Cry porn. Emotional manipulation. Tragedy porn. Whatever you call it, you know what I’m talking about. Film or television shows that do their darndest to pull emotion out of you, whether it’s warranted or not. Think “This Is Us.” With the new trailer from Lone Scherfig‘s “The Kindness of Strangers,” we may have a new addition to this genre.
“The Kindness of Strangers” tells the story of a group of, uh, strangers living in New York City. They’re all just ordinary people trying to do their best. Through another popular storytelling device in film and TV, surprising connections are revealed between the group. It looks like we can expect a “six degrees of separation” film told in a loose vignette-style. And as the “The Kindness of Strangers” goes on, we see them help one another through tragedy and triumph alike.
This film has a strong positive working in its favor — a stellar cast. Indie darling Zoe Kazan (“The Big Sick“) appears to lead proceedings. She’s joined by the wonderfully quirky Jay Baruchel (“Tropic Thunder“) and Caleb Landry Jones (“Get Out“). Andrea Riseborough of critically-acclaimed grindhouse flick “Mandy” and Golden Globe-winner Bill Nighy also appear in the film. With a cast like this, “The Kindness of Strangers” has a real hope of rising above the tropes set in place by emotional dramedies before it.
Check out the synopsis for “The Kindness of Strangers” below:
In New York City, six strangers’ lives intersect in a modern tale of ordinary people struggling to find help, hope and love. As the unlikely group comes together, they discover that liberation and triumph lie in each other’s hands.
“The Kindness of Strangers” drops in theaters and on video on demand on Valentine’s Day. Take a look at the newest trailer below.
