As we approach the last quarter of 2024, we can probably all agree that it has been a terrific year for horror. With box office successes, a major legacy sequel, and solid independent releases, it’s hard to believe there’s more to come. Never Let Go, directed by Alexandre Aja and written by KC Coughlin and Ryan Grassby, is another stellar release.
The story follows a mother and her twin sons fighting a desperate battle to survive after a mysterious evil has taken over the world. In the isolated forest, they must remain roped to their family home. Their mother warns that the evil will spread if they become untethered, which would result in their violent deaths.
But when hunger and despair set in, one son starts to wonder if the evil actually exists. Is there a living world beyond their boundaries? Do they really need to suffer? Or does Momma truly know best?
Following films like High Tension (2003), The Hills Have Eyes (2006), and Crawl (2019), fans of Alexandre Aja anticipate tense, never-feel-safe films. In Never Let Go, he creates a dangerous, foreboding environment from every angle. Although the family’s days get repetitious, we painfully watch the boys’ faces sink in, and Momma, gaunt herself, becomes more unhinged, which is directed at her sons.
When it comes to child leads in horror, their performances can often make or break the film. For young, unseasoned talent, acting through fear and mental distress can be extremely taxing. Percy Daggs IV and Anthony B. Jenkins (The Deliverance, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist) stepped up to the challenge, impressively carrying the emotional weight on their young shoulders in scenes that would be difficult for even seasoned performers. They always control their performances and draw attention, even next to superstar Halle Berry.
Berry delivers a standout performance as Momma. She embraces her inner darkness, becoming the most feared element of the story. Although the character acts out of love, her oppressive ways grow suffocating. Momma’s mental decline and desperation guarantee that the viewers will not find solace in her.
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Never Let Go is essentially a dark fairy tale inspired by stories like “Hansel and Gretel.” The secluded cabin in the woods is a classic horror trope that works well on several levels. It provides the family with the necessary isolation for their safety while limiting their capacity to obtain food and water. However, it also makes us question everything. Expect to wonder what’s happening as we can’t see past the dense trees. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end, and I continuously debated the outcome internally.
Without spoiling anything, audiences will either love or hate the finale. Those who prefer a neatly packaged, self-explanatory finale may be disappointed. That is not to suggest the film doesn’t have a conclusion, but it is one that viewers might interpret differently.
While it doesn’t shy away from family drama, there’s also plenty of horror. My packed theater jumped and screamed multiple times during an advanced theatrical screening, making for an entertaining viewing experience. You can now see for yourself as Never Let Go was released in theaters nationwide on Friday, September 20th, via Lionsgate.