Critics Are Praising Halle Berry In Never Let Go, But Opinions Of The ‘Eerie’ Survival Horror Vary Overall

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Critics Are Praising Halle Berry In Never Let Go, But Opinions Of The 'Eerie' Survival Horror Vary Overall

As a horror enthusiast with over two decades of experiencing the chills and thrills that come with this genre, I must say that “Never Let Go” has caught my attention. The reviews are mixed, but the performances, particularly Halle Berry’s intense portrayal, have garnered universal praise. The premise of a mother fighting against an evil spirit to protect her children is a classic horror trope, and I’m intrigued by how Alexandre Aja has chosen to twist it.

Over the weekend, films with a chilling vibe dominated the box office, with “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and “Speak No Evil” taking the lead. On Friday, two more horror movies are set to be released for those craving a spooky experience during the season. Halle Berry stars in “Never Let Go”, which critics have already previewed ahead of its September 20 premiere on the 2024 movie schedule. Here’s what they’re saying about it.

The thrilling survival horror film “Never Let Go” features Halle Berry as a mother of two boys living in a world seemingly controlled by an evil spirit. As their bond weakens and danger looms, doubt creeps into one of her sons about the existence of this malevolence. In his review for TopMob, Eric Eisenberg praises Berry’s captivating performance and notes that audiences will be left guessing throughout the harrowing journey. He awards it 4 out of 5 stars, commenting on its compelling narrative.

Halle Berry gives an exceptionally humble portrayal, as June, who isn’t your typical nurturing mother. Her brand of care is focused on ensuring the survival of her sons, which can take some extreme methods. The intensity and actions she’s prepared to take are understandable when compared to the supposed danger lurking in the woods that threatens her children, but doubts about the truthfulness of her warnings cast a distinctly eerie atmosphere. This uncertainty makes Halle Berry one of the main contributors to the chilling vibe in the horror movie.

Bill Bria from SlashFilm highly commends the performance of Halle Berry in the movie “Never Let Go.” He gives it an 8.5 out of 10, stating that although the film shares similarities with “A Quiet Place” or a production by M. Night Shyamalan, director Alexandre Aja’s twisted fairytale continues to unveil intricate layers as the story progresses, leaving viewers with lasting impressions long after the theater lights are turned on. In simpler terms, Bria notes that while “Never Let Go” resembles other popular films, its unique narrative and impactful ending make it a standout production.

Experiencing Never Let Go halfway makes it quite engaging and eerie with a hint of enjoyment. There’s certainly no shortage of scares, thanks to Aja’s mastery of jump-scare timing and his talent for working with collaborators who create genuinely disturbing demonic zombie creatures. Your experience may differ, but Never Let Go seems like the kind of movie that grows more impressive as time passes. It offers immediate, intense pleasures, but the title suggests it might linger in your thoughts for days (or even longer), much like it has in mine.

According to ScreenRant’s Mae Abdulbaki, this film earns three stars. She notes that despite some dull moments, the intriguing plot manages to hold viewers’ attention. Halle Berry delivers a strong performance, as anticipated, but it’s young actors Percy Daggs IV and Anthony B. Jenkins who truly shine and stand out in this production. Abdulbaki goes on to say…

The movie delves into the concept of what real evil might entail. Is it an external force that overpowers us, or is it a hidden part of ourselves, feeding off our deepest worries and apprehensions? The film doesn’t provide clear answers, but it skillfully creates an unsettling atmosphere throughout, with the climax leaving viewers in a state of bewilderment and introspection. Divided into three parts, Never Let Go keeps you hooked as it delves into the raw emotions of its characters.

It appears that most critics concur that the performances carry this story, yet William Bibbiani from The Wrap expresses a different view, suggesting that Never Let Go is reaching for something it may not have. Halle Berry delivers an impressive performance, mirrored by the young actors portraying her twins as “desperate and tormented,” according to the critic. Bibbiani further comments:

The film Never Let Go offers the potential for a thrilling and thought-provoking experience centered around fearing the unknown, trusting in one’s parents, adhering to their beliefs, and accepting what can be empirically proven. However, it falls short of fully delivering on this promise. Aja’s chilling direction and an exceptional cast enhance the narrative, yet they are limited by a storyline that is, unfortunately, tied to a confusing plotline. Never Let Go aspires to explore many themes but ultimately achieves very little. While it might momentarily scare you, some viewers may find this brief thrill sufficient. Yet, it fails to hold onto something truly meaningful before letting go once again.

David Rooney from THR notes that the movie “Never Let Go” initially presents an engaging mystery and delivers a few startling moments. However, according to him, the film eventually loses its edge as it repeatedly explores the question of Halle Berry’s character’s sanity, becoming repetitive and predictable in the process. Rooney further adds:

Through her production company HalleHolly, Berry puts in an exceptional effort. She strips down almost to a wild state and occasionally adopts a Southern accent, making it difficult to distinguish between protective and paranoid behavior, often veering towards the unhinged. However, all her dedication fails to give depth to a story that’s overly intricate rather than complex, and a film that appears far too self-important compared to the subject matter’s true value.

Critics may not find Alexandre Aja’s latest production flawless in every aspect, but they generally concur that it offers plenty of frights and that the three principal actors deliver solid performances. Are you planning to catch Halle Berry’s new movie during its opening weekend? If the critics’ reviews have sparked your curiosity, the film “Never Let Go” is set to hit theaters on Friday, September 20.

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2024-09-17 18:37