REVIEW: Amongst The Wolves

"Honest, human, and raw."

Amongst the Wolves is a gritty, character-driven thriller that takes a stark look at life on the margins. Set against the streets of Dublin, the film follows Danny, a homeless ex-soldier haunted by his past, who finds himself reluctantly drawn into the life of Will, a troubled teenager caught in the grip of a violent drug gang. As their lives intersect, the story becomes one of unlikely friendship, personal redemption, and survival in a society that often turns its back on the most vulnerable.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its raw, documentary-like style. Shot on a modest budget, it leans into a stripped-down aesthetic that adds to the realism rather than detracting from it. The camera work is unpolished but effective, capturing the grit and grime of back alleyways, derelict buildings, and the emotional weight carried in every character’s face.

Luke McQuillan delivers a standout performance as Danny. He plays the role with a quiet intensity - his trauma is never over-explained, but you feel it in every cautious glance and heavy silence. His chemistry with the actor playing Will provides the film’s emotional core. Their relationship develops in a way that feels believable and earned, offering glimpses of hope in an otherwise harsh world.

However, the film doesn’t always deliver with the same level of finesse. Pacing is an issue - some scenes linger too long on atmosphere while others rush through moments that could’ve used more development. There are tonal inconsistencies too, as the film shifts from grounded realism to more stylised or emotionally heightened sequences that feel jarring rather than impactful.

Character development outside of the main duo is also limited. Antagonists are more symbolic than fleshed-out, and several side characters feel like missed opportunities - introduced briefly and then forgotten, their stories left unexplored.

Despite these flaws, Amongst the Wolves is a sincere piece of filmmaking. It has heart, and it clearly wants to draw attention to social issues like homelessness, PTSD, and youth exploitation. It’s a film with something to say, even if it doesn’t always say it as clearly or consistently as it could.

In the end, Amongst the Wolves lands as a watchable, emotionally resonant film that occasionally stumbles in its execution. It might not be ground-breaking, but it’s honest, human, and worth a look for its raw performances and grounded storytelling.

⭐⭐⭐

AMONGST THE WOLVES will be available on Digital Download from 2nd June.

FILM DETAILS

• Digital Release: 2nd June 2025

• TL;DR: Danny, an ex-soldier homeless in Dublin, meets Will, a teen fleeing a drug gang. Their encounter forces them to confront their pasts while navigating the harsh realities they face.

• Director: Mark O'Connor

• Cast: Luke McQuillan, Aidan Gillen & Daniel Fee

• Genres: Thriller

• Run time: 100 Minutes

• Cert: 15

📸 Strike Media Ltd