Joshua Rivera
Updated on: October 12, 2024 1:12 pm GMT
In a world where danger lurks just beyond the door, “Never Let Go” presents a chilling tale of a mother’s desperate measures to keep her children safe from unseen evils. Directed by Alexandre Aja and featuring Halle Berry in a protective mother role, the film pulls audiences into its eerie premise but ultimately struggles to maintain the suspense and thrill expected from a horror movie.
Plot Overview
Set in a remote wooded area, “Never Let Go” follows a mysterious mother, known only as Momma (Halle Berry), who lives with her twin sons, Samuel (Anthony B. Jenkins) and Nolan (Percy Daggs IV), in an isolated old timber house. The trio’s life is governed by strict rules: whenever they venture outside, they must remain tethered to their home by thick ropes to prevent the mysterious evil from infringing on their lives.
The film opens with the unsettling notion that an undefined malevolence haunts the world outside. Momma frequently reassures her boys that as long as they do not let go of the ropes, they will be safe from the insidious threats waiting outside their door. Despite her attempts to protect them, the ambiguity surrounding the nature of this evil leaves viewers seeking clarity.
The Nature of the Threat
The evil in “Never Let Go” is elaborate yet confusing. According to Momma, the very essence of this malice has tainted humanity, creating a world where love is consumed by darkness. Here are some of the manifestations of this evil:
- Sinister creatures, including a snake that slithers among the forest’s roots.
- Zombie-like humans who pose a deadly threat if the boys wander too far from safety.
- An ominous figure, reminiscent of a family ties gone awry, who appears to have a personal interest in Momma.
The uncertainty surrounding these threats adds layers to their existence. Characters throughout the film, including a vengeful hillbilly (Kathryn Kirkpatrick), evoke fear, yet they never fully materialize as tangible dangers. This lack of clarity diminishes the film’s tension as plot lines and lore become convoluted.
Character Dynamics
Momma’s interactions with her sons reveal a complex relationship built on love, fear, and control. Her fervent need to protect them often blurs the line between care and confinement. Some notable dynamics include:
- Warning Stories: Momma shares ominous tales meant to instill caution, yet they sometimes feel repetitive and overbearing.
- Rituals for Purity: She engages her sons in rituals where they confront their fears, adding layers to the theme of control through fear.
- Momma’s Frustration: The tension reaches its peak when Momma threatens her children at knifepoint, illustrating how desperation can lead to extreme measures.
Throughout the film, Halle Berry delivers a performance that captures a mother’s love filled with paranoia. However, the script fails to give her full range, often limiting her character’s emotional depth.
The Film’s Downfall
While “Never Let Go” starts with a moderately intriguing premise, it soon struggles to deliver the thrills expected from the horror genre. Several elements contribute to its decline:
- Script Limitations: The screenplay by KC Coughlin and Ryan Grassby lacks coherence and depth. The repetitive writing undermines the urgency and suspense meant to drive the plot forward.
- Vague Lore: The complex background of evil feels less like a rich tapestry and more like an underdeveloped notion that clouds the film’s true potential.
- Missed Opportunities: Although there are moments hinting at character development for Momma, the lack of explosive moments or cathartic revelations ultimately falls flat.
The film attempts to weave thematic elements of motherhood, sacrifice, and isolation. Still, the experience drags down under the weight of its muddled storytelling.
Conclusion
“Never Let Go” tantalizes with an intriguing setup and compelling performance from Halle Berry but ultimately stumbles in execution. The film’s inability to balance its ambitious ideas with a coherent plot results in a horror story that feels disjointed. Aja’s foray into family-centric horror, reminiscent of successful films like “A Quiet Place,” might resonate with some but leaves many viewers longing for the director’s earlier, more tongue-in-cheek B-movie ventures.
The movie came out in theaters on September 20, hoping to grab the attention of people who love excitement and spooky moments. Even though it has some flaws, “Never Let Go” shows us a mother’s strong love, which is both powerful and filled with worries about a scary danger.
