Next of Kin

“Next of Kin” (2018): A Timely Thriller Exploring Family, Faith, and Fear

Next of Kin, which premiered on ITV in early 2018, is a tense and politically charged British drama that explores the complexities of identity, loyalty, and radicalization in a modern multicultural society. Created by Natasha Narayan and Paul Rutman, and starring Archie Panjabi and Jack Davenport, the six-part series is both a domestic thriller and a commentary on the global tensions that surround terrorism, immigration, and national security in the post-9/11 world.

The story centers on Dr. Mona Harcourt (played with quiet intensity by Emmy winner Archie Panjabi), a respected London-based GP whose life is shattered when her brother Kareem is brutally murdered in Pakistan under suspicious circumstances. As her family reels from the tragedy, Mona finds herself pulled into a web of secrets when it emerges that her nephew Danny (Navin Chowdhry) has vanished—possibly having been radicalized and recruited into a terrorist cell. What follows is a gripping narrative that places Mona at the center of a race against time to uncover the truth, protect her family, and prevent a possible terror attack on British soil.

What makes Next of Kin compelling is its careful balancing of personal and political drama. The series doesn't shy away from difficult conversations about Islamophobia, surveillance, extremism, and the alienation felt by some members of immigrant communities. Yet it also grounds these issues within the deeply human experience of one family being torn apart by suspicion and grief. Mona, a figure of calm rationality and compassion, finds herself at odds with government agencies, her own relatives, and even her own sense of identity as she navigates a situation where every truth is layered and every motive questioned.

Archie Panjabi’s performance anchors the series with strength and emotional depth. Her portrayal of Mona is nuanced—both deeply empathetic and quietly powerful, portraying a woman who is not only dealing with public accusations and private heartbreak, but also struggling with the cultural expectations of being part of a British-Pakistani family in a society that views her with suspicion. Jack Davenport plays her husband Guy, a fellow doctor whose unwavering support gradually fractures as the pressure mounts.

Visually, the series shifts between the gray, claustrophobic interiors of suburban London and the chaotic, sun-drenched streets of Lahore, Pakistan. These contrasting settings enhance the global scope of the narrative and emphasize the cultural tensions at its heart. The cinematography is subtle but effective, adding to the atmosphere of unease that permeates the show.

While Next of Kin was a one-season series, it succeeded in creating a taut, emotionally charged story that resonated with viewers and critics alike. Some felt the show leaned too heavily into thriller tropes, while others praised its bravery in tackling sensitive issues head-on. Regardless of its criticisms, the series stands out for its bold ambition and timely relevance.

In an era of rising global tension, Next of Kin offers a powerful reflection on the personal impact of political violence, and the emotional cost of suspicion in divided societies. It’s not just a thriller—it’s a mirror held up to modern Britain, and the families caught in the crossfire.