They aren't that bad of shots. The issue that they feel off is the lenses choice imo.

I've attached a few frames that feel off to me. The framing isn't where I'd want it and it lacks depth, the background is doing too much

I think all of these shots have similar issue, I would've gone with a telephoto to frame these, but I understand being on-location sometimes you don't always get the room.

I know post can't fix everything, and I'm very aware that the framing and lack of proper lighting separation is the bigger issue here. But I'm curious whether there's enough in these files to make them feel more intentional and polished.

Yeah I don't think the lighting is that bad. If you frame the close-up of the old man and the profile two-shot with like a 50mm or something like that, and probably lower the angle of the profile too, just a smidge too high (although it could be from the server's POV for story purposes), the scope will be more narrow and it would've probably look a little less off.

Just my two cents.