Family can be the tie that binds us. But if the crime epic ‘Kin’ has anything to do with it, it might be the one that breaks us.
‘Kin’ delves deep into the world of organised crime through the notorious Kinsellas, one of Dublin’s most feared and respected bloodlines. After a meaningless act of violence leads to one of their own on the wrong side of a drive-by shooting, they are plunged deep into a power struggle where loyalties are tested, and the streets are flooded in cold crimson.
In a taut eight episodes, ‘Kin’ delivers all the politics, violence, and threats sung in that oh-so-lyrical Irish accent you could ever want. However, dig below the series’ slick genre offerings, and you’ll find a family drama of Shakespearean proportions. In each episode, we get to know the dark and intricate relationships that define the Kinsellas. Secrets are revealed, familial roles are shaken, and bonds are forever broken.
At the beating heart of the series lies a tender performance by Charlie Cox, who leads an ensemble of Irish thespians. The English actor has made a career by portraying complex men trying to find their place in the world. He has brought his talents to significant productions like Stardust, The Theory Of Everything, Boardwalk Empire, and Daredevil–which made him a household name. In Kin, we see him bring a combination of fragility and simmering rage to protagonist Michael Kinsella. Combining series creator Peter McKenna’s gritty writing and Cox’s nuanced rendition gives Michael a confliction that feels authentic and tactile – somewhat of a rarity in this genre. By the end, we understand how Michael’s trauma has shaped him into a man torn between familial responsibilities and his old violent ways. It might end up being the double-edged sword he falls upon–no spoilers here!
Special thanks to Charlie Cox for taking the time to chat with us. Kin is now available exclusively via the AMC+ streaming bundle. Watch all 8 episodes here.
