Alexandre Aja’s film “Never Let Go” follows the story of a mother, played by Halle Berry, and her twin sons who believe they are the last survivors of a zombielike infestation. The family must stay in their magically blessed house or be connected to it by ropes to prevent being taken over. However, as food runs out, one of the sons becomes skeptical, questioning if they are truly alone or if it’s just a ploy by the mother to hold onto them.
The film delves into the theme of fear for children, especially Black children, and how it can sometimes lead to abuse or neglect. Despite the strong performances by the cast, the movie fails to fully commit to a narrative or theme, opting instead for jump scares and surprise twists. The metaphor and plot remain disconnected, leaving the viewer with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
While “Never Let Go” has a high concept, it struggles to maintain a grip on itself or the audience. The film, rated R and running at 101 minutes, falls short of delivering a cohesive and engaging story.
In other movie news, Francis Ford Coppola’s latest film “Megalopolis” is described as stupid, beautiful, confusing, and completely fascinating. It showcases ambition and creativity, offering a unique viewing experience for audiences. Additionally, “Rez Ball” is praised for memorializing the determination required to pursue dreams, while “Daaaaaalí!” is deemed absurd and nonsensical, mirroring the eccentricity of Salvador Dalí himself.
“Child Star” is highlighted as an empathetic documentary exploring the challenges of finding fame at a young age, and “A Different Man” is recognized for its entertaining yet imperfect portrayal of character and disability. Lastly, “Patrice: The Movie” features documentary subjects who shine brighter than the injustices they face, providing a compelling narrative for viewers.
Overall, the film industry continues to offer a diverse range of stories and experiences for audiences to enjoy, with each movie bringing something unique to the table.
