Modern day crime dramas seem to be ubiquitous over the past decades as the worlds indulgence with money, power, and conflict never cease to wane. Set in the gritty streets of Dublin, Ireland, the AMC+ series, Kin is yet another addition into the mafia series portfolio as this impressive crime drama that follows a familiar formula ironically results in an authentic experience. Though-out characters whom seem to have been inspired from past prominent figures in the genre and a string of stellar performances from the consistently fantastic Charlie Cox (Daredevil) , Ciarán Hinds (Belfast), Clare Dunne, and Aidan Gillen carry this series forward. The show is rich with overarching themes surrounding family and loyalty, justice and morality, fate, etc. and the narrative pacing allows for an engaging, albeit common, story to flourish.
Kin follows the Kinsellas, an Irish family that seek to establish their business and maintain their stronghold over various crime/drug ventures operated from within the city. The show primarily follows Michael Kinsella, the recently released ex-convict who is returning to the family and plays the role as younger brother to Jimmy and nephew to Frank (portrayed by Aidan Gillen) who ostensibly serves as head of the family. As the family begin to celebrate Michaels release, unexpected news sparks a blood feud between the Kinsellas and formidable Irish gangster Eamon Cunningham (Ciarán Hinds) that leaves the family with seldom options and forces them to make difficult decisions in order to survive.
While few of the shows individuals are classic stereotypes, majority of Kins characters feel genuine and are fantastically layered. Characters like Michael and Frank are complex in their motivations and have depth to their actions. Both can be ruthless and put the organization/family collective first but at the same token, they seem apprehensive to make decisions that, although are justified in the perspective of their peers, do not align with their moral compasses.
The question of identity persistently arises throughout the episodes as reality begins to test characters and audit their self image. Characters like Frank who have had to assume responsibility of the family but seems unable to align himself with the position unlike his entertainingly brash son Viking (Sam Keeley) who plays the stereotypical one track mind mob character who only sees red. Regardless, Viking was very enjoyable to watch on screen and has shades of Sunny Corleone from The Godfather. They all seem quite authentic and considering that majority of the cast are Irish as well naturally helps breathe life into the characters themselves.
The show also manages to exceed expectations by including a more diverse cast for a rather homogenous Irish society. Characters like Nikita, Isaac ‘Kem’, and Anna Kinsella are a few names that are racially diverse and seamlessly fit into the show. Surprisingly, none of them feel forced in any way and blend in with the rest of cast and crew which many shows struggle with and ultimately force the issue by shoving in racial topics that are completely inorganic and only serve to damage the work. Brilliant subtext surrounding these individuals (specifically Kem) paint real world complexities that immigrants may face in dominantly homogenous societies.
Kin is only hindered by some cliches and slight familiarity to other modern day crime works. You can’t help but feel that this show has some resemblance to the hit American TV crime drama Power but only with a bigger family and if everyone was, well, Irish. Maybe this is the cookie cutter recipe for these types of dramas nowadays but it is starting to feel a bit played out.
Irrespective to some minor grievances, Kin still feels like an authentic crime drama with excellent characters, a realistic setting and overall plainly entertaining. Outstanding performances from several cast members and coherent writing makes Kin one of the better shows of 2021.
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