NEXT OF KIN (1982) Blu-ray review

Next of Kin (1982) d. Tony Williams (Australia) (89 min)

Jacki Kerin stars as a lass Down Under who, upon reading her recently deceased mother’s diary, discovers numerous dark secrets about the family nursing home. In addition to a glowing electronic score by Klaus Schulze (Tangerine Dream), Gary Hansen’s elegant cinematography, and the presence of John Jarratt (20 years before reaching genre-icon status with Wolf Creek), the slow-burn twists and turns of Michael Heath and director Williams’ script deliver the goods, effectively coupled with memorable screen imagery and flowing Steadicam magic. (The final reel is packed with moments of wonder, including an unforgettable overhead slow-motion hallway run, the diner’s tension-building sugar cube scene, and the wall-crashing, head-splashing, explosives-blasting climax.)

Fool's Views (2/20 – 3/4)

Hello my friends,

Didn’t forget about you last week, it was just that come the final tally, I’d only amassed a half dozen flicks – only two of which were vaguely horrific in tone (although The Help was pretty damn horriBLE).

So, we dived back in the oceans to see what else we could harvest, emerging with bushels overflowing with pearls, seaweed, an old boot and the occasional pirate’s doubloon. Needless to say, we’re now saddled with an embarrassment of riches, so I hope you’ve brought your appetites. Before you lies a banquet of ghostly lasses, Hammer classes, glitzy disco glasses, and a wealth of other tasty treats. Hope you like.

As always, feel free to leave your two cents worth – we’ll make sure you get some change back.

Enjoy!