New Movies: Amongst the Wolves (2025) by Mark O’Connor: Redemption in Dublin’s Underbelly

Amongst the Wolves (2025) is an Irish crime thriller/drama directed by Mark O’Connor. The film follows Danny (Luke McQuillan), a homeless former soldier grappling with PTSD and the loss of access to his child due to past mistakes. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Will (Daniel Fee), a troubled teenager on the run from Power (Aidan Gillen), a ruthless local drug kingpin to whom he owes money. An unlikely alliance forms as Danny, seeing in Will a chance for his own redemption, attempts to shield the young man from the violent grip of Power’s gang, leading to a brutal confrontation that blurs the lines between justice and vengeance.

Mark O’Connor’s Amongst the Wolves is a 2025 Irish crime thriller where a homeless, PTSD-ridden ex-soldier forms an uneasy alliance with a teen fleeing a drug gang, leading to a violent struggle for survival and redemption against a ruthless kingpin.

Amongst the Wolves is a raw and unflinching look at the harsh realities of survival and the pursuit of redemption against a backdrop of urban hardship.

• Danny’s Desperate Situation: The film opens by introducing Danny (Luke McQuillan), a veteran haunted by vivid flashbacks of a tragic past in Afghanistan that left him with PTSD. He is now homeless in Dublin, estranged from his ex-wife, Gill (Jade Jordan), and battling for custody of his son. His life is marked by desperation, loneliness, and a quiet, almost lethargic demeanor that belies an inner turmoil.

• The Encounter with Will: Danny’s path crosses with Will (Daniel Fee), a vulnerable teenager who has fallen into debt with the menacing local crime boss, Power (Aidan Gillen). Will is on the run, seeking refuge, and Danny, perhaps seeing a reflection of his own past failures or a chance to atone, feels compelled to help him.

• Aidan Gillen’s “Power”: Aidan Gillen portrays Power as a one-note, yet terrifyingly effective, villain. His presence is consistently menacing, representing the pervasive threat of the city’s criminal underworld. A particular story he tells about his cruelty to his own dog underscores his depravity.

• The Fight for Survival and Redemption: As Danny attempts to protect Will, both men become targets of Power’s relentless pursuit. This forces Danny to confront not only the external threats but also his own internal demons, especially the unresolved trauma of his past. The alliance with Will evolves into a journey of survival that becomes intertwined with Danny’s personal quest for redemption and a semblance of peace.

• Gritty Realism and Social Commentary: The film is set against the “visceral and callous reality of Dublin City,” offering a bleak, almost documentary-style depiction of its underbelly. It touches on themes of homelessness, the impact of trauma (PTSD), and the brutal nature of organized crime, providing an unromanticized view of urban hardship.

• Blending Genres: Amongst the Wolves attempts to blend a “kitchen sink drama” with elements of a “bleak thriller” and a “classic revenge plot.” While ambitious, some critics note that this multi-threaded approach can sometimes stretch the narrative thin.

• Performances: Luke McQuillan’s performance as Danny is highlighted for its “quietly devastating” portrayal of a man consumed by pain and the burden of his past, capable of ramping up his intensity when forced into action. Daniel Fee, in his feature film debut, brings a mix of vulnerability and grit to Will. Aidan Gillen, while playing a familiar archetype, effectively “oozes menace.”

The film aims to be a “raw and authentic” crime thriller that not only provides suspense but also delves into the psychological scars left by trauma and the desperate struggle for a second chance.

Mark O’Connor, known for his work in gritty Irish crime dramas like Cardboard Gangsters and King of the Travellers, brings his signature style to Amongst the Wolves.

• Authenticity and Realism: O’Connor’s vision is to deliver an “unflinching look at the intense, gritty underworld of organised crime” and the “visceral and callous reality of Dublin City.” He aims for a “raw and authentic storytelling” approach, often using a “documentary-style depiction” to ground the narrative in realism.

• Exploring Darker Themes: He is interested in exploring the darker aspects of human experience, including the impact of trauma (PTSD), the cycle of violence, and the desperate measures individuals take to survive or seek redemption.

• Character-Driven Drama: While a thriller, O’Connor’s focus remains on the characters’ emotional journeys and struggles, particularly Danny’s quest for redemption. He uses the crime plot as a vehicle to explore deeper psychological and social themes.

• Mood and Atmosphere: The director employs visual and auditory techniques to create a somber and tense atmosphere, often utilizing “dark tones and muted colours” and emphasizing natural sounds over overwhelming music to reinforce the bleakness of the setting.

• Social Commentary: O’Connor uses the narrative to subtly highlight societal issues such as homelessness and the challenges faced by veterans, aiming to make viewers acknowledge “how desensitised we’ve become to much of the world outside the cinema.”

• Redemption: Danny’s central motivation is to atone for past failures and find a path back to his son, seeing Will as a chance to achieve this.

• PTSD and Trauma: The film vividly portrays the psychological burden of PTSD on Danny, with flashbacks and internal struggles shaping his actions and perceptions.

• Homelessness and Urban Hardship: It provides a stark and unromanticized look at the realities of living on the streets and navigating Dublin’s underbelly.

• Gang Culture and Violence: The pervasive threat of Power’s drug gang illustrates the brutal and unforgiving nature of organized crime.

• Survival: Both Danny and Will are in a constant fight for survival against the dangers of their environment and their pursuers.

• Fatherhood and Family: Danny’s yearning to reconnect with his son is a powerful underlying motivation, adding emotional weight to his journey.

• Justice vs. Vengeance: The narrative blurs the lines as Danny’s actions sometimes veer from protection towards a more personal form of retribution.

• Authentic Irish Setting: The film’s strong sense of place in Dublin’s urban landscape lends it a compelling realism.

• Mark O’Connor’s Established Style: Fans of O’Connor’s previous gritty crime dramas will be drawn to his signature raw storytelling.

• Aidan Gillen’s Presence: The inclusion of a globally recognized actor like Aidan Gillen provides significant draw, especially for fans of Game of Thrones or Kin.

• Lead Performance: Luke McQuillan’s “rock solid” and “quietly devastating” performance as Danny is highlighted as a grounding force for the film.

• Timely Social Themes: The exploration of veteran trauma and homelessness resonates with contemporary social concerns.

• Festival Premiere: Premiering at the Galway Film Fleadh in 2024 provided early critical attention and industry buzz.

Mark O’Connor’s Amongst the Wolves (2025) is a raw Irish crime thriller featuring a PTSD-stricken ex-soldier’s fight for redemption by protecting a teen from a ruthless drug lord in gritty Dublin.

Mark O’Connor’s 2025 film, Amongst the Wolves, is an Irish crime thriller set on the gritty streets of Dublin. Co-written by O’Connor and lead actor Luke McQuillan, the film centers on Danny (Luke McQuillan), a homeless former soldier battling severe PTSD from his service in Afghanistan. Haunted by the horrors he witnessed and struggling to maintain contact with his young son, Danny’s life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Will (Daniel Fee), a teenage drug dealer on the run from a ruthless gang leader named Power (Aidan Gillen). Danny takes Will under his wing, forming a fragile bond as they navigate the dangers of street life, forcing them to confront their pasts and face the harsh realities of Dublin’s criminal underworld. The film explores themes of homelessness, trauma, redemption, and loyalty. It was released in Irish cinemas on May 2, 2025, and digitally on June 2, 2025 (UK) and July 11, 2025 (US).

As a 2025 release, Amongst the Wolves is still early in its awards journey, but it has already garnered attention at film festivals and is benefiting from Mark O’Connor’s established reputation in Irish cinema.

• Manchester Film Festival (2025): The film had its UK premiere at this festival, a significant platform, especially given O’Connor’s previous success there (his film Cardboard Gangsters won six awards at Manchester, including Best Film).

• Galway Film Fleadh (2024): It premiered here in July 2024, indicating early festival recognition.

• Irish Film Institute (IFI): It was selected for screening at the IFI, a testament to its standing in Irish cinema.

• Other Festival Selections: The film has also been featured at events like the Irish Film Festival Ottawa.

While specific award wins are yet to be widely reported, O’Connor’s previous film, Cardboard Gangsters, was the highest-grossing Irish film of its year and gained significant awards, which bodes well for Amongst the Wolves in future award considerations, particularly within Irish and independent film circuits.

Critics have offered a mixed, but generally appreciative, reception for Amongst the Wolves. They often commend its raw depiction of Dublin’s underbelly and its ambitious thematic scope, but some note challenges in balancing its multiple narrative threads and character development.

• Irish Film Institute (Sunniva O’Flynn): Praises O’Connor for his “most assured work to date,” describing it as a “taut psychological drama filled with complex, vulnerable characters trying desperately to avoid their inevitable fate.” This review highlights the film’s strength in character study and its emotional depth.

• Film Ireland Magazine: Adam Matthews’ review commends the film’s “unromantic narrative centred around the visceral and callous reality of Dublin City, touching on themes of homelessness, immigration, and the scars left by trauma.” It praises Luke McQuillan’s “sedated, almost lethargic” performance as Danny, noting how the film “excels in capturing moments where Danny is tormented by fiery phantoms.” The review acknowledges the film “struggles in parts with the multiple threads depicting a multifaceted perspective of contemporary Dublin” and that its attempt to blend “kitchen sink drama with a bleak, documentary-style depiction of Dublin, and a classic revenge plot” is ambitious but sometimes uneven.

• The Indiependent: This review is more critical, giving it 1 out of 5 stars. It finds the film “not an ounce of thrill in it” and that it “lacks the sharp script and emotionally complex characters” of its apparent influence (Dead Man’s Shoes). The dialogue is criticized as unnatural, making characters “lifeless and wooden.” While Luke McQuillan’s performance is deemed “sedated” with only “two emotions,” Daniel Fee’s performance is called “amateur.” It suggests the film has a “first-draft feel.”

• Phoenix Film Reviews (Phoenix FM): This review highlights a “very strong start” that realistically portrays the struggles of homelessness but argues the film becomes “disjointed” as it shifts focus to Will’s drug gang troubles. Luke McQuillan’s performance is praised as “very strong” and Aidan Gillen is described as “menacing” as Power. The reviewer wished the film had “kept the focus solely on Danny and his struggles being homeless.”

• Screen Daily (Galway Review): Notes that the film “attempts too much to ever be judged fully successful, with its flaws somehow mirroring those of its taciturn protagonist.” While praising McQuillan’s “sturdiest asset” in grounding the plot, it points out that the film “gets a little lost in the woods before re-emerging as a bloody revenge drama.” It commends O’Connor for capturing “Dublin’s enduring homelessness problem as it collides with immigration in a manner that’s more interesting than the gang element at the film’s core.”

Overall, critics generally agree that Amongst the Wolves delivers a raw, uncompromising look at Dublin’s darker side and explores relevant social issues like homelessness and PTSD. Mark O’Connor’s directorial vision is recognized, and Luke McQuillan’s performance as Danny is often highlighted. However, a common critique is the film’s struggle to cohesively balance its various thematic and genre elements, leading to a somewhat fragmented narrative for some.

Audience reactions to Amongst the Wolves are likely to be varied, with some appreciating its unflinching portrayal of urban hardship and others finding its narrative execution uneven.

• Appreciation for Gritty Realism: Many viewers will be drawn to the film’s authentic and unromantic depiction of Dublin’s streets, homelessness, and the criminal underworld. Those who appreciate social realism in cinema will likely find this aspect compelling and impactful.

• Emotional Connection to Danny’s Plight: The character of Danny, a veteran struggling with PTSD and homelessness, will likely evoke strong empathy from audiences. His journey for redemption and his bond with Will are central to the film’s emotional core, which many will connect with.

• Aidan Gillen’s Performance: As a recognizable name (from Game of Thrones, Kin), Aidan Gillen’s portrayal of the menacing gang leader Power will attract audiences and likely be a talking point. Viewers might find his villainous presence compelling, even if some critics noted his character could be more nuanced.

• Debate on Narrative Focus: Similar to critics, audiences might discuss whether the film should have maintained a tighter focus on Danny’s personal struggles with homelessness and PTSD, or if the integration of the drug gang plot was successful. This could lead to different interpretations of the film’s overall message.

• Pacing and Dialogue: Depending on individual preferences, some viewers might find the pacing to be slow or the dialogue unnatural, while others might appreciate the deliberate pace and raw exchanges that contribute to the film’s grittiness.

• Themes Resonate: The film’s exploration of trauma, survival, and the desire for a better life for one’s child will resonate with audiences who appreciate films that delve into complex human conditions.

Overall, Amongst the Wolves will likely appeal most to audiences interested in dark, character-driven crime dramas with a strong sense of place and social commentary. Its raw portrayal of hardship and the performances of its leads are likely to be its strongest draw, even if some viewers might wish for a more focused or conventionally thrilling plot.

Amongst the Wolves (2025) is an Irish crime thriller/drama with a runtime of 1 hour 42 minutes. It is directed by Mark O’Connor, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Luke McQuillan. The film stars Luke McQuillan as Danny, Daniel Fee as Will, and Aidan Gillen as Power. Other cast members include Jade Jordan (Gill) and Louise Bourke (Kate). The film was primarily produced in Ireland, with filming taking place in Dublin. Key crew members include Ignas Laugalis (Cinematography), Eoin McDonagh (Editor), and Jamal Green (Composer). Jeff O’Toole is listed as a producer.

Amongst the Wolves is a product of independent Irish filmmaking, driven by:

Specific production companies are not widely detailed beyond the core team, indicative of a lean, independent production.

• World Premiere: Galway Film Fleadh 2024 (Ireland).

• Irish Theatrical Release: Began in May 2025.

• UK Theatrical Release: Began May 2, 2025.

• U.S. Theatrical Release: Scheduled for July 11, 2025, in select cities (New York, Boston, Chicago).

• Fan of Gritty Crime Dramas: Recommend to viewers who enjoy raw, realistic, and unglamorous depictions of urban crime and social hardship, akin to films by Shane Meadows.

• Character-Driven Stories: Ideal for those who appreciate complex character studies, particularly of individuals battling inner demons and seeking redemption.

• Irish Cinema Enthusiasts: A good choice for audiences interested in contemporary Irish independent cinema and its unique voice.

• Strong Lead Performances: For those who value powerful acting, particularly Luke McQuillan’s portrayal of a haunted veteran.

• Experience Raw Realism: Watch for an unflinching and authentic portrayal of homelessness, PTSD, and the dark side of urban life.

• Compelling Lead Character: Be drawn into Danny’s journey as he battles his past and fights for a fragile future, finding a chance at redemption through an unlikely bond.

• Mark O’Connor’s Signature Style: If you appreciate the director’s previous work, you’ll find his trademark grit and emotional depth here.

• Thought-Provoking Themes: The film offers a stark reminder of easily ignored societal realities and the complexities of justice and vengeance.

Amongst the Wolves aligns with the trend of socially conscious crime dramas, often independent, that use genre elements to highlight real-world issues like homelessness, poverty, and gang violence. It also fits into a growing number of films that explore the long-term psychological impact of military service and PTSD, focusing on the struggle of veterans to reintegrate into society.

The film taps into the significant social trends surrounding the challenges faced by veterans returning from conflict, particularly issues like PTSD and the difficulty of reintegrating into civilian life, which can lead to homelessness. It also speaks to the broader crisis of homelessness in modern urban environments, bringing attention to a marginalized population and the systemic issues they face.

Amongst the Wolves is a gritty, at times uneven, but ultimately affecting Irish crime drama from Mark O’Connor. While some aspects of its script and pacing drew criticism, its raw realism, strong lead performance from Luke McQuillan, and unflinching portrayal of social issues leave a lasting impression. It serves as a stark reminder of the hidden struggles in urban centers and the enduring human quest for redemption.

• Streamline Complex Plots: Filmmakers should consider how to focus multiple complex themes (like PTSD, homelessness, and crime) into a more cohesive narrative, ensuring all threads receive adequate development.

• Prioritize Character Authenticity: The film’s strength lies in Luke McQuillan’s “sedated” yet “realistic” performance, suggesting that authentic, nuanced acting can carry even a challenging script.

• Utilize Setting as a Character: Learn how the film effectively uses the “harshness of the city’s underbelly” as a character, allowing the environment to reinforce the narrative’s tone and themes.

• Balance Genre Expectations: When blending drama and thriller, ensure that the thriller elements are sufficiently developed to meet genre expectations, or clearly define the film as primarily a drama from the outset.

• Invest in Socially Relevant Stories: The industry should continue to support independent films that tackle challenging social issues like homelessness and veteran trauma, providing platforms for important conversations.

• Champion Regional Cinema: Recognize and invest in strong regional voices and talents like Mark O’Connor and the cast from Irish cinema, as they offer unique perspectives and authentic storytelling.

• Value Gritty Realism: There is an audience for raw, unglamorous portrayals of crime and life, and distributors should continue to serve this niche.

• Be Mindful of Content Advisories: For films with potentially distressing content (like animal cruelty), clear advisories can help manage audience expectations and ensure a more positive viewing experience for the intended audience.

Amongst the Wolves is a bleak but necessary look at redemption set against the unforgiving backdrop of modern Dublin. While it may not be a conventional thriller, its strength lies in its raw honesty, powerful lead performance, and unflinching portrayal of societal struggles. It’s a film that resonates for its commitment to realism and its human core, making it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a challenging and thought-provoking drama.