The Paranormal Activity franchise, which once terrified audiences with home security cameras, now brings horror in a new form with Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin, the 7th installment that completely changes directors and approach. The film still uses Found Footage style but shifts the setting to a mysterious Amish community, with a plot that challenges fans' old beliefs.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Margot (Emily Bader), a girl passionate about documentary filmmaking, gets a chance to find her real family after her adoptive mother dies. She travels to an Amish community in Pennsylvania with her two-person crew: Dale (Dan Lippert), a cheerful young cameraman, and Samuel (Jaye Ayres-Brown), a handsome young assistant. Upon arrival, they are welcomed by community members, especially Clara (Ari Notartomaso), a seemingly friendly young girl. But strange events begin to occur—noises at night, mysterious shadows, and dark secrets the community tries to hide. Margot starts to suspect that this place may not just a religious community left behind by the modern world, but a gathering of something supernatural and extremely dangerous.
Acting and Characters
Lead actress Emily Bader as Margot naturally conveys curiosity and fear, making the audience invested in the truth-seeking. Dan Lippert as Dale adds color with well-timed jokes that relieve the tense atmosphere. However, other characters, especially community members, seem unremarkable and lack depth, making it hard to connect emotionally. Most supporting actors deliver standard performances, not particularly memorable.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
William Eubank, director of The Signal and Underwater, presents a Found Footage style emphasizing realism through the characters' camera perspectives. The film uses documentary-style filming, giving an intimate and realistic feel, but still lacks excitement compared to earlier installments that used security cameras effectively. The score by Nima Fakhrara creates a creepy atmosphere well but is not as outstanding as the series' original theme music.
Editorial Analysis
Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin is an attempt to refresh the franchise by changing the location and shifting from home hauntings to a strange cult in a closed community. The film tries to incorporate themes of belief, faith, and self-discovery, but doesn't go deep enough. Horror elements are fewer than previous installments, focusing more on building an uncomfortable atmosphere than heart-pounding scares. The pacing is quite slow in the first half, which may disappoint those expecting the classic scares. However, for those who like new Found Footage films and aren't attached to the original Paranormal Activity lore, this movie might be an interesting choice.
Verdict
If you're a hardcore Paranormal Activity fan who loves home hauntings, you might feel this isn't the installment you wanted. But if you're open to a Found Footage horror film that tries something new and is interested in cult beliefs in a closed community, Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin is a watchable film—not terrible, but not as memorable as the first.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +The Amish community atmosphere brings freshness to the franchise
- +Emily Bader's performance is engaging and draws you into the story
- +Found Footage style maintains realism and intimacy
👎 Cons
- −Slow pacing, less scary than expected
- −Supporting characters lack depth and memorability
- −The overhaul may not please old fans who prefer the original style
Top Cast
FAQ
This installment follows Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension (2015), but the story is standalone, so you don't need to watch previous films to understand it.
It depends on preference. If you like Found Footage and the mysterious atmosphere of an Amish community, you might enjoy it. But if you expect the classic scares, you may be disappointed.
The film was released in Thai theaters in 2021 and is now available on streaming via Paramount+ or for purchase/rent online.
Very few. The film focuses on an uncomfortable atmosphere and mystery rather than jump scares.
