‘Never Let Go’ Movie Review: Missed Opportunities in a Captivating Concept

As the film begins to unravel its complexities, both literally and metaphorically, it feels somewhat directionless, unsure of where to head next or how to proceed.

Alexandre Aja’s “Never Let Go” is a survival drama that features a captivating premise and an unsettling atmosphere reminiscent of classic horror films. The story follows a mother, played by Halle Berry, along with her two children, Nolan (Percy Daggs) and Samuel (Anthony B. Jenkins), as they navigate a jungle in what appears to be a post-apocalyptic world. Their only means of securing food is to tether themselves to a rope anchored to their home’s foundation. Breaking this bond could unleash a malevolent spirit lurking in the jungle, prompting them to remind each other, “Never let go,” each time they venture into the unknown.

The setup echoes the familiar style of M. Night Shyamalan, seen in various films, including the recent “The Watchers,” directed by his daughter Ishana Shyamalan. Despite the storyline’s predictability, the film remains engaging at first, thanks to Aja’s impressive world-building and the strong performances from the lead trio.

One standout moment occurs during a tense dinner scene where the mother and one of her children clash over how to secure food. The mother insists that they must kill their dog to survive, but her child strongly opposes this idea. While “Never Let Go” doesn’t fully showcase Halle Berry’s remarkable talent, leaning more towards the tone of “Gothika” than “Monster’s Ball,” her performance still shines. The children, however, truly impress with their portrayals. Aja deserves credit for eliciting such a genuine reaction from Percy Daggs during the dinner scene, and Anthony B. Jenkins also delivers a noteworthy performance, making their characters feel authentic and relatable.

As the film begins to unravel its complexities, both literally and metaphorically, it feels somewhat directionless. The title “Never Let Go” serves as a warning for viewers to hold onto their seats while trying to maintain whatever sliver of anticipation they have left. This is unfortunate because the film has the potential to be a chilling exploration of social isolation. It touches on significant themes, such as the crucial role of maternal care in child development, managing crises, and how grief can manifest as a form of evil.

However, the film doesn’t fully capitalize on these themes due to its focus on trying to captivate and surprise the audience at every turn. The director rushes through the third act, leaving little time for viewers to digest the unfolding events. Consequently, one has to dig deep to uncover any semblance of coherence within the narrative. While it isn’t completely disjointed, the overall payoff is lacking.

Director: Alexandre Aja

Cast: Halle Berry, Percy Daggs, Anthony B. Jenkins