They Who Surround Us 2020

Art & Craft

In terms of direction and visual craft, the film showcases striking cinematography that many reviewers find beautiful and haunting, especially in prairie and flashback sequences. However, criticism targets the direction as tedious and the editing as uneven, with disjointed shot choices undermining cohesion. The mixed feedback yields a mid‑range assessment, reflecting both the high visual quality and the uneven directorial execution.

Character & Emotion

When evaluating performances, some critics highlight Troy Ruptash's compelling presence and note strong supporting portrayals that ground emotional moments. Conversely, other reviewers perceive his acting as insecure and overly choreographed, and describe the overall cast as merely fair. This split perception of character depth and emotional resonance leads to an average score that balances commendation with notable criticism.

Story & Flow

The narrative is frequently described as thin, with a confusing time‑jump structure that hampers plot cohesion and pacing. Several reviewers label the story as boring and lacking development, while a minority appreciate its slow, subtle unraveling of grief. The dominant sentiment of narrative weakness and limited engagement places the story aspect in the lower mixed range.

Sensory Experience

Sensory experience receives strong approval, particularly for the hauntingly beautiful cinematography and the culturally resonant soundtrack featuring Ukrainian lullabies and original songs. Reviewers note the visual style and music enhance emotional depth, and no significant complaints about sound design are raised. This largely positive reception results in a higher score within the mixed‑to‑positive spectrum.

Rewatch Factor

Rewatch potential is divided; many viewers find the film tedious and unlikely to merit additional viewings, citing prolonged boredom and weak narrative drive. Nonetheless, a segment of the audience expresses emotional attachment to the characters and appreciation for the visual and musical qualities, suggesting some repeat interest. The overall limited appeal yields a modest rewatch score reflecting these competing viewpoints.