This film is so tightly wound. To say the least. The pacing is incredible. It’s a tension wheel that starts cranking so slowly you almost don’t notice it until you’re hooked when it hits breakneck speed.
When you look at the amount of story and character development that they have sandwiched into one hour and 26 minutes, you must credit the achievement. This Australian number was made in 1982, when there was quite a run of quality suspense and horror from that continent from the likes of Peter Weir, Richard Franklin and others. But this is one that doesn’t get the attention that its contemporaries do.
It starts off with a prelude that is a reflection of its denouement. One that is vaguely disturbing for its opening moments.
The story is that of a woman who inherits a a retirement home from her dead mother and finds herself encapsulated in a mystery involving manipulation of finances and family, buried memories, revenge, and quite possibly murder.
Does Next of Kin spell it all out clearly? Not really, but it still comes together in a satisfying conclusion and the final 20 minutes are a missile shot that you can’t take your eyes off of. Great performances all around, (including that of a young John Jarrett, who would go on to play one of the most terrifying psychopaths of the 2010s in Wolf Creek), beautiful scenery, and stunning cinematography make this film hold up even after 40 years.
Next of Kin comes highly recommended, (a Tarantino fave) but remember it is a slow burn, and by no means a slasher or monster film of any form. However, creepiness is deeply entrenched in its 90 minute running time, so as it inches along, it makes you feel more and more ill at ease.
This may not be something somebody wants to get together and watch at a party on Halloween, but it is a damn worthy investment of your time.
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