REVIEW: “Never Let Go” (2024)

As a seasoned horror enthusiast who’s had more than my fair share of sleepless nights thanks to the genre, I must say that “Never Let Go” is an absolute gem that harks back to the classic days of chilling storytelling. With Halle Berry at the helm, the film delivers a gripping, atmospheric survival horror tale that will have you questioning your own sanity and making sure the lights are on after dark.

In a return to the genre that initially shaped his career, French director Alexandre Aja delivers “Never Let Go”, a taut, eerie survival horror-thriller propelled by the captivating performance of its lead actress Halle Berry. This film forgoes excessive gore and startling jump scares (save for one instance), opting instead for a more vintage, chilling vibe. It’s as if you’re being told a spine-tingling bedtime story that grips both your interest and your imagination.

Never Let Go” is constructed on a straightforward idea but manages to be thought-provoking. Aja, along with screenwriters Kevin Coughlin and Ryan Grassby, craft the narrative meticulously. They subtly suggest and tantalize the presence of something ominous. However, they focus more on creating an isolated and close-knit family, detailing their intricate relationships, and preparing them for a struggle against an evil force, both external and internal.

Berry delivers a profoundly emotional portrayal as Joan, the mother of Samuel (Anthony B. Jenkins) and Nolan (Percy Daggs IV), who are accompanied by their pet dog Koda. They reside in an old woodland house, far removed from civilization. Through her dialogue, we learn that Joan claims the world has ended, hinting at a sinister presence lurking in the woods. She tactfully withholds specifics from Samuel and Nolan, instead allowing the audience to contemplate the enigma she presents.

Joan instills in her sons that their home serves as their sanctuary, a place where they are invulnerable. This isn’t merely a metaphor but a literal truth. Whenever they venture out to search for food, they secure strong ropes around their midsections, linking them directly to their house. “This rope is your lifeline,” Joan emphasizes passionately to her boys.

Scarcely anything is disclosed about the Wickedness, not even when the end credits start rolling. What we glean instead is that it thrives on anxieties and uncertainties, assuming grotesque shapes for those who perceive it. Joan is haunted by the Wickedness yet has successfully protected Samuel and Nolan from it. However, the boys encounter a crucial juncture. Should they continue to believe their mother’s assertions? The skeptical Nolan starts questioning the reality of the Wickedness, creating additional strain within an already tense home environment.

Aja skillfully transports us into his predominantly solitary environment. He skillfully employs the house and the ominous forest enveloping it to evoke feelings of loneliness and discomfort. Additionally, he leverages his expertise to create some heart-pounding suspense (make sure to watch it in a theater with high-quality surround sound). Needless to say, Aja is well aware of Halle Berry’s talent, who plays a pivotal role in the narrative.

Although “Never Let Go” offers plenty of intrigue, it appears to withhold some depth from us viewers. The narrative is filled with a myriad of deep themes such as mental illness, maternal bonds, and the concept of evil, but they are more presented than fully explored. Consequently, not all revelations by the end align coherently. However, this film manages to grip you tightly and, forgive the play on words, refuses to let you go. Following its screening, it might prompt you to keep a nightlight burning for a few days, and could even make you hesitant to venture outside at night. And that’s exactly the kind of reaction that makes this film so engaging. “Never Let Go” hits theaters today.

2024-09-20 19:56

REVIEW: “Never Let Go” (2024)

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