A creaky cabin surrounded by oppressive woodland inhabited by a mysterious presence. Sound familiar? Well, that’s because it is.
Though a lesser-seen presence in recent years, Halle Berry delivers a gripping performance in Never Let Go as a mother battling supernatural forces while caring for her twin sons. Her portrayal teeters between madness and truth.Is she truly haunted by an evil presence, or unraveling mentally under the pressure of keeping herself and her boys alive in what she deems is the end of the world? Berry masterfully balances fear, desperation, and vulnerability, keeping viewers on edge. This ambiguity, coupled with Berry’s commitment, elevates the film despite some narrative shortcomings, making her the standout in an otherwise hit and miss film.
The twin boys deliver impressively nuanced performances, especially given their young age. Samuel (Anthony P. Jenkins) remains fiercely loyal to their mother, trusting her despite her erratic behavior, while Nolan (Percy Daggs Ⅳ) begins to question her credibility. This contrast not only builds tension between the characters but also draws the audience into Noaln’s (younger by 3 minutes) perspective, making us question whether the mother is truly being haunted or losing her grip on reality. Their dynamic adds emotional depth and fuels the film’s psychological suspense. A particular sequence around the halfway mark involving an unfamiliar face walks the line between reality and delusion gracefully but it’s one of only a few highlights.
The setting and monstrous element offers several intense scares and striking horrific imagery that momentarily elevate the film into potential 4-star territory. Alexandre Aja’s direction shines in these moments, using eerie atmospheres and disturbing visuals to grip the audience. However, such moments of genuine horror and suspense are sporadic, leaving long stretches of the film feeling less impactful. The inconsistency in pacing and scares prevents the movie from maintaining a consistently high level of tension, which ultimately weakens its overall effectiveness.
A significant portion is set in extremely dark environments, which detracts from the overall experience. The low visibility makes it difficult to follow the film’s spatial geography, often leaving viewers straining to decipher what’s happening on screen. While the oppressive darkness may be intended to build tension, it instead becomes a frustrating challenge. The daylight scenes, in contrast, feel like a relief—though not by design, but because they simply ease the strain on the eyes. This visual discomfort suggests a different cinematographer might have struck a better balance between mood and clarity.
Verdict: Overall, Never Let Go is a decent effort that occasionally delivers effective scares and unexpected moments, but it ultimately falls short due to its reliance on familiar tropes from better films. While it tries to build tension and intrigue, the narrative feels derivative, failing to distinguish itself in a crowded genre. The film’s ambiguous ending leaves viewers with more questions than answers, though this ambiguity doesn’t feel intentional or satisfying. Despite some strong performances, particularly from Halle Berry and the young cast, the movie doesn’t fully deliver on its potential.