The Kiss (2022) Movie Review: A Tragic Period Romance with Moral Complexity
The Kiss (original Danish title: Kysset), directed by acclaimed filmmaker Bille August, is a meticulously crafted period drama set against the backdrop of pre-World War I Denmark. Based on Stefan Zweig’s psychologically rich novel Beware of Pity, the film weaves a tale of love, moral obligation, and emotional ambiguity. With compelling performances and elegant cinematography, this film is as much a visual feast as it is a moral introspection.
At the heart of The Kiss lies a story that tugs at the conflict between duty and desire, set in a society bound by honor and appearance. Through its central character Anton, the film invites us to question the sincerity of our actions and the weight of our sympathies.
Plot Overview
Anton (Esben Smed), a young, idealistic cavalry officer in training, becomes entangled with the aristocratic von Løvenskjold family after helping Baron von Løvenskjold (Lars Mikkelsen) during a routine exercise. Invited to a formal ball at the Baron’s estate, Anton meets Edith (Clara Rosager), the Baron’s daughter who is paralyzed following a horse-riding accident.
What begins as a moment of social courtesy spirals into a relationship filled with unspoken expectations and emotional dependency. Edith, embittered yet vulnerable, clings to Anton’s kindness. Anton, unable to distinguish love from pity, finds himself caught in a downward spiral of half-truths, moral confusion, and suppressed guilt.
Performance and Direction
Bille August, known for Pelle the Conqueror, brings a familiar poetic realism to this adaptation. The film is emotionally restrained yet rich in visual storytelling. August doesn’t rush the narrative, instead allowing the characters’ internal struggles to surface gradually.
Esben Smed delivers a nuanced performance as Anton. His portrayal is filled with subtleties, using expressions more than dialogue to convey the emotional weight of his choices. Clara Rosager as Edith captures both the brittle frustration and desperate hope of a young woman seeking connection in the wake of physical trauma.
David Dencik, as Dr. Faber, stands out as the voice of reason and emotional clarity, offering Anton—and the audience—critical philosophical insight on the nature of pity. His scenes provide some of the film’s most reflective moments.
Themes and Interpretation
While the title suggests a romantic storyline, The Kiss is not a love story in the traditional sense. Its emotional power derives from its exploration of pity masquerading as affection. The film challenges us with difficult questions: Can love survive when it is rooted in guilt? What does honor demand of us when it conflicts with the truth of our emotions?
This moral ambiguity is what makes The Kiss both fascinating and discomforting. It doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, it immerses us in Anton’s internal conflict—between societal expectations, personal guilt, and the genuine desire to do what is right.
Visual and Production Quality
Shot with a painterly aesthetic, the cinematography captures the beauty and rigidity of early 20th-century Danish society. From ornate interiors to majestic cavalry drills, every scene is crafted to evoke both grandeur and emotional isolation.
Costume and set design are equally impressive, immersing the viewer in a bygone era where reputation and appearances dictated one’s fate.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Thoughtful adaptation of a literary classic
- Excellent performances, particularly from Esben Smed and David Dencik
- Visually stunning with detailed period settings
- Emotionally and morally complex narrative
Weaknesses:
- Pacing may feel slow to those unfamiliar with period dramas
- Heavy reliance on dialogue may underwhelm viewers expecting dramatic action
- The ending may divide audiences due to its unflinching bleakness
Where to Watch The Kiss (2022) Online
As of now, The Kiss is available for streaming in select regions:
- Apple TV+ (Denmark): Watch on Apple TV
- JustWatch (U.S.): Stay updated on streaming availability: Check on JustWatch
For U.S. audiences, rental or purchase options may become available on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Vudu. It’s recommended to monitor JustWatch for the latest updates on digital availability.
Final Thoughts
The Kiss is not a film for everyone. Its slow pace and philosophical weight may alienate viewers looking for conventional romance. But for those interested in the psychological and emotional consequences of compassion, guilt, and societal expectation, this film offers a rewarding and haunting experience.
While it doesn’t quite capture the full depth of Zweig’s Beware of Pity, it does succeed in highlighting the core emotional conflicts and moral dilemmas that make the source material so powerful. Bille August’s adaptation, though imperfect, is a thoughtful and often moving portrayal of emotional entanglement, duty, and the unseen cost of doing what is expected.
Have you watched The Kiss (2022) or read Stefan Zweig’s Beware of Pity? Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you haven’t, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in this deeply human story of love, pity, and moral ambiguity. Check out the links above to stream or purchase the film, and don’t forget to follow for more insightful movie reviews and literary adaptations.
