Never Let Go (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Director: Alexandre Aja
Stars: Halle Berry, Percy Daggs IV, Anthony B. Jenkins
Genres: Drama, Horror, Thriller
Rating: R
Running Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
Alexandre Aja’s latest film Never Let Go has already generated substantial buzz with its harrowing premise, remarkable performances, and striking visuals. Known for his mastery of atmospheric tension in films like Crawl and The Hills Have Eyes, Aja returns with a psychological thriller that explores the unraveling psyche of a mother battling unseen horrors.
In this review, we delve into the film’s plot, performances, and Aja’s signature visual style, and provide an overview of where audiences can stream or rent the movie once it becomes available.
Plot Summary
Never Let Go follows the story of an unnamed mother (played by Halle Berry) who lives in isolation with her two sons, Nolan (Percy Daggs IV) and Samuel (Anthony B. Jenkins), in a remote cabin surrounded by dense, eerie woods. The family adheres to strict rules for survival, with one key directive: never venture into the woods without being tethered to the cabin by a rope. The mother warns her children of an evil lurking in the forest, a malevolent force that can infect them if they stray too far.
The film immediately sets a dark, suspenseful tone as it blurs the lines between reality and hallucination. Only the mother can see the terrifying apparitions, which include visions of her deceased, abusive family members. As the story progresses, the audience is left questioning whether this evil is real or merely a manifestation of her trauma and mental illness.
Nolan, the older of the two boys, begins to doubt his mother’s sanity, while Samuel remains loyal to her warnings. This leads to tension between the brothers as they struggle to understand whether the threat lies within the forest or within their own home. Aja plays with the audience’s perception throughout the film, creating a sense of unease that crescendos into a final act filled with moral dilemmas, chilling revelations, and an unforgettable climax.
Performances and Themes
Halle Berry delivers a powerful performance as the increasingly unstable mother. Her portrayal oscillates between fierce protection of her children and unsettling paranoia, leaving viewers constantly guessing whether she is a hero or a villain in her own story. Unfortunately, while Berry’s acting is commendable, the film falters in its exploration of her character. The screenplay, written by KC Coughlin and Ryan Grassby, introduces intriguing psychological themes but struggles to explore them in depth. The potential to delve into the protagonist’s trauma and possible mental illness feels underutilized, leaving viewers wanting more.
Both Percy Daggs IV and Anthony B. Jenkins shine as the two young sons, particularly in the film’s darker, more intense moments. Daggs’ portrayal of Nolan, the elder son who begins to question everything he’s been taught, stands out as the emotional core of the film.
One of the film’s more frustrating aspects is its lack of thematic focus. While Aja toys with multiple motifs—mental illness, trauma, familial protection, and even possible allegories related to the COVID-19 pandemic—Never Let Go never fully commits to any one of them. This creates a jumbled narrative that, at times, detracts from the tension and horror. Still, the film’s atmosphere, combined with its effective use of jump scares, succeeds in delivering some genuinely terrifying moments.
Visual and Technical Mastery
As expected from Alexandre Aja, Never Let Go excels visually. Working with cinematographer Maxime Alexandre, Aja uses the claustrophobic setting of the isolated cabin to create an oppressive, menacing atmosphere. The dense, shadowy forest is almost a character in itself, constantly lurking in the background, ready to strike.
The use of subtle background movements and shadow play enhances the tension, keeping audiences on edge. The visuals are complemented by an eerie, haunting score by Robin Coudert, which further amplifies the film’s unnerving atmosphere.
While Aja’s direction and his technical team elevate the film’s production quality, these elements can only do so much to mask its narrative weaknesses. The pacing is uneven, with some scenes feeling repetitive and others rushed. Nevertheless, Never Let Go remains a chilling cinematic experience thanks to its expertly crafted visuals and sound design.
Where to Watch Never Let Go Online
At the time of writing, Never Let Go is still in theaters. However, given the usual release windows for films of this nature, it’s likely to arrive on popular streaming platforms soon. Here are some predictions and possibilities for where Never Let Go might be available for streaming, rental, or purchase in the near future:
Streaming Services (Predicted Availability)
- Amazon Prime Video: A major platform for genre films, Amazon Prime Video is a likely candidate to stream Never Let Go a few months after its theatrical release. The platform often acquires rights for horror and thriller films, offering them as part of its subscription service or for purchase/rental.
- Hulu: Hulu is another potential streaming home for Never Let Go, especially given its history with psychological thrillers and horror films.
- HBO Max: Given the film’s mainstream appeal and notable cast, Never Let Go could find a place on HBO Max, which has an extensive catalog of thrillers and dramas.
Rental/Purchase Platforms (Predicted Availability)
- iTunes/Apple TV: As with most films after their theatrical runs, Never Let Go is likely to be available for purchase or rental on iTunes.
- Google Play Movies: Another popular platform for movie rentals and purchases, Google Play will likely offer Never Let Go within a few months.
- Vudu: For fans who prefer renting or purchasing movies digitally, Vudu is a go-to platform that will likely host Never Let Go once it’s released online.
Conclusion
Never Let Go showcases Alexandre Aja’s undeniable talent for crafting tense, atmospheric horror, though it falls short of being one of his best works due to its scattered themes and uneven script. Halle Berry delivers a solid performance as a protective, paranoid mother, and the technical aspects—cinematography, score, and makeup—elevate the film’s chilling moments.
For fans of psychological thrillers, Never Let Go is worth watching, though it may leave you wishing it had delved deeper into its more compelling ideas. Keep an eye out for its streaming release, as it’s sure to land on major platforms soon.
