MOVIES AT LA PLAZA: KAIROS-- Philosophy on the Air

Movie Review by Sergio Martinez

This Canadian film, directed by Jennifer Alleyn, offers an intriguing take on the subject in a minimalist style while tapping into the deep-seated roots of many of our anxieties, fears, and unfulfilled dreams. Set in Montreal, where we can recognize iconic landmarks such as the curved building at the corner of Sherbrooke and Jeanne-Mance, it introduces us to Manu (Emmanuel Schwartz), an actor with unfulfilled aspirations who, for lack of other opportunities, accepts a job as the host of a late-night radio show. This comes after other failed attempts, including the dubbing of a Polish film.

Manu begins by explaining to his audience the reason behind the show’s name: “Kairos,” a figure from Greek mythology representing a very special conception of time, distinct from the linear time represented by the god Cronos. At first, the show doesn’t seem to have much of an audience, even though he’s told that there are always people listening at those odd hours: taxi drivers, security guards, or just insomniacs. Eventually, calls from listeners begin to come in, and with them, the opportunity for Manu to engage in conversations ranging from the topic of suicide—focused on Albert Camus’s The Myth of Sisyphus (“what matters is the process, not the result,” the radio host will say)—to more mundane situations.

This journey through the various realms of philosophy will not be limited to exchanges with listeners, but will also involve Kiki (Olivia Palacci), the person in charge of technical operations during the program, who, at first, does not seem the friendliest person one could meet.

Kairos is a film that transports us into the intimate world of a man who, facing his own existential crisis, decides to share his loneliness with other solitary souls. On a winter night in Montreal—beautifully captured in Marc Simpson-Threlford’s cinematography—he delves with them into a series of philosophical questions that, in truth, can touch everyone. This film was originally made in French and is shown in some theatres with English subtitles. We strongly recommend it.

Runtime: 90 min.