“Never Let Go,” directed by Alexandre Aja, is a chilling survival horror thriller that dives deep into the psyche of fear and familial bonds. Starring Halle Berry as the fiercely protective “Momma” and featuring a talented cast including Percy Daggs IV and Anthony B. Jenkins, the film weaves a harrowing tale of survival against an unseen terror.
“Never Let Go” A Gripping Tale of Survival and Fear
Set in the hauntingly beautiful yet foreboding woodlands of British Columbia, “Never Let Go” follows the fraternal twins Nolan (Daggs IV) and Samuel (Jenkins) as they navigate life under the strict and protective watch of their mother.
Four years prior, their lives were irrevocably altered by an apocalyptic event triggered by a malevolent, unseen entity. This entity now looms over them, compelling Momma to instill a set of strict survival rules. She emphasizes the importance of a supply of ropes, which they must tether themselves to when venturing outside their isolated home. Momma’s mantra, “one touch without a rope on is all it takes,” serves as a constant reminder of the danger that lurks just beyond their threshold.
The film unfolds with escalating tension as the twins grapple with their confined existence. Each foray into the outside world is fraught with anxiety, underscoring the omnipresent threat of the entity. When an enigmatic stranger (Matthew Kevin Anderson) arrives, the family’s fragile equilibrium is shattered, leading to a series of events that challenge their understanding of fear, trust, and survival. As the twins confront both external and internal threats, they must rely on their bond to navigate the horrors that threaten to consume them.
Originally conceived under the title “Mother Land,” the screenplay by Kevin Coughlin and Ryan Grassby caught the attention of 21 Laps Entertainment, eventually leading to Aja’s direction and Berry’s involvement. Filming took place in Vancouver from April to June 2023, capturing the stunning yet menacing landscape that mirrors the film’s themes.
“Never Let Go” premiered on September 16, 2024, at the Regal Times Square in New York City, and received a mixed reception upon its theatrical release on September 20. While critics praised its atmosphere and Berry’s compelling performance, some felt the storytelling fell short.
The film has garnered a 61% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics noting the anxiety-inducing ambiance created by Aja. The consensus highlights the film’s strengths while acknowledging that viewers might need to adjust their storytelling expectations. With a Metacritic score of 55, indicating mixed reviews, audiences have similarly given it a “C+” grade through CinemaScore, reflecting a divided response.
Despite its varied reception, “Never Let Go” stands out as a thought-provoking exploration of fear and the lengths to which we go to protect those we love. With its blend of psychological tension and survival horror, it invites viewers to contemplate what truly binds us—whether it’s love, fear, or something darker lurking just out of sight.
As the film unfolds, audiences are left questioning: in the face of unrelenting terror, how far would you go to keep your loved ones safe? “Never Let Go” is a haunting reminder that sometimes, survival comes with a price, and the scariest monsters might just be the ones we cannot see.
