Among the Beasts Review: Tory Kittles Elevates Action Thriller

A Marine veteran (Tory Kittles) and drug dealer’s daughter (Libe Barer) search for kidnapped girls in Among the Beasts.

A guilty war veteran struggling with PTSD allies with a drug dealer’s daughter to find kidnapped girls. Among the Beasts wavers between serious character drama, rote action thriller, and a somewhat obvious mystery. Star Torry Kittles elevates the script with a hard-hitting performance. He packs gravitas and wicked punches as a man overcome by failures. The protagonist’s deadly serious countenance adds critical weight. Among the Beasts suffers from a cinematographic imbalance. Multiple scenes are too dark and hazy. The pieces don’t come together smoothly, but Kittles certainly keeps you engaged.

Paul (Kittles), known as LT because of his Marines service, sits with twelve-year-old Kayla (Mia Mei Williamson) at the veterinarian. She’s worried her beloved dog is sick. Kayla’s father, Bobby, was killed in action under his command. LT has sworn to care for her and Bobby’s family. LT decompresses by sparring with the men in his old unit. The veterans band together to overcome the horrors they experienced.

Kayla’s Missing

LT races to the police station to meet Kayla’s mother and aunt. Her purse was found on the street in front of a local bar. The police think she may have run away. LT promises he will find her. A year later, Kayla is still missing. LT has descended into alcoholism and drug abuse. He’s lost the will to live.

LT gets a visit from Lola (Libe Barer) and her bodyguard (Sarunas J. Jackson). Lola is the daughter of an imprisoned drug lord. Her thirteen-year-old cousin was recently snatched. Lola needs to find her without the police. LT comes out of his stupor with Lola’s new clues. Could Kayla’s disappearance be connected? He resolves to find the culprit at all costs. They uncover a conspiracy with a startling connection.

A Broken Man

Among the Beasts dramatically shifts tone between acts. The beginning focuses on LT’s efforts to do right. He’s haunted by Bobby’s death. LT leads his men on the battlefield and the home front. They peel him off the floor as he succumbs to inner demons. His inability to find Kayla has left him a broken man. He’s let down a beloved comrade twice. LT’s life no longer has purpose. Kittles sells the despair and frustration.

Related: Among the Beasts Clip Gives Sneak Peek of Tory Kittles Investigating the Disappearance of His Niece

Lola’s introduction turns the film into a version of Taken. Good character development is replaced by procedural action. The partners run into the usual slew of goons and nitwits before finding their target. Who learns that LT means business and will inflict brutal punishment to get answers. You didn’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to catch this baddie. Actor turned director/writer Matthew Newton (Underbelly, From Nowhere) needed to beef up the material. It was fairly easy to guess the mastermind behind the curtain. That said, the ending isn’t predictable. But the breadcrumbs to get there aren’t difficult to find.

Coming Out of Darkness

Among the Beasts has LT coming out of darkness. This thematic progression stumbles. Parts of the film are poorly lit and lack definition. This would normally be a fatal blow. Kittles strong performance holds your interest to an unexpected conclusion. I’m on board for further missions with LT.

Among the Beasts is a production of Cubby House Pictures and Cavalry Independent. It will have a VOD and limited theatrical release from Gravitas Ventures on February 10th.