large-scale epic visuals that demand a big screen.
• Riveting and entertaining for dedicated fans of the Western genre.
• Classic, steady direction from a master of the genre.

❌ Cons

• Ends mid-story with no natural conclusion or cliffhanger.
• The awkward montage finale gives the film an "incomplete" feel.
• Multiple storylines can feel unwieldy and difficult to track.

🏆 Final Verdict

It is simply unfair to judge Chapter 1 in isolation; it fails as a standalone film but succeeds as a tantalizing introduction. Time will likely be kind to this project once the full saga is revealed and evaluated as a complete tale.

View original review on Letterboxd