Reviews: Kindred (2020) (2020) Movie Review
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Drama, Mystery
Subgenres: Black Horror, Twisted Mystery, Psychological, Thriller, Black Horror - Thriller, Dysfunctional Family
Exploring Kindred (2020) (2020) through our review, we cover its story, scares, and how it fits into the broader horror genre landscape.
Kindred (2020) attempts to be a gripping psychological horror-thriller, exploring themes of grief, control, and manipulation, but its slow pacing and predictable narrative hold it back. The story follows Charlotte (Tamara Lawrance), a young woman who, after the sudden death of her boyfriend, finds herself trapped in the home of his overbearing and controlling mother Margaret (Fiona Shaw) and stepbrother Thomas (Jack Lowden). As her pregnancy progresses, Charlotte begins to suspect something sinister is at play, questioning whether Margaret’s care is genuine or a way to control and imprison her.
Kindred (2020) – A Slow-Burn Psychological Thriller That Struggles to Deliver
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The film is heavy on psychological tension, as it leans into themes of gaslighting and isolation, reminiscent of classic gothic horror stories like Rosemary’s Baby. However, Charlotte’s arc feels stagnant, as she is rarely given moments of agency or depth beyond being a helpless victim. Her frustration and paranoia are relatable, but her character development never fully materializes into something compelling.
Acting and Cinematography
The performances are the film’s strongest aspect. Tamara Lawrance gives a convincing performance as Charlotte, capturing her increasing anxiety and desperation well. Fiona Shaw is chilling as Margaret, embodying a manipulative, controlling matriarch who weaponizes kindness to keep Charlotte under her thumb. Jack Lowden adds a layer of unsettling ambiguity to Thomas, making him a mysterious, unpredictable figure who seems torn between loyalty and guilt.
Visually, Kindred is moody and atmospheric, relying on gloomy lighting and claustrophobic framing to enhance the film’s oppressive tone. The cinematography effectively mirrors Charlotte’s isolation, but the film’s slow pace and lack of visually striking moments make it feel monotonous at times.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Director Joe Marcantonio builds tension through a slow-burn approach, crafting an unsettling, eerie atmosphere, but the film never fully capitalizes on its horror potential. The story lacks the necessary twists and urgency to make it truly gripping, instead relying on a predictable narrative that doesn’t add anything new to the psychological horror genre.
Strengths:
- Strong Performances – Tamara Lawrance, Fiona Shaw, and Jack Lowden deliver compelling performances, elevating the film’s tension.
- Atmospheric Cinematography – The gloomy setting and oppressive visuals enhance the psychological horror elements.
- Effective Themes – The film effectively explores gaslighting, grief, and control, creating an unsettling dynamic between Charlotte and Margaret.
Weaknesses:
- Slow Pacing – The film drags in several places, failing to maintain suspense.
- Predictable Plot – The story follows a familiar trajectory, offering few surprises.
- Underdeveloped Horror Elements – While marketed as a psychological horror, Kindredleans more into slow-burn drama, lacking the intensity expected from the genre.
Final Verdict & Score: 5/10
Kindred is a well-acted psychological thriller with an eerie atmosphere but suffers from slow pacing and a predictable storyline. While its themes of control and gaslighting create a sense of unease, the film never fully embraces its horror potential, making it more of a tense drama than a chilling thriller.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Kindred (2020) Rating Scores
- Our Score: 5/10
- Overall Score: 5.78/10
- MetaCritic: 5.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 6.9/10
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