“There’s actually not a lot of kindness in the film, and what’s presented as acts of kindness are often the opposite,” he explained. “It’s thoughts about manipulation, power imbalance, control – what people do to feel loved and wanted, even if it’s not really love… Whether it’s a boss offering structure to an employee or a worship leader offering a sensitive place and it belongs to a woman whose life has changed, these things are not really kind, so when I see the title and think about the content, I guess it’s kind of ironic.’
“But there are some kindnesses,” answered Mamoudu. “There’s some hidden goodness in there that might not work out for them after all. There are some things in there that people do that are just out of the goodness of their hearts and for no other reason.”
“Is that true? maybe I’m just cynical,” Joe joked.
“No, I was cynical too!” Mamoudu thought, before reflecting on what the title means to him personally. “Kindness is, in its purest form, selflessness. It’s not about, “What am I getting out of this?” It’s just, “How can I help?” I find it really touching, even if someone says, “I’m happy for you,” I like to tell people I’m happy for them because it’s not about me. I think this is a kind of kindness. it’s just the energy being exchanged. There have been 1,000 people who have helped me — not just in my career, but in my life in general — to be a better person, and I consider that kind of kindness.”
Finally, both stars expressed their hope to be asked to work with George again and become part of his regular cast.
“Hoping and wishing and praying and dreaming!” Mamoudu laughed with his fingers crossed. “Honestly, I’m not even kidding.”
“I really felt honored to be invited back,” added Joe. “And likewise, I think, fingers crossed, I would jump in and do it again if the opportunity arose. Always.”
Here’s to hoping that at some point in the future we’ll see Mamoudou and Joe reunite in a George film.
Until then, Kindness items is now in cinemas in the United States and will be released in the UK and Ireland on June 28.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can call National sexual assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), which directs the caller to the nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here.
