Movie Review: IFC Midnight’s ‘Kindred’ (2020) is A Mind-Boggling Psychological Thriller

Man, the last couple of weeks I’ve watched a plethora of amazing thriller and horror films and I can’t get enough of them. It’s definitely been one of the highlights of 2020 for me. One of those films is the new psychological thriller, Kindred from IFC Midnight.

The film was directed by Joe Marcantonio as well as co-written by himself and Jason McColgan. The cast includes break-out actress Tamara Lawrance (The Long Song, Small Axe), BAFTA Award nominee Jack Lowden (Dunkirk, Fighting With My Family), BAFTA Award winner and Emmy nominee Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve, Harry Potter franchise).

Synopsis for Kindred

When her boyfriend Ben suddenly dies in an accident, mother-to-be Charlotte collapses upon receiving the news. She wakes up in Ben’s family home, a crumbling old manor house in the middle of nowhere with Ben’s overbearing mother, Margaret, and his controlling stepbrother, Thomas. They are determined to care for her, at least until the baby arrives. Grief stricken and increasingly haunted by visions possibly brought on by the pregnancy, Charlotte accepts their help. But as the days go by and her visions intensify, she begins to doubt the family’s intentions and her suspicions grow that they may be trying to control her and her unborn baby.

Out of all the films IFC Midinght has put out this year, I think Kindred may be my new favorite. This film delivered on all aspects with a creepy atmosphere, a unique and twisted story, award-winning performances, and a mindboggling ending.

Tamara Lawrance has proven to be a brilliant actress and her performance was triumphant. She stole the show and delivered a hauntingly emotional performance that will make the strongest person uneasy. As always, Fiona Shaw delivered a performance to die for. Her character was complicated and confusing. Part of me felt like she was just lonely and mourning the loss of her son, while the other part of me thought she was a narcissistic control freak who had taken things way too far. Jack Lowden’s character gave me the creeps from beginning to end and his performance was uncomfortably brilliant.

The film was shot beautifully with quality cinematography, memorable scenes, and a great musical score. All of things created a haunting and claustrophobic atmosphere that paired perfectly with the story. Although Kindred isn’t one that sheds much blood, it’s a psychological mindfuck. That ending will drive you mad!

Final Thoughts

This is a film that has stuck with me long after the credits ended and I’m still mad about that ending. Kindred will open in Select Theaters, on Digital Platforms and VOD on November 6th! Be sure to check it out as this is one you won’t want to miss!