Never Let Go is set to release in 2024 as a psychologic horror film that interweaves apocalyptic survival dread with the haunting depths of maternal affection. Esteemed director Alexandre Aja, famed for his atmospheric thrillers like The Hills Have Eyes and Crawl, takes the helm with Oscar-winning Halle Berry delivering a spine-chilling performance. The film blurs the lines between psychological disintegration and innovation horror.
Synopsis
Never Let Go commences with a mother (Halle Berry) fondly referred to as Momma, alongside her twin sons, Nolan and Samuel, captored in a cabin within a forest. The so-called ‘reality’ of the narrative is a world devoid of life due to some unknown force the mother refers to as “The Evil.” For the so-called children to thrive, there are a series of near ritualistic, life sustaining norms. The boys must remain on the premise, literally bounded by ropes, all the while performing devotion sessions and never asking questions regarding the alternate universe.
The themes of seclusion for the three are persistent as their circumstances begin to deteriorate. The warning of “Momma” is not believable to the twins, Nolan, who is more curious than the other twin, contemplates on the possibility of not real Evil existing. After almost having to unclip his safety harness to rescue Samuel, Nolan comes to the conclusion that there is a strong chance Evil does not exist.
Their food supply diminishes rapidly. In a brutal blow to the family and their remaining decency, Momma chooses to slaughter her pet dog. In his burgeoning outrage toward his mother’s actions and her perceived mental instability, Nolan cuts the rope that she was depending on, essentially sealing her fate. Stranded in the greenhouse and betrayed by her own thoughts, boundless visions—including haunting apparitions of her mother—motivate her towards suicide.
However, the tale does not conclude with Mama’s death. Afterward, when she dies, a traumatized Samuel has already become highly impressionable, which prompts him to become overtly paranoid. Paranoia leads him to believing that he’s an agent of evil and blindingly shoots one of the hikers who appear at the cabin. Things get worse for poor Samuel when a lady claiming to be the hiker’s daughter pops out of nowhere. While Samuel allows her access into the home, she turns out to be a representation of an evil force. From this instant, the force takes control of Samuel and turns him on his brother.
What follows is a beautifully chaotic and breathtaking showdown with action scenes that include the fight of an immeasurable, unparalleled being with immeasurable power yet unmatchable, indomitable will. The tail end, which by now has already become the cabin, is depicted to be set ablaze along with the possessed Samuel trying to gobble up Nolan’s… fairy-tale style mind. The best part? Nolan, for once yelling “I will break you”, refuses to succumb to the pressure, which means the evil snakish entity brilliantly disguised as Mama hits the road. While this marks the end, the remaining pieces Walter, who gets snatched away by paramedics and thinks he is free… For now. Snapped externally to show the evil isn’t done with him yet hints this marks the start of horror.
As caring yet stern as a Mother should be, Halle Berry describes Moms escalating into a fiercely protective figure.Percy Daggs IV portrays Nolan, the precocious and courageous son who emerges as the moral compass of the film.
Anthony B. Jenkins as Samuel, whose weakness makes him vulnerable to the Evil’s manipulation.
William Catlett as Poppa who appears in flashbacks revealing the family’s history.
Matthew Kevin Anderson as the lost hiker.
Cadence Compton as the hiker’s daughter, an illusion made by the Evil.
Stephanie Lavigne depicts the personification of the Evil.
Christin Park and Mila Morgan in auxiliary parts.
Never Let Go is backed by a strong creative team. The screenplay was written by KC Coughlin and Ryan Grassby. Maxime Alexandre provided the cinematography, and also captured the haunting isolation and distinct claustrophobia of the cabin and surrounding forest. Robin Coudert (known as ROB) wrote and performed the score described as minimalist and chilling, and he emphasizes the palpable psychological strain and tension.
Themes and Analysis
With a running time of 95 minutes, Never Let Go relays a story about control, trauma and the lengths a parent will go to protect their children. The film poses the question how thin is the line between protecting and imprisoning ? And how belief, especially in fear, can oppress.
Momma’s descent into madness or her unyielding faith in a superhuman danger can be assessed in various ways. Is the ‘Evil’ something tangible or is it one’s trauma, grief, and loneliness? The film, deliberately skips providing a concrete answer, which allows us to interpret it in many ways. This lack of clarity creates an opportunity for interpretation and is the reason why Never Let Go remains in your mind well past the credits.
The twins embody duality. Nolan’s skepticism and logic are counterbalanced with Samuel’s emotional sensitivity. Over the course of the story, Nolan shifts from an arc of innocence to awakening, while Samuel’s arc shifts towards psychological deterioration followed by complete possession. Their bond as siblings is ultimately shattered due to their upbringing in the fear-obsessed environment fostered by momma.
Critical Reception and IMDb Ratings
Never Let Go received mixed reviews from critics. It currently sits on an IMDb rating of 5.4/10 based on user reviews until April 2025. Audiences appreciated Halle Berry’s performance which, according to some, was the sole reason the film had emotional depth. Critics also appreciated the atmospheric direction and the cinematography, especially considering how the forest alongside the decaying cabin serve as characters themselves.
But the movie has faced critique for its uneven pacing and for balancing style and coherence in an inconsistent manner. While some intended considering the open ending debatably consistent, it remains divisive. The horror aspects are psychological rather than bloody visceral violence, potentially dissatisfying those awaiting traditional scare tactics or excessive gore.
Regardless Never Lets Go is a fascinating addition to the psychological horror sub-genre. It’s not simply a tale showcasing a supernatural figure, but a deep desen of mental health, thought structures, and the treacherous consequences resulting from unchallenged terror.
To sum up, Never Let Go is an evocative film that examines the darker side of motherhood and the belief obssesion moderation slit. With the surprising performance of Halle Berry tempered with the ever-present feeling of dread lurking in every shot, the film will inevitably elicit strong responses—some favorable, others unfavorable, but none apathetic.
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