Quartile rating: 6/10 · 1 rating
Margot is a documentary filmmaker looking to meet her long-lost mother and extended family in a secluded Amish community. She and her film crew soon realize the family that welcomes them into their home might be hiding a sinister secret.
Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin attempts to reinvigorate the found footage franchise by swapping suburban settings for an Amish community, which offers a modestly fresh backdrop but ultimately retreads familiar genre beats. The plot is predictable — outsider investigates creepy insular community, secrets unravel, chaos ensues — with thin character motivations and a cult reveal that feels derivative. Acting is serviceable for the genre, with the leads conveying adequate fear without standout performances. Cinematography makes reasonable use of the rural, dimly lit environment and the found footage format, though it offers little that distinguishes it visually from countless similar films. Novelty is low; despite the Amish setting twist, the film recycles demonic possession and cult worship tropes in a by-the-numbers fashion. The ending devolves into chaotic, CGI-heavy spectacle that undermines whatever atmosphere was built, landing as unsatisfying and rushed.