By Romey Norton September 30, 2024
Another superb script and acting let down by bad CGI and attempts at jump scares.
Synopsis
Halle Berry takes the lead as a fiercely protective mother trying to keep her children safe as an unspeakable evil has taken over the world. To keep her twins Nolan and Sam away from the darkness, she keeps them in her family home which is magically protected. When they leave their safe house they must tie ropes around their bodies and never let go. However, when one of the boys begins to question if the evil is real, their ties are severed, leaving the family fighting their inner evils as well as worldly ones.
Review
Never Let Go has a similar vibe as A Quiet Place and Bird Box, especially as this evil is something you cannot see - at first. It fits into the pandemic-era isolation thriller sub-genre well, and holds its own at being an original.
However, whilst the story is intriguing, the film needed to expand in certain areas for the audience to piece together the puzzle. For example, there are a lot of references to a snake, but not enough to deeply understand why. We’re told she killed her parents and husband, but never find out how and why.
By the end, you’ll have a number of theories as to what the story means. Is this a mother simply trying to protect her children from the horrors of the outside world, or is she so mentally unwell she’s built a toxic relationship with her children and is putting them in danger. Is it an inherited mental illness, or is there really an evil that has taken over the world. There’s a genuine tension and unease in trying to figure out where the real danger is coming from, and who or what is going to hurt these kids in the end. But what stands out the most is how what parents say and do has an effect on their children - this is powerfully and cleverly done.
What lets Never Let Go down is the shoddy CGI. It’s completely unnecessary and adds nothing to the fear-factor but instead might make you giggle. Sometimes films don’t need to show the audience anything - let their imaginations run free with what you tell them.
The acting is what makes the film worth watching. Berry’s portrayal of a loving yet forceful mother is gripping - you’ll question her sanity and intentions from the very first start. The two boys, Percy Daggs IV, (a fantastic newcomer) and Anthony B Jenkins give outstanding performances. They carry a good third of the film by themselves and will hold your attention as you figure out the world with them.
As the food source begins to run out, the family's dog is up for sacrifice, Daggs performance in this scene is emotional, honest and will have your heart racing. I am very much looking forward to his future career as an actor.
The last thirty minutes of the film are the strongest, where everything tries to tie itself together. It can be a little confusing, especially when two other characters are introduced, but leads to an over-all powerful end.
Never Let Go has an intriguing story, excellent acting, but misses the mark through its lack of information and out-dated CGI.
Star Rating
Never Let Go is out now in cinemas
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