Emma Stone’s latest film has generated significant debate due to a highly explicit scene that many viewers found shocking and unexpected for a Disney platform.
The anthology film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, was recently added to Disney+, raising questions about its suitability for the platform.
Known for hosting a wide range of content, Disney+ is typically associated with family-friendly entertainment, though it has increasingly ventured into mature territory through its ‘Star’ hub.
This particular movie, however, seems to have pushed the boundaries of audience expectations.
Kinds of Kindness explores the journey of Eloise, played by Emma Stone, as she navigates interactions with various individuals across three unique storylines.
The controversy centers on the film’s second chapter, where Eloise, a marine biologist who has just been rescued after being lost at sea, returns home to her husband, portrayed by Jesse Plemons.
The narrative takes a startling turn when Eloise and her husband find themselves in an explicit group encounter with another couple.
The scene, featuring full-frontal nudity and intense s*xual content, has left some viewers feeling unprepared and questioning whether Disney+ offered adequate warnings for such material.
This moment has reignited conversations about Disney+’s evolving content strategy and brand identity.
One viewer shared their thoughts online, stating: “Kinds of Kindness being available on Disney Plus feels weird and unnatural, like seeing a crocodile at the dog park.”
Another echoed similar sentiments, saying: “Why the f** is this associated with Disney Plus?*”
Others described the scene as ‘too dark and really weird’ and simply ‘too much.’
Emma Stone has addressed the discourse surrounding her collaboration with Lanthimos, expressing unwavering confidence in his vision.
During the film’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, she remarked: “I trust him beyond the trust I have had with any director.”
Stone’s role in Kinds of Kindness follows her performance in Poor Things, another Lanthimos project that gained attention for its bold, R-rated themes.
Despite the backlash, some viewers and critics have lauded the film for its daring storytelling and exploration of deep human connections.
Alongside Stone and Plemons, the cast includes notable names like Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, and Hong Chau.
Watch the trailer for Kinds of Kindness below:
