Never Let Go American Movie Review

Alexandre Aja’s Never Let Go is a thriller that teeters on the edge of psychological horror but ultimately fails to sustain its momentum. Starring Halle Berry as a mother frantically protecting her two young sons from an unseen evil, the film attempts to explore themes of parental obsession, survival, and unseen threats lurking in the world. Unfortunately, it loses its way by juggling too many ideas and failing to deliver a coherent or gripping narrative.

Never Let Go American Movie Review

Never Let Go American Movie Plot Summary:

YouTube (Lionsgate Movies)

Set in a remote, creaky house deep in the woods, Never Let Go revolves around a mother, played by Halle Berry, who is trying to protect her sons, Samuel (Anthony B. Jenkins) and Nolan (Percy Daggs IV), from a looming, unspecified evil. Isolated from the world, they are running out of food, water, and warmth as winter tightens its grip. As her sons grow weary of her constant warnings about the dangers outside, tensions rise, and the mystery of what the family is hiding from intensifies. The mother insists that the house is “blessed” and protected from evil, but as they struggle to survive, the line between real danger and paranoia blurs.

Never Let Go American Movie Cast:

Halle Berry as the protective mother, a character grappling with unseen terrors and the pressure of keeping her children safe.
Anthony B. Jenkins as Samuel, the older son, growing frustrated with his mother’s warnings.
Percy Daggs IV as Nolan, the younger son, caught between fear and curiosity about the world outside.
Matthew Kevin Anderson
Christin Park
Stephanie Lavigne

Never Let Go American Movie Review:

Never Let Go sets up a tense, atmospheric premise but fails to follow through with a cohesive plot or effective scares. The isolated setting, with its creaking floors and shadowy corners, initially creates an eerie atmosphere, but the film quickly spirals into a confusing blend of allegories and horror clichés. The story touches on themes of racial injustice, survival, and obsessive parenting, but it never fully commits to any of these ideas, leaving viewers uncertain about the film’s true focus.

The film’s best moments come in the form of subtle, eerie imagery—a pair of ghostly hands climbing a tree or the oppressive silence of the snow-covered landscape. However, these are overshadowed by repetitive, less effective scares like the grotesque figure of the children’s grandmother, who inexplicably appears vomiting blood and worms.

What Works:

Atmosphere: The initial setup, with the family trapped in a desolate house, offers a strong foundation for tension and dread.
Allegorical Undertones: The film hints at deeper themes, such as the unseen dangers Black families face in society and the thin line between love and overprotection, though these themes are not fully realized.

What Doesn’t Work:

Unclear Narrative: The film can’t seem to decide whether the evil is real or symbolic, leading to a muddled plot that’s hard to follow.
Missed Opportunities for Fear: Genuine moments of terror, like ghostly hands scurrying up a tree, are squandered, while less effective horror elements, such as the grandmother’s grotesque appearances, are overused.
Underwhelming Performances: Despite Halle Berry’s talent, her character is weighed down by clumsy dialogue and one-dimensional writing, leaving her with little to work with.

Never Let Go American Movie Cast Performances:

Halle Berry: Despite her best efforts, Berry is stuck with a poorly written role that limits her ability to shine. Her performance feels forced, especially in the film’s climactic scenes, where she is reduced to a tearful, frantic figure without much emotional depth.
Anthony B. Jenkins and Percy Daggs IV: Both young actors deliver decent performances, particularly in their portrayal of the strained relationship with their mother. However, the script does not give them enough material to fully develop their characters.

Verdict:

Never Let Go promises a tense, psychological horror but falters in its execution. The film’s lack of focus and its overreliance on cliché horror elements make it a disappointing watch. Despite the potential for a deeper exploration of its themes, it never fully capitalizes on its atmospheric setup, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. Overall, the film’s disjointed narrative and underwhelming scares make it a forgettable entry in the thriller genre.

Never Let Go American Movie Director:

Director: Alexandre Aja.

Never Let Go American Movie Writer:

Writer: Kevin Coughlin and Ryan Grassby.

Where to Watch Never Let Go American Movie:

Never Let Go is currently available in Theaters.

Never Let Go American Movie Rating:

Rating: 2/5

FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is Never Let Go About?
Never Let Go follows a mother and her two sons as they try to survive in a secluded house while fending off an unseen evil. The film explores themes of parental protection, survival, and fear.
Who stars in Never Let Go?
The film stars Halle Berry as the mother, with Anthony B. Jenkins and Percy Daggs IV playing her two sons, Samuel and Nolan.
What are the main themes of Never Let Go?
The film touches on themes such as racial injustice, obsessive parenting, survival, and the blurred line between real and imagined danger.
Is Never Let Go a horror film?
Yes, Never Let Go is a psychological horror thriller, though it struggles to maintain the tension and fear typical of the genre.
Is Never Let Go worth watching?
While the film has an interesting premise and atmospheric setup, it ultimately falls short due to its muddled narrative and underwhelming scares.
Where can I watch Never Let Go?
The movie is available for streaming in theaters.
What is the rating for Never Let Go?
The film has received a rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars for its lackluster execution and failure to deliver a cohesive plot.
How does Halle Berry perform in Never Let Go?
Halle Berry gives a decent performance but is weighed down by poor dialogue and a weak script, preventing her from fully showcasing her talents.
Does Never Let Go have a strong horror element?
The film has some moments of tension and eerie imagery, but the horror elements are inconsistent and often overshadowed by cliched and repetitive scenes.
What is the verdict on Never Let Go?
Never Let Go is a disappointing psychological thriller that fails to live up to its potential, making it a forgettable experience despite its strong cast.