Next of Kin (1982 film)
A psychological horror film about inheritance and family secrets.
Next of Kin is a 1982 New Zealand psychological horror film co-written and directed by Tony Williams. Starring Jackie Kerin and John Jarratt, the film follows Linda Stevens as she inherits a rural estate housing a rest home for the elderly and uncovers a series of mysterious drownings and family secrets.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Tony Williams
- Producer
- Robert Le Tet / Timothy White
- Screenplay
- Michael Heath / Tony Williams
- Starring
- Jackie Kerin / John Jarratt / Gerda Nicolson / Alex Scott
- Music
- Klaus Schulze
- Cinematography
- Gary Hansen
- Editing
- Max Lemon
- Studio
- The Film House / S.I.S. Productions / Filmco
- Distributor
- Roadshow Film Distributors
- Released
- 1982
- Runtime
- 89 minutes
- Country
- Australia / New Zealand
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The film was co-written by Tony Williams and Michael Heath, and co-produced by Robert Le Tet and Timothy White. Music was composed by Klaus Schulze, cinematography by Gary Hansen, and editing by Max Lemon. The plot centers on Linda Stevens, who inherits Montclare, a rural estate with a rest home, after her mother's death. She discovers old diaries and medical records suggesting her aunt Rita may still be alive, leading to a series of violent confrontations.
Reader's Guide
Next of Kin has been noted for its pacing and atmosphere, which Quentin Tarantino compared to Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. The film was featured in the documentary Not Quite Hollywood, where Tarantino praised it. With a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from nine critics, it has gained a cult following as an underappreciated Australian horror film. Its significance lies in its psychological tension and twist ending, though it remains relatively obscure outside horror circles.
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