NeverLetGo is a psychological horror film directed by AlexandreAja, starring Halle Berry as Momma, and her twin sons Nolan and Samuel. The film was released in the US on September 20, 2024 and was praised for the director's haunting and unsettling style, despite controversy over the plot. Plot and setting
The whole family lives in a closed cabin in the middle of the woods, avoiding a demonic force called "The Evil". The mother requires the two children to always tie themselves to the house when going out, and to always hold on to each other - "never let go". When food runs out, Samuel falls and breaks his leg while Nolan begins to suspect the existence of that force. The rift in trust between mother and two children leads to a series of dark events. Theme and message
The film raises the big question: is that force real, or is it just a hallucination caused by the mother's trauma and neurosis? According to critics, the film is a metaphor for issues such as mental illness, traumatic inheritance and generations affected by dark memories. AlexandreAja wants to leave many layers of meaning, not just horror. Acting and technique
Halle Berry brings a haunting role, expressing the emotions of a mother who is tense, scared but determined to preserve her family. The children also have remarkable performances. The filming technique in the forest, the way the gloomy atmosphere is created and the monstrous creature makeup (like the grandmother with the double-pronged tongue) are highly appreciated in terms of technique.
Reviews and reactions
The film received mixed opinions. Some people think that the script is incoherent, especially the ending that makes the audience confused. Others appreciate the mysterious atmosphere and the staging of the film. The film scored 57% on Rotten Tomatoes and received a “C+” from the audience
NeverLetGo creates a deeply haunting space, where the boundary between reality and fantasy is blurred. The maternal love is expressed intensely but full of contradictions. The scene where Nolan hugs his mother when she turns into a snake monster is a precious moment about the struggle to preserve and let go of painful memories. Although the story is sometimes disjointed and confusing, the film is still worth watching if you like psychological horror with many layers of meaning.
Conclusion
NeverLetGo is not simply a horror film - it is a psychological experiment, putting the audience in an unstable state, always doubting everything they see and hear. With a cast, especially Halle Berry, and a dramatic filming style, the film leaves the audience with a creepy feeling but also full of contemplation about the power and limits of maternal love. If you like works that make you "stop breathing and ask: "what is this?", then NeverLetGo is worth a try.
