Is The Kindred Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Kindred is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 93 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Kindred Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, The Kindred emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Science Fiction domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Amanda's deathbed request to her son, John, was for him to destroy all the lab notes etc. Unlike standard genre fare, The Kindred attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Kindred features a noteworthy lineup led by David Allen Brooks . Supported by the likes of Rod Steiger and Amanda Pays , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Kindred (1987) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Kindred Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Kindred is a Horror, Science Fiction film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Kindred Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Kindred concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Kindred reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Kindred?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
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Full Cast & Crew of The Kindred
- David Allen Brooks – John Hollins
- Rod Steiger – Dr. Phillip Lloyd
- Amanda Pays – Melissa Leftridge
- Talia Balsam – Sharon Raymond
- Kim Hunter – Amanda Hollins
Top Highlights
David Allen BrooksJohn Hollins
Rod SteigerDr. Phillip Lloyd
Amanda PaysMelissa Leftridge
Talia BalsamSharon Raymond
Kim HunterAmanda Hollins
Timothy GibbsHart Phillips
Peter FrechetteBrad Baxter
Julia MontgomeryCindy Russell
Bunky JonesNell Valentine (as Bunki Z)
Charles GrueberHarry
Where to Watch The Kindred Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
AMC+ Amazon Channel
AMC+
Philo
Shudder
Shudder Amazon Channel
Shudder Apple TV ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
The Kindred is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, The Kindred stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Kindred movie hit or flop?
The Kindred has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Kindred worth watching?
The Kindred is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Kindred online?
The Kindred is currently available for streaming on AMC+ Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+, Philo, Shudder, Shudder Amazon Channel, Shudder Apple TV Channel depending on your region.
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How The Kindred Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Kindred
**_A rural house on the coast of SoCal and the genetic mutations thereof_** A doctor in Los Angeles (David Allen Brooks) is instructed by his dying mother, a revolutionary geneticist, to destroy her work at the family homestead. So, he leads a team up there, but their stay is interrupted by some… thing. "The Kindred" (1987) is similar in spirit to “The Boogens” from six years prior and the soon-to-come “Slugs.” It mixes HP Lovecraft with horror bits from “Halloween,” “Alien” and “Jaws.” For instance, there’s an aged doctor in the periphery who’s reminiscent of Donald Pleasence’s Dr. Loomis, just less noble (Rod Steiger). It’s okay, but seems off somehow and therefore is the least of these, which explains its obscurity. The female cast is decent with Talia Balsam (Sharon), Amanda Pays (Melissa) and Julia Montgomery (Cindy), but the director evidently didn’t know how to shoot women. While it won’t strike you at first, the movie ends up being a cabin-in-the-woods flick. It delivers the goods just enough if you’re in the mood for such a film but, like I said, it’s not exactly great or even really good. It needed another rewrite to flush out more entertainment. It runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot at Laird International Studio in Culver City, but also nearby Los Angeles (the hospital) and Mentryville (Amanda’s house), which is an hour’s drive northwest of the city, just west of Santa Clarita. GRADE: C
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