Lush and solitary, enveloped in foggy vistas and underscored by airy synths, “It is In Us All” emerges as an immersive narrative delving into the aftermath of a car accident in Northern Ireland, yet retaining an intriguingly abstract quality. Within the confines of the elegiac town and under the directorial lens of Antonia Campbell-Hughes, the film explores themes of lost souls, purgatory, and illusory characters, blurring the lines between reality and the ethereal.
Hamish (Cosmo Jarvis), a reserved and introspective individual, embarks on a journey to the grassy expanses and granite landscapes of Donegal to settle the estate of an estranged aunt. However, a fateful car accident, claiming the life of a young boy, alters the course of Hamish’s plans. Rather than leaving, Hamish opts to remain, delving deeper into his family’s connections to the area and forming an unexpected bond with the impish survivor of the crash, portrayed by Rhys Mannion.
In a remarkable portrayal, Cosmo Jarvis not only bears a striking resemblance to a young Tom Hardy but also delivers a performance that rivals the actor’s depth and nuance. Through subtle gestures and poignant silences, Jarvis masterfully transforms Hamish’s initially imposing and aloof demeanor into one of emotional vulnerability and empathy. The film’s underlying theme of a man consumed by business and oblivious to life is evident, with denial, distance, and hollow responses serving as recurring motifs. The reluctance to seek assistance, portrayed as a harsher fate than enduring physical pain, adds layers to Hamish’s character and underscores the complexity of his emotional journey.
Despite the stark and chilling setting, the film gradually warms as Hamish delves further into his past, uncovering facets of his mother’s life before his father’s indifferent presence. His evolving relationship with the surviving boy also contributes to this thawing, infusing the narrative with moments of odd yet heartwarming connection.
The wide shots capturing Hamish amidst the undulating hills and rugged terrain of the Irish landscape impart a grand scale and mythic quality to the narrative of the quaint town. Complemented by expressive lighting techniques — where headlights cast spectral glows and golden rays envelop the church — the film evokes a mystical ambiance. Scenes unfold with symbolic resonance; a solitary rock amidst crashing waves, a cow in a sunlit barn, and a man in a stark white room.
While set pieces featuring frenzied night swimming, synchronized bonfire dances, and warehouse raving under flickering red lights evoke excitement, it’s the quieter moments that truly enrich the narrative. Hamish’s curt retort to a loquacious receptionist and a passive-aggressive act involving spilled chocolate sauce add depth to the storyline.
Pondering the unsaid and unseen elements — the nature of Hamish’s mother, the town’s enigmatic behavior, and the uncertain fate of Hamish’s injured arm — serves as both a draw for the protagonist and the audience. However, amidst its concise ninety-minute runtime, “It is In Us All” occasionally teeters on the edge of saying too little.
Despite its brevity, the film weaves together a tapestry of contrasting emotions and unresolved mysteries, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of ethereal intrigue. Hamish’s solitary existence, the town’s desolate atmosphere, and the enigmatic characters all contribute to the dreamlike quality of the narrative. This dreamlike quality simultaneously enriches and challenges the viewing experience, leaving an impression that lingers, evoking further contemplation.
Film Information:
Title: It Is In Us All
Directed by: Antonia Campbell-Hughes
Written by: Antonia Campbell-Hughes
Produced by: Conor Barry, Emma Foley, Tamryn Reinecke
Starring: Cosmo Jarvis, Rhys Mannion, Claes Bang, Antonia Campbell-Hughes, Keith McErlean, Mark O’Halloran
Cinematography: Piers McGrail
Edited by: John Walters
Production Companies: Savage Productions, Pale Rebel Productions
Release Date: 14 March 2022 (SXSW)
Countries: United Kingdom, Ireland
Language: English
Budget: £400,000
Premise:
A Londoner returns to his ancestral homeland of County Donegal, Ireland and is drawn in by a teenager who almost kills him in a car crash.
Cast:
- Cosmo Jarvis as Hamish Considine
- Rhys Mannion as Evan
- Antonia Campbell-Hughes as Cara Daly
- Keith McErlean as Gabriel
- Mark O’Halloran as Father Mark
- Lalor Roddy as Grandfather
- Pauline Hutton as Avis Receptionist
- Shashi Rami as Bradley
- Isaac Heslip as Riley
- Claes Bang as Jack Considine
- Peter Trant as Officer Kiely
Production:
- Jim Sturgess was initially announced to star in the film.
- Principal photography took place from 14 October 2020 to 14 November 2020 in County Donegal.
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