A family that has been haunted by an evil spirit for years. Their safety and surroundings come into question when one of the children questions if the evil is real.
Alexandre Aja, the director known for his graphically violent films, takes a more restrained approach to horror in “Never Let Go.” While Aja’s previous works, such as “High Tension,” “The Hills Have Eyes,” and “Crawl,” are renowned for their intense gore and high body counts, “Never Let Go” focuses more on the complex dynamics of a family surviving in a post-apocalyptic world, rather than relying solely on the bloodshed typical of his oeuvre.
The film centers on a mother, referred to only as “Momma” (Halle Berry), and her twin sons, Samuel and Nolan (Anthony B. Jenkins and Percy Daggs IV), living in isolation in a remote woodland cottage. Their home provides a sanctuary from the malevolent forces that roam the surrounding forest, its protection derived from a blessing placed upon it by Momma’s parents many years ago. When venturing out to hunt for sustenance, the family’s survival depends on their physical connection to each other and to the heart of the house via ropes. This tethering prevents infection by the evil that lurks outside.
As the boys mature, their curiosity about their existence intensifies. Questions about the fate of humanity, their father’s disappearance, and the veracity of their mother’s warnings threaten to disrupt the fragile harmony of their lives. When Nolan begins challenging Momma’s authority, his actions jeopardize the bonds that keep them safe, instigating a desperate struggle for survival.
“Never Let Go” strives to balance elements of the psychological thriller and horror genres, a combination achieved successfully in films like “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Get Out,” and “It Follows.” However, Aja’s execution falls short of seamlessly integrating these genres. The film’s progression raises questions for both the characters and the audience about the reality of their situation: are they truly alone, or has Momma manipulated her sons with tales of monsters to maintain control?
While “Never Let Go” features some deeply unsettling imagery, particularly in the appearances of Momma’s demonic mother and deceased husband, the audience is left unclear whether these are supernatural entities or manifestations of Momma’s paranoia. A scene involving a mysterious hunter is one of its most tense moments, but the remainder of the story fails to sustain this level of suspense.
“Never Let Go” concludes with an ambiguous ending, attempting to emulate the open-endedness of some of John Carpenter’s horror classics. Unfortunately, Aja’s resolution generates more confusion than dread, leaving viewers with unanswered questions rather than the profound unease intended. While the film’s first half is fraught with suspense and features some genuinely terrifying scenes, its potential is ultimately unrealized, descending into a mediocre and unsatisfying conclusion. One hopes Aja will return to the visceral horror of his roots in future projects.
In Theaters Friday, September 20th
