The Kindred starts off like a frantic horror movie before shifting to a psychological thriller. Helen (April Pearson) discovers a dark family secret while investigating her father’s suicide. What she finds includes ghosts and murder. Even worse, the past may come back to haunt her daughter. If it sounds like there is a lot going on, that is because there is. The film weaves in a lot of plot threads which can make things confusing at times. This mishmash of ideas also plays into what Helen is feeling. Much like the main character, the audience is never able to get completely comfortable.
As convoluted as The Kindred can get, it remains watchable thanks to the strong performances of the cast. This is seen most in Helen who evolves with the movie. At first, her role seems like it will amount to screaming and crying. As it turns out, she has a more proactive role. Pearson navigates the role multifaceted role perfectly. Helen is trying to connect with her daughter while also coming to terms with her family’s past. It is a wide range of emotions.
The investigative scenes are the best parts of the film. The plot has a tendency to become too predictable, but it never gets to the point where The Kindred becomes unwatchable or boring. This is thanks in no small part to director Jamie Patterson’s insistence on moving forward. The Kindred has a steady pace that will keep audiences interested.
Ultimately, this is what will help people decide how much they like the movie. It brings together various storylines and themes. From fractured families to supernatural investigations, The Kindred goes in a lot of different directions. It can be a lot to take in, but all the twists and turns lead to a satisfying conclusion.
The Kindred comes to select theaters and on demand January 7
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