[SXSW ’22] ‘It Is in Us All’ review: Powerful story about death & regret

It Is in Us All is a thriller from Ireland that wastes no time getting things started. Hamish (Cosmo Jarvis) is returning to the house his mother grew up in. On the way there, he is involved in a car accident that results in the death of a person. Evan (Rhys Mannion) survives the crash and begins an unlikely friendship with Hamish. 

From there, writer-director Antonia Campbell-Hughes slows things down. The film is a deep exploration into accepting one’s mortality, sexual curiosity, and family ties. It is a personal story that is that is carefully crafted. Each moment seamlessly flows between the ones around it. 

The performances are amazing. Hamish and Evan are opposite sides of the same coin. Where Hamish is  restrained to the point of being cold, Evan cannot hide his emotions. The constant tug throughout It Is in Us All is part of what makes the story so powerful. Both men are experiencing the complexities of dealing with regret, but neither seems capable of doing so. It is a combustible situation that can explode at any moment. 

It is in Us All boasts some of the best cinematography seen at this year’s South by Southwest. The lush landscapes of Ireland look especially beautiful while the more graphic scenes look gruesome. The camera does an excellent job of adding atmosphere. It matches the mood of its main characters – particularly Hamish – and moves between euphoria and despondency. 

There is a sadness that hangs over the plot. The incident that brings Hamish and Evan together is a tragic one that haunts them the rest of It Is in Us All. There is also the sexual tension between the two. As the bond strengthens, Hamish has to hold back his true feelings. It all comes together in a fascinating film.

SXSW takes place from March 11-March 20. Tickets can be purchased here.