Tarantino Compares Aussie Horror to ‘The Shining’

Ever since his groundbreaking work, Quentin Tarantino has solidified his reputation as a contemporary master of cinema. He’s known for movies spanning various genres, from war epics like “Inglourious Basterds” to Westerns such as “Django Unchained”. Delving into the horror genre in 2007’s “Death Proof”, Tarantino, the writer-director, has openly expressed his affection for classic exploitation horror. During the promotion of his 2015 Western film, “The Hateful Eight”, he endorsed an underappreciated Australian horror movie, even likening it to Stanley Kubrick’s interpretation of “The Shining”.

Despite being primarily known for his crime and action films, Quentin Tarantino has made a significant impact across various genres, excluding just a few. His work spans from comedy to thriller, war, Western, and horror, ensuring that every corner of his fanbase finds something intriguing. Acknowledging his affection for older exploitation cinema, he often recommends classic movies. In the realm of horror, he creates films that tackle provocative, unsettling themes. Like a seasoned film enthusiast, he is well-informed about foreign cinema and has expressed admiration for Australian films, naming a ’80s movie as one of his favorites in an interview.

Why Tarantino Recommends 1982’s Next of Kin

The Director Compared Its Tone To The Shining

In 2015, during promotional activities for “The Hateful Eight,” Quentin Tarantino traveled to multiple countries and granted interviews to numerous media outlets. During one such interview, when discussing his admiration for “Mad Max: Fury Road,” he was asked to name some of his favorite Australian films. He then recommended two iconic movies, “Roadgames” and the original “Mad Max.” Later, he highlighted the 1982 film “Next of Kin,” directed by Tony Williams. Rather than praising its plot, Tarantino appreciated the consistent tone it maintained, remarking that it bore a striking resemblance to Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” in its mood and atmosphere.

According to Tarantino in his interview, he described “the atmosphere of the movie as having a very distinctive feel, and the film most similar to this tone is Next of Kin. However, it doesn’t borrow any elements from it. The only thing they share is an eerie sense of foreboding that is uniquely its own.” Given Tarantino’s affinity for films like John Carpenter’s The Thing, it’s not surprising that this atmosphere of dread resonated with him, given the themes present in The Hateful Eight.

What is the Australian Horror Film Next of Kin About?

One Of The Creepiest Horror Movies Of The ’80s

Next of Kin

The story revolves around Linda, a young woman, who upon hearing about her mother’s demise, inherits Montclare – a quaint countryside retirement home. Upon arrival, she interacts with the elderly residents, caretakers, and rekindles an old romance with Barney. However, Linda starts to feel as if she is being observed, and her suspicions heighten when a resident mysteriously passes away. Plunged into fear and paranoia, she delves deeper into her new life at Montclare. As she goes through her mother’s belongings, she uncovers a shocking revelation – letters and writings from her long-believed-dead aunt, Rita.

As Linda’s time at Montclare becomes increasingly unsettling, with sightings of enigmatic figures lurking in the woods, she and Barney decide to delve into the matter. As she delves deeper into her mother’s writings, Linda comes to understand that she too had a feeling of being pursued, and that the recent drowning was not an isolated incident. When she discovers another victim, she becomes convinced she knows the identity of the murderers, and urgently pleads for Barney’s assistance.

In a surprising twist, upon their return, it’s Rita, disguised as a newcomer, and her son, Kelvin, who are unmasked as the killers. They had secretly killed Barney, with Rita confessing her reasons for the crime – she sought revenge on her late sister for committing her to a mental hospital. Linda, in self-defense, slays her aunt but finds no respite as Kelvin chases her into a nearby café. In a dramatic turn of events, he rams the building with a truck, forcing Linda to defend herself again.

How Next Of Kin Compares To The Shining

Both Movies Share A Sense Of Dread

Though they may seem quite distinct at first glance, _The Shining_ and _Next of Kin_ make excellent choices for horror enthusiasts who enjoy isolated settings. Both stories delve into similar motifs: the protagonist’s deteriorating sanity as they feel haunted, and a looming sense of an evil force observing them. In Kubrick’s movie, this menacing presence is discovered to be the ghostly spirits of previous guests at The Overlook Hotel, who relentlessly harass the Torrance family. Conversely, in Williams’ film, the antagonist is Linda’s vengeful aunt, infuriated by her sister’s decision to place her in an institution.

fundamentally, what makes both movies exceptional is the tension they create, compelling viewers to experience the fear and suspicion shared by their characters. As Tarantino himself acknowledges, at first glance, The Shining and Next of Kin seem quite different in terms of plot. While Stephen King’s masterpiece is a supernatural horror filled with ghosts and psychic talents, the Australian film leans more towards the conventional slasher flicks of the ’80s. However, upon closer examination, both films share more similarities than Tarantino might initially suggest.

In both movies, we see a collection of characters dwelling in seclusion while the main character grapples with an intense sensation of being observed. The climaxes of these films share striking similarities, as in each case, a woman and a child escape following a close call with a murderer brandishing a knife. Compared to Jack Torrance’s descent into madness, which can be attributed to either isolation, alcoholism, or spirits, Rita’s anger is more clearly justified.

Next Of Kin Features An Australian Horror Icon

A Modern Slasher Star Got His Horror Start

• Next of Kin was written by Michael Heath and Tony Williams.

Apart from being the main focus, “Next of Kin” additionally showcases a young John Jarratt portraying Barney, a significant character. Now widely recognized as the terrifying Mick Taylor from the Wolf Creek series, Jarratt has graced numerous horror films throughout his career, including the crocodile-themed thriller “Rogue” and 2015’s “Frenzy”. While these movies are commendable, it’s hard to argue against the fact that his most famous work rightfully stands as the pinnacle of his career. This film follows an Australian man with repugnant and xenophobic tendencies who preys on tourists in the Outback, and its graphic violence catapulted its lead actor into horror stardom overnight.

In the year 2012, Quentin Tarantino teamed up with John Jarratt for a scene where they portrayed a couple of Australians, escorting Django to the LeQuint Dickey Mining Company. Although this movie was Jarratt’s highest-grossing film, his character pales in comparison to Mick Taylor. Upon its release, Wolf Creek came to symbolize a fresh wave of gritty, realistic, and controversial slasher films. This film is arguably the most iconic independent cult classic of the 2000s, showcasing Jarratt at his scariest. Contrasting sharply with his heroic role in Next of Kin, this character represents the antithesis of Jarratt’s earlier portrayal.

Next Of Kin Is An Overlooked Horror Perfect For Stephen King Fans

The Movie Is A Great Psychological Thriller

• The Shining is streaming on Max.

The connection between “Next of Kin” and “The Shining” as companion pieces is spot-on. Although Stephen King didn’t contribute to it, the narrative, characters, themes, and atmosphere mirror the kind of short story he might have penned himself. Similar to his masterpieces, tension and apprehension take center stage rather than shocking scares. At its finest, the audience is left guessing, unaware of what’s unfolding. While some hints are dropped that could allow a perceptive viewer to predict the twist, it still results in an engaging conclusion, one reminiscent of films like the original Friday the 13th, but with significantly more suspense.

In today’s world, where there’s an unending affection for revisiting ’80s cinema masterpieces, it’s crucial not only to rewatch the box office sensations. Instead, delving into the obscure cult favorites, spanning genres like horror, sci-fi, thriller, and more, can lead to a profound appreciation of filmmaking. It’s intriguing to note that despite Quentin Tarantino’s somewhat dismissive view of ’80s Hollywood, his admiration for an Australian “Ozploitation” horror gem like “Next of Kin” only adds to its allure.

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2025-06-07 22:07