Kin
Co-directors Jonathan Baker and Josh Baker's sci-fi action thriller features James Franco, Zoe Kravitz, and Dennis Quaid. A young boy (Myles Truitt) finds a powerful otherworldly weapon, which he uses to save his older adoptive brother (Jack Reynor) from a crew of thugs. Before long, the two of them are also pursued by federal agents and mysterious mercenaries aiming to reclaim their asset.
The film box office disappointment against its moderate budget of $30.0M, earning $10.0M globally (-67% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its distinctive approach within the action genre.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Kin (2018) reveals meticulously timed plot construction, characteristic of Josh Baker's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 42 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.5, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (2% through the runtime) establishes Eli, a young Black teenager living in Detroit, scraps metal from abandoned buildings to help support his adoptive father Hal. We see his isolated, hardworking existence in a struggling city.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when While scavenging in an abandoned warehouse, Eli discovers dead soldiers in futuristic armor and finds a mysterious, powerful alien weapon. This discovery introduces the sci-fi element that will transform his life.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 26 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Taylor and his gang confront Jimmy and Hal at their home. In the violent confrontation, Hal is killed. Eli and Jimmy are forced to flee Detroit together, crossing into a new world of life on the run., moving from reaction to action.
At 51 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Taylor tracks them down and confronts them at a strip club. The fun and games end as the criminal threat catches up. Eli uses the alien weapon to fight back, but this draws attention from the mysterious armored soldiers who want their weapon back., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 77 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Taylor captures Eli and takes him hostage. Jimmy must choose between his own safety and saving his brother. The relationship seems broken, and Eli faces death at Taylor's hands, isolated from the family he just found., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 82 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Jimmy chooses to go back for Eli, embracing his role as protector and brother. Simultaneously, Eli fully masters the alien weapon. One of the alien soldiers reveals himself to Eli, explaining the weapon's origin and Eli's purpose., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Kin's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Kin against these established plot points, we can identify how Josh Baker utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Kin within the action genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Eli, a young Black teenager living in Detroit, scraps metal from abandoned buildings to help support his adoptive father Hal. We see his isolated, hardworking existence in a struggling city.
Theme
Hal tells Eli that family means being there for each other no matter what, establishing the central theme of brotherhood, loyalty, and what it truly means to be family despite different paths and choices.
Worldbuilding
Eli's daily routine of scavenging is established. Jimmy, Eli's older adopted brother, is released from prison. We learn Jimmy owes money to gangster Taylor Balik, whose brother Jimmy killed in prison. The family dynamic and criminal threat are introduced.
Disruption
While scavenging in an abandoned warehouse, Eli discovers dead soldiers in futuristic armor and finds a mysterious, powerful alien weapon. This discovery introduces the sci-fi element that will transform his life.
Resistance
Eli secretly keeps and experiments with the alien weapon, discovering its incredible power. Meanwhile, Jimmy struggles to pay his debt to Taylor. The tension between the crime plot and sci-fi elements builds as both storylines develop.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Taylor and his gang confront Jimmy and Hal at their home. In the violent confrontation, Hal is killed. Eli and Jimmy are forced to flee Detroit together, crossing into a new world of life on the run.
Mirror World
The brothers pick up Milly, a stripper fleeing her own troubled situation. She becomes a surrogate family member and represents the theme of found family, showing Eli and Jimmy what caring relationships can look like.
Premise
The road trip adventure unfolds as the makeshift family bonds. Eli experiences freedom and connection with Jimmy and Milly. They visit arcades, motels, and experience moments of joy despite being fugitives. Eli uses the weapon to protect them when needed.
Midpoint
Taylor tracks them down and confronts them at a strip club. The fun and games end as the criminal threat catches up. Eli uses the alien weapon to fight back, but this draws attention from the mysterious armored soldiers who want their weapon back.
Opposition
The brothers are now pursued by both Taylor's gang and the alien soldiers. Trust issues emerge between Eli and Jimmy as the danger intensifies. Jimmy's criminal past and selfish choices threaten to destroy their bond. The pressure mounts from all sides.
Collapse
Taylor captures Eli and takes him hostage. Jimmy must choose between his own safety and saving his brother. The relationship seems broken, and Eli faces death at Taylor's hands, isolated from the family he just found.
Crisis
Eli confronts his abandonment and questions whether Jimmy will come for him. Jimmy wrestles with his conscience and what being a brother truly means. The dark night forces both to reckon with what family requires.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Jimmy chooses to go back for Eli, embracing his role as protector and brother. Simultaneously, Eli fully masters the alien weapon. One of the alien soldiers reveals himself to Eli, explaining the weapon's origin and Eli's purpose.
Synthesis
The final confrontation unfolds. Eli and Jimmy fight together against Taylor and his gang. Eli uses the weapon with full control and understanding. Jimmy sacrifices his freedom to protect Eli. The brothers prove their bond through action, embodying true family loyalty.
Transformation
Eli, now without his father and with Jimmy arrested, stands transformed. The alien soldier hints at Eli's greater destiny. Though alone, Eli is no longer the isolated scavenger from the opening - he's found his purpose and understands the power of family.