Rating: ★★½☆☆ (2.5/5 Stars)
Released 09-13-2024
Watched 09-14-2024
Reviewed 09-17-2024
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club
"One touch without a rope on, is all it takes."
In Alexandre Aja's latest venture into the horror genre, “Never Let Go,” the setup is compelling enough: a mother (Halle Berry) and her twin sons, Nolan (Percy Daggs IV) and Samuel (Anthony B. Jenkins), are trapped in their remote home, bound by literal and metaphorical ropes to protect themselves from a mysterious evil outside. The concept of being physically tethered to safety is reminiscent of the constraints and fears many experienced during the pandemic. Still, the film struggles to capitalize on its intriguing premise, ultimately leaving the audience questioning the reality within the film and not in a good way.
The first act draws you in with a palpable tension akin to "A Quiet Place," establishing a set of rigid rules the family must follow to survive. The rules are simple yet strict: never let go of the rope, or the evil will consume them. As the story unfolds, we learn that this evil manifests as the family’s deepest fears and traumas—visions only the mother can see, ranging from her abusive mother to her cruel husband. The makeup and visual effects teams deserve recognition for these haunting apparitions, bringing visceral horror to the screen. However, the film never fully commits to its own mythology, leaving viewers adrift in a sea of ambiguities.
Halle Berry delivers a solid performance as the overprotective mother. Still, the script fails to give her character the depth required to explore whether she’s an authentic victim or the source of the family’s torment. The narrative teases the possibility that the real danger might be her unraveling sanity. Yet, it hesitates to dive deep enough into this psychological horror, opting instead for repetitive sequences of her sons' wavering belief in her tales.
The tension peaks as Nolan begins to doubt the existence of the evil, leading to a familial schism that could have been the film’s emotional crux. Unfortunately, the film’s refusal to clarify its central mystery undermines the climax, making it feel like a missed opportunity rather than a poignant revelation. By the end, the film leaves you with more questions than answers, blurring the line between psychological thriller and supernatural horror, but not in a purposeful or satisfying way.
“Never Let Go” is a film brimming with potential that never quite finds its footing. While it offers moments of genuine suspense and impressive creature design, the muddled narrative and lack of payoff make it a frustrating watch. For horror enthusiasts, it’s worth a streaming option on a quiet night, but don’t expect it to linger in your thoughts for long after the credits roll.
Comments