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Next of Kin

Next of Kin

Action · Crime · Drama · 1989

Truman Gates, a Chicago cop, sets out to find his brother's killer. Meanwhile, another of his brothers, Briar (a hillbilly) decides to find the killer himself.

Movie details

Next of Kin

“A Chicago cop from the hills of Kentucky. Hunting his brother's killer. Seeking justice country style.”

1989 Action · Crime · Drama 1h 48m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

5.9 / 10

Community rating

Truman Gates, a Chicago cop, sets out to find his brother's killer. Meanwhile, another of his brothers, Briar (a hillbilly) decides to find the killer himself.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over Next of Kin?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

John Irvin

Written by

Michael Jenning

Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze

Truman Gates

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson

Briar Gates

Adam Baldwin

Adam Baldwin

Joey Rosselin

Helen Hunt

Helen Hunt

Jessie Gates

Ted Levine

Ted Levine

Willy Simpson

Bill Paxton

Bill Paxton

Gerald Gates

Michael J. Pollard

Michael J. Pollard

Harold

Court is in session

Put Next of Kin on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Adrenaline Seeker

“Momentum is a formal choice.”

The velocity sharpens instinct and tension, making every beat land before self-importance can settle in.

The prosecution The Auteur Devotee

“Speed as an alibi.”

The film races past its weak spots and hopes acceleration will keep the audience from inspecting the evidence.