Warning: Spoilers
Never Let Go is a chilling psychological horror film directed by Alexandre Aja and starring Halle Berry. It delves into the depths of paranoia and family dysfunction. It explores fear and the blurred lines between reality, delusion, and evil.
Berry delivers a powerful performance as a mother driven to the brink of madness by an unseen evil that threatens her family. Her portrayal is both terrifying and sympathetic as she fights to protect her children from a threat that may or may not exist. The young actors, Percy Gaggs IV and Anthony B. Jenkins, also shine, conveying the fear and confusion of their characters with remarkable authenticity.
While the film’s slow-burn approach may not appeal to all viewers, it effectively builds suspense, creating a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. The ambiguous ending leaves much to the viewer’s interpretation, adding another layer of intrigue to the already unsettling narrative.
Even though the film is set in a house in the forest, it has a seriously claustrophobic feel. In many ways, the family is trapped in the home and can only venture as far as the ropes will stretch. The children often find themselves in a box beneath the home’s floors. As someone who is claustrophobic, I would rather take my chances with the evil outside.
The film’s pacing and lack of concrete answers to the mysteries it raises is a bit frustrating. The motivations of the evil force and the reasons for the family’s isolation remain unclear, leaving too many questions unanswered.
Only one scene in the film was truly horrifying: the dog scene. The thought that someone could eat their dog, a beloved family member, is entirely disturbing. I’d rather starve. Of course, they didn’t go through with it, but an unnerving few minutes had me panicking. It was a clever trick by director Aja. If he aimed to get under the skin of dog lovers, he nailed it.
The movie’s ending, which is open to interpretation, sees the boys being airlifted to safety. It feels like a set-up for a sequel. I don’t know whether or not there are plans for one, but one could be interesting.
Despite its flaws, Never Let Go is a thought-provoking and disturbing film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It’s a haunting exploration of the human psyche and the power of fear and evil and a testament to the talent of its director and cast.
The Blu-ray comes with several bonus features including:
- Making Never Let Go: Meet the talented team of filmmakers and learn more about the intricate creative process behind the film’s particular look and atmosphere.
- Creating Momma’s House: Step inside and learn how filmmakers found and prepared Momma’s house in the middle of nowhere to make the film as authentic and scary as possible.
- Deleted Scenes
- Theatrical Trailer
Watch our interviews with director Alexandre Aja and the film’s young stars. And get your copy of Never Let Go on Digital or Blu-ray now.
