‘Never Let Go’ Review: Halle Berry Rolls Out the Unwelcome Mat to Evil Spirits in Creepy Horror Flick

As a cinephile who’s seen more horror movies than I care to count, I must confess that “Never Let Go” has made a lasting impression on me. This film is not just another haunting tale of spirits tormenting a secluded cabin; it delves deeper into the psyche of its characters, drawing us into their harrowing ordeal with an unrelenting grip.

Never Let Go” doesn’t aim to revolutionize classic horror tropes in its portrayal of sinister forces haunting a remote cabin. It shares some similarities with “Bird Box,” featuring a protective mother and her children trying to outrun an ominous presence, but it carves out its own path. Director Alexandre Aja delves deep into the psychological turmoil of one family as they grapple with a worsening nightmare. The movie skillfully derives its scares from the characters’ personal conflicts and internal struggles, creating a chilling, suspenseful vibe. Although not all the innovative concepts coalesce seamlessly in the climax, the film’s reflections on loss, mental health, rebellion, and redemption are tightly woven together, intensifying the nightmarish, claustrophobic horror and enhancing the fear-laden, tense ambiance.

Halle Berry‘s character, Momma, secludes her sons Samuel (Anthony B. Jenkins) and Nolan (Percy Daggs IV), who are fraternal twins, in a secluded cabin nestled deep within an untamed forest, surrounded by towering trees. The thick foliage serves as a natural barrier, safeguarding the threesome from the world outside. This isolation isn’t confinement; rather, it shields them from the dangers lurking in society.

As Momma explains, the world outside seems corrupted by wickedness, with malicious spirits lurking to seize their innocent souls as they step beyond their porch. The group must attach a strong rope to their home whenever they go out and, upon returning, follow a daily routine of spiritual practices – such as kneeling to touch an ornamental floor door during prayer and meditating within the small storage area beneath – to maintain the magical functionality of their off-grid refuge.

Tragically, the close-knit family’s isolated life is disrupted when an excursion to gather food ends poorly for them. Samuel accidentally slips his leash and breaks an ankle, while Nolan drops the cable in an attempt to save him. The mother miraculously rescues them both from a cunning imposter claiming to be Grandma Kathryn Kirkpatrick, who terrorizes them but cannot physically harm her. However, only Momma experiences this malevolent apparition, causing Nolan to doubt the existence of the monsters she often warns about in her dark bedtime tales. He begins to suspect that his mother may be causing more trouble than she’s worth. As Nolan encourages Samuel to defy their mother’s authority, their food supply depletes due to harsh environmental factors. Just as they face their most critical moment, a change in the brothers’ relationship occurs, straining their once-strong bond.

In his past films such as “High Tension” and the remake of “The Hills Have Eyes,” French director Alexandre Aja excels at crafting tales about ordinary individuals facing seemingly impossible, terrifying situations. These stories are concise, effectively speeding up the plot and introducing unexpected twists. Similarly, in “Never Let Go,” he fearlessly delves into similarly dismal scenarios, skillfully tapping into the common, universal fears of both the characters and the viewers who hope for their survival.

In a compelling manner, Aja along with screenwriters KC Coughlin and Ryan Grassby craft taut, gripping, and well-structured storylines for their troubled characters. As we become deeply invested in their predicaments and internal struggles, we anxiously await the moment when their dwindling resources will be depleted – portrayed through a rapid succession of scenes, depicting the decay of their pantry and greenhouse over time. The skillful editing by Elliot Greenberg, the unsettling synth-heavy score by Rob, and the cool-toned cinematography by Maxime Alexandre effectively set the stage for disaster.

Tensions rise when the emaciated Samuel and Nolan find themselves in a high-stakes situation involving their family pet, which triggers a fight-or-flight response. It is during this moment that Jenkins and Daggs’ contributions really shine. They shoulder a significant burden, using their natural talent and introspective abilities to drive the film. The young performers deliver emotionally raw and nuanced performances that are both heartbreaking and captivating.

The film’s frights aren’t limited to cheap jump scares caused by creepy creatures, although those are unfortunately present. Rather, the more gutting aspects come back to how the insidiousness of evil works to split apart this happy, loving family. It causes doubt, dissent and deception, leading to visceral, heated arguments and hellacious outcomes. There’s hefty resonance to the push-pull of the main conflict between Momma, who desperately wants to protect her sons from evil she’s witnessed, and her boys, whose split convictions are put to the test in the third act. Berry brilliantly humanizes and grounds this flawed mother figure, bestowing her with wit, wisdom and a rich internality. From a lesser actor, Momma’s cruel punishments would come across as campy. But in Berry’s hands, this woman’s blunt stoicism is cloaking deep pain and, possibly, a struggle with mental illness. Her actions, scars and sick tattoos provide unspoken clues about Momma’s upbringing, rebellion and penance.

Throughout our adventure from start to finish, we’re left questioning whether the monsters we encounter are genuine or merely figments of cabin fever. This seems designed to provoke discussion, given that there truly are terrifying evils in reality. However, one aspect this imaginative campfire story might lack is a clever, satisfying conclusion. It’s perhaps the rare instance where “Never Let Go” fails to keep us hooked.

2024-09-17 06:18

‘Never Let Go’ Review: Halle Berry Rolls Out the Unwelcome Mat to Evil Spirits in Creepy Horror Flick

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