Kevin James Barry’s Among Them is one of those small, scrappy independent thrillers that manages to do a lot with very little. Reportedly based on a 90-page script written in just two days and filmed with minimal resources, it’s a testament to how far atmosphere, tension, and committed performances can take a film—even when the budget doesn’t stretch far.
The setup is classic: after a robbery gone wrong, two criminals and their hostage hole up in a desolate seaside motel during the off-season. It’s the kind of setting that oozes unease—a lonely place where time seems to stop and reality begins to twist. What starts as a straightforward crime thriller soon spirals into something stranger, a descent into paranoia and fractured identity that blurs the line between guilt, trauma, and the supernatural.
At first, Among Them plays it straight—a tense getaway thriller with strong performances from Nick Apostolides and Evalena Marie. But as the story unfolds, the tone shifts. The seedy motel becomes less a hiding place and more a psychological purgatory. Barry teases the possibility of the paranormal, but never confirms it, letting the tension and confusion build in the minds of both the characters and the audience.
The film’s pacing starts slow, taking its time to establish the mood, but midway through, the story tightens and the mystery deepens. The editing and cinematography—simple yet effective—help create a cold, claustrophobic tone that fits the wintry coastal backdrop perfectly. Even with limited gear and finances, Barry and his team make every frame count.
The performances are solid across the board. Apostolides and Marie sell the disorientation and quiet desperation of their characters. There’s a believable chemistry between the two that adds emotional weight to the surreal atmosphere. While some line delivery feels a touch stiff or distant, it works in favor of the film’s detached, dreamlike tone.
That said, Among Them isn’t without its flaws. The narrative can be confusing, with layers of psychological turmoil and hinted hauntings that don’t always land cleanly. The ending, in particular, leaves more questions than answers—perhaps intentionally so—but some viewers may find it frustrating rather than thought-provoking. The film occasionally seems to reach for something profound that never fully materializes.
Still, even with its imperfections, Among Them succeeds as an atmospheric and ambitious indie thriller. It’s part crime story, part psychological breakdown, and part ghost story—though which of those is real is left for the viewer to decide. For fans of low-budget mysteries that dare to do something different, Kevin James Barry’s Among Them is an intriguing watch.
Verdict: A moody, ambitious psychological thriller that transcends its low-budget roots with style and intrigue. It stumbles at times, but its mystery and atmosphere make it worth checking out.
Jessie Hobson