'Amongst the Wolves' Review: A Gritty, Heart-Pounding Dublin Thriller
- Romey Norton
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
By Romey Norton - June 6, 2025
Amongst the Wolves is a decent Irish thriller, burning with raw energy and emotional grit, that turns a story of survival into a deeply personal battle for redemption.
What is 'Amongst the Wolves' About?
Set against the grey streets of modern-day Dublin, Amongst the Wolves follows Danny, a haunted ex-soldier battling PTSD and homelessness. When a teenage boy, Will, (also homeless) comes into Danny’s world while escaping from a vicious drug gang, the pair form an uneasy alliance. What begins as a chance encounter turns into a fight for survival, as Danny is forced to confront both his present and his past. Will, is simply trying to survive.
There’s a quiet fury to the way this story unfolds. It’s not just a crime drama — it’s a study in trauma, trust, and what it really means to protect someone when you’ve lost everything.
Luke McQuillan gives a quietly devastating performance as Danny. A man filled with simmering pain and a steady strength that grows with each scene. Opposite him, newcomer Daniel Fee is completely believable as Will, bringing a perfect mix of vulnerability and grit.
The chemistry between the two forms the emotional spine of the film, but it did need more development. More moments between to two, to help justify why Danny gives up everything for Will. Then there’s Aidan Gillen (The Maze Runner) oozing menace as the gang leader Power. He doesn’t play the villain — he embodies one, turning every line into a threat you can’t shake. He’s a fantastic actor, and it’s great to see him taking part in Irish cinema.
The direction is lean and unfussy, letting the city itself do some of the storytelling. The film pulses with realism — the kind that doesn’t need flashy editing or stylised violence. It just feels real. The camera stays close to the characters, moving around and with them. And when the violence comes, it’s fast, ugly, and deeply affecting. I was shocked at some of the violence - especially between such sombre and soft scenes. One minute someone’s talking in court, the next someone’s legs being drilled into.
Instead of overwhelming viewers with music, Amongst the Wolves often sits in its silence. You hear every footstep, every breath, every shout echoing down alleyways. Trusting the viewer to pay attention.
The script is gritty, with plenty of swearing, and little monologues to build tension and push the story along. As the plot develops, the film keeps a steady pace, but there are times you’re just wanting more of the hard-hitting action. There’s a lot going on, with Danny’s homelessness, PTSD, trying to reunite with his son, and then Will’s drug involvement with the bad guys means a lot of stories and spread thin, when they could have done with focusing on one or two and developing them stronger. Especially to have an impactful, meaningful end.
Is 'Amongst the Wolves' worth watching?
Yes and no — Amongst the Wolves is a gripping thriller but needed to pick a story and push harder. With themes of homelessness, gang culture, PTSD and the simplicity of trying to survive fans of gritty, grounded storytelling will enjoy this film.
'Amongst the Wolves' is available now on digital platforms
Craving more thrillers? Check out more of our reviews here at Film Focus Online, where we dig deep into the films that stay with you!
