Cast
View All
Emily Bader
as Margot
Ari Notartomaso
as Clara
Alexa Shae Niziak
as Mary
Dan Lippert
as Dale
Kyli Zion
as Asmodeus
Jaye Ayres-Brown
as Samuel
Wesley Han
as Jeremy
Emerald Rose Sullivan
as Kendra
Roland Buck III
as Chris
Jill Andre
as Lavina
Tom Nowicki
as Jacob
Colin Keane
as Eli
Michael Short
as Elder
Al Garrison
as Mailman
Emily Brobst
as
Crew
Director
- William Eubank
Producer
- Jason Blum
- Oren Peli
Reviews
Ahmad
This is unlike the franchise's usual style, so I'm not sure why it bears the Paranormal Franchise brand. Even when separated from the franchise, the film fails to impress as a horror thriller. If you thought the characters in the last Paranormal Activity made some odd choices, this one tops them all. “If there's a secret door behind the cabinet, I'll open it. If there's a big hole under the church with marks of sacrifice, I'll go down there.” This was so different from previous entries in the franchise that it actually worked to the film's advantage in building tension, as the viewer never quite knows what to expect. At the film's climax, however, everything falls apart; despite a semi-satisfying twist, the whole thing feels anticlimactic and pointless. I wouldn't recommend this film to anyone, not even the most devoted fans of the franchise, because not only is it mediocre, but it also has nothing to do with the other entries in the series and accomplishes nothing plot-wise.
___
Rating: **4.9/10** *(Meh, More Unfavourable than Favourable)*
Nov 2, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director William Eubank brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 2492 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Escape Plan 2: Hades, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Wrath of Becky and A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge explore similar territory, Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 29, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 38m
Where to Watch
