Never Let Go (Full Movie 2024)

Never Let Go (2024): A Tense but Flawed Psychological Horror

Introduction to Never Let Go

Never Let Go, released on September 20, 2024, by Lionsgate, is a survival horror thriller directed by Alexandre Aja, known for Crawl and The Hills Have Eyes. Starring Halle Berry as an unnamed mother, alongside Percy Daggs IV and Anthony B. Jenkins as her twin sons, Nolan and Samuel, the film blends psychological drama, horror, and post-apocalyptic tension. Set in an isolated woodland cabin, it explores themes of maternal protection, mental illness, and survival. Despite strong performances and a chilling atmosphere, the film struggles with narrative clarity, earning mixed reviews with a 56% score on Rotten Tomatoes and $21.8 million at the box office.

Plot Summary

The story centers on a mother (Halle Berry) and her twin sons, Nolan (Percy Daggs IV) and Samuel (Anthony B. Jenkins), living in a remote cabin after an apparent apocalyptic event. The mother insists a supernatural "Evil" has overrun the world, and their only safety lies in their "blessed" home or by staying tethered to it with ropes when venturing outside. The family’s survival hinges on strict rules: never let go of the rope, and trust in the house’s protection. Only the mother sees the Evil, manifesting as grotesque visions of dead relatives, leading Nolan to question its reality. As starvation looms and tensions rise, the brothers’ differing beliefs—Nolan’s skepticism versus Samuel’s loyalty—spark a harrowing conflict, blurring the line between reality and delusion.

Strengths of the Film

Stellar Performances

Halle Berry delivers a fierce, unglamorous performance as the mother, balancing devotion with unhinged paranoia. Her portrayal captures the desperation of a parent haunted by trauma, making her both sympathetic and unsettling. The young actors, Percy Daggs IV and Anthony B. Jenkins, are standout, carrying the film’s emotional weight with remarkable maturity. Their brotherly dynamic, especially as their moral paths diverge, adds depth to the narrative, making their performances a highlight.

Atmospheric Direction and Cinematography

Alexandre Aja’s direction shines in creating a claustrophobic, eerie atmosphere. The dense forest setting, filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, feels both beautiful and menacing, enhanced by Maxime Alexandre’s cinematography. Subtle background movements and unsettling sound design, like creaking wood or whispers, amplify the tension. Robin Coudert’s score complements the film’s grim tone, while practical effects for the grotesque creatures provide visceral scares, though limited CGI occasionally feels unpolished.

Intriguing Premise

The film’s high-concept premise—staying tethered to a “safe” house to avoid an unseen evil—draws parallels to A Quiet Place and Bird Box, creating immediate suspense. The ambiguity of whether the Evil is real or a manifestation of the mother’s trauma keeps viewers guessing, tapping into universal fears of isolation, distrust, and mental instability. This setup, paired with themes of overprotection and inherited trauma, offers a fresh take on psychological horror.

Weaknesses and Critiques

Narrative Inconsistencies

The screenplay by KC Coughlin and Ryan Grassby struggles to balance its ambitious themes. The film juggles metaphors for mental illness, helicopter parenting, and societal fears but fails to commit to a clear resolution. The third act, particularly the ending, feels muddled, leaving key questions unanswered and diminishing the story’s impact. Critics note that the film’s twists are predictable, with early hints about the mother’s reliability undermining suspense.

Pacing and Overreliance on Tropes

At 101 minutes, the film’s slow-burn first half can test viewers’ patience, with repetitive exposition and a lack of intense sequences. While Aja excels at jump scares, some feel derivative, echoing films like The Village or The Babadook. The constant rule-breaking of the rope mechanic—meant to heighten tension—feels inconsistent and frustrates viewers expecting tighter internal logic.

Underdeveloped Themes

Never Let Go touches on heavy topics—grief, paranoia, and the psychological toll of isolation—but doesn’t fully explore them. The allegory for mental illness is compelling but overshadowed by horror tropes, and the film’s attempt to blend supernatural and psychological elements results in a lack of focus. Critics argue that a leaner narrative or a stronger commitment to one reality (supernatural or delusional) could have elevated the story.

Reception and Impact

Never Let Go premiered at Regal Times Square in New York City on September 16, 2024, and grossed $4.5 million in its opening weekend, finishing fourth behind The Substance and Transformers One. Reviews are mixed, with a 56% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 56/100 on Metacritic, praising Berry and the young cast but criticizing the uneven script. Audiences found it divisive, with some on X calling it “scary” and “thought-provoking,” while others felt the ending was “confusing” and “disappointing.” Despite its flaws, the film’s strong performances and creepy visuals make it a notable entry in 2024’s horror lineup.

Who Should Watch Never Let Go?

This film appeals to fans of psychological horror and slow-burn thrillers who enjoy ambiguous narratives and strong acting. Those who liked A Quiet Place or The Village may appreciate its tense atmosphere and family dynamics. However, viewers seeking clear resolutions or fast-paced scares might find it lacking. It’s a solid pick for a spooky movie night if you’re willing to overlook narrative gaps and embrace its unsettling vibe.

Conclusion

Never Let Go (2024) is a visually striking and emotionally intense horror thriller that showcases Halle Berry and her young co-stars at their best. Alexandre Aja’s direction and the film’s haunting forest setting create a gripping atmosphere, but the muddled script and predictable twists prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it raises intriguing questions about reality, trauma, and protection, the lack of a satisfying resolution may leave some viewers wanting more. For horror fans who enjoy a blend of psychological depth and creepy visuals, Never Let Go is worth a watch, but don’t expect all the answers by the time the credits roll. Stream it or catch it in theaters for a chilling, if imperfect, experience.