Never Let Go (2024) – Complete Review – TheWorldFree4U

Synopsis

At the heart of Never Let Go is a family that has lived under the constant threat of a malevolent spirit for years. The tension escalates when one of the children, portrayed by Percy Daggs IV, begins to question whether the supernatural threat is real or just a product of fear and imagination. As the family’s safety comes into question, they must confront their darkest fears and uncover the truth behind the haunting that has plagued them for so long.

The story plays on the fear of the unknown, with the central question of whether the evil truly exists or is merely a psychological manifestation. This creates an eerie atmosphere of doubt, which heightens the suspense. However, the film’s pacing suffers at times, with the tension faltering in the slower moments and not fully capitalizing on the horror elements it sets up.

Performances
Halle Berry leads the cast with a compelling performance as the concerned mother, torn between protecting her family and keeping their fragile peace. Berry brings a depth to her character, capturing the emotional toll of living with constant fear. However, her portrayal, while solid, doesn’t quite reach the intensity required to elevate the film into a true horror classic.

Percy Daggs IV, as the questioning child, brings a sense of innocence and vulnerability to his role. His character’s skepticism is essential to the film’s central theme, and Daggs IV handles this nuance well. Anthony B. Jenkins adds a layer of mystery as the enigmatic figure who may hold answers to the family’s supernatural dilemma.

Direction and Cinematography
Alexandre Aja is no stranger to the horror genre, having previously helmed films like The Hills Have Eyes (2006) and Piranha 3D (2010). While Never Let Go certainly benefits from Aja’s sharp sense of atmosphere, his direction falters in keeping the momentum going throughout the film. The tension that is built in the first half often dissipates in the latter portion, leaving the viewer struggling to stay invested.

The cinematography by [Cinematographer’s Name] does a decent job of establishing an eerie mood, with dimly lit interiors and shadowy corners that enhance the sinister atmosphere. The use of close-ups on the characters’ faces during moments of terror is effective in heightening the suspense, though there are missed opportunities for truly terrifying visuals.

Horror and Thriller Elements
While Never Let Go introduces a promising premise, it ultimately falls short of delivering the sustained scares that one might expect from a thriller of this nature. The supernatural elements are hinted at but lack the intensity that would make the audience feel truly unsettled. Instead of fully capitalizing on its potential for horror, the film instead veers into psychological thriller territory, which may not satisfy fans of more visceral, spine-chilling fare.

The film’s pacing is also uneven. The first half does an excellent job of building tension, making the viewer question whether the threat is real or imagined. However, as the story progresses, the tension fizzles out, leaving the horror to feel somewhat diluted.