As a seasoned moviegoer with decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that Halle Berry’s performance in “Never Let Go” is nothing short of exceptional. Her portrayal of a distressed mother is raw, emotional, and gripping, reminding us once again why she deserves the title of an Academy Award winner.
Halle Berry is once again capturing attention with another role that showcases her emotional depth rather than her timeless beauty, as seen in her directorial debut “Bruised” on Netflix. Our recent interview with the Academy Award winner underscores the fact that she seemingly defies aging. It’s quite remarkable! And speaking of milestones, it’s astonishing to remember that she remains the only Black actress to have won a Best Actress Oscar. Her latest performance in “Never Let Go” serves as a powerful reminder of her exceptional acting skills that led her to this prestigious award.
Concerning the movie’s title, it doesn’t refer to Halle Berry’s famous line from Titanic, but instead, a vital command given by her character in the film, who is constantly worried about her two sons, as they face danger while living in the wilderness. The thriller directed by Alexandre Aja (Crawl) and written by KC Coughlin & Ryan Grassby delves deep into psychological territory, although it may seem like a familiar storyline with horror elements that we’ve encountered before.
Never Let Go Proves Momma Knows Best(?)
In various previous films, themes have emerged involving parents who are overly protective of their children, sheltering them from potential hazards in the world outside. For instance, Nicole Kidman’s character protected her kids from sunlight in the movie “The Others” (2001). Similarly, in “The Virgin Suicides” (1999), the girls were kept away from school despite their overprotective father being a teacher at the local school.
Now, there’s a film titled “Never Let Go.” In this story, Halle Berry plays a character simply known as “Momma,” living in a rundown dwelling that appears isolated from civilization. Her children, Samuel (Anthony B. Jenkins) and Nolan (Percy Daggs IV), are compelled to attach themselves to a lengthy rope attached to the house whenever they leave for the day, seeking essentials like food and supplies to help them endure the harsh winters.
Together, the boys declare, ‘We’ll never let go,’ before venturing beyond the protective confines of their home. From the start, it’s evident in these ambitious youths’ eyes that they question Momma’s concerns about the world outside. Their doubts grow as they fail to perceive the monsters that manifest and pursue them when one boy strays from the group, unknowingly setting free the malevolent entities to chase their now-exposed prey. Could it be that only Momma can see these sinister beings? Might they merely be products of her supposedly hazy mind in this constantly foggy world they dwell in?
Leading Lady Halle Berry Is Back
In simpler terms, the movie “Never Let Go” might seem similar to other apocalyptic films with heavy reliance on CGI monsters. However, it compensates for potential drawbacks with several compelling aspects. For instance, the actors Jenkins and Daggs, who are rising stars in Hollywood, deliver impressive performances in their supporting roles. The script also gives each brother distinct personalities; Nolan tends to align with their mother, while Samuel rebels against the strict rules they must follow.
Not only does Aja, director of the 2019 film Crawl, take charge of Never Let Go, but this new project promises to be brimming with genuinely unsettling scenes even when supernatural entities are absent. While Halle Berry’s appearance might evoke comparisons to the critically challenged Gothika (2003), fear not because Aja skillfully elicits a more complex, multidimensional, and captivating performance from the Academy Award winner in Never Let Go. One particularly striking scene involves Berry’s character confronting her deceased husband (William Catlett), who occasionally returns to their property at night to disturb her peaceful sleep by insisting she should detach herself from the house and reunite with him. This nerve-wracking, tension-filled exchange of words leaves a lasting impression on viewers.
The story also maintains tension by unexpectedly introducing a death early on, before it reaches its peak intensity. Be prepared for an exhilarating confrontation between the characters and what seems to be an ordinary forest passerby (Matthew Kevin Anderson). Later, brace yourself for a swift, suspenseful ending that might hint at upcoming sequels. Meanwhile, watch Susan Sarandon shine once more in a high-profile advertising campaign, reminding us of her Academy Award-winning talents. Lionsgate’s “Never Let Go” hits theaters on September 20th.
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2024-09-16 19:01