“Never Let Go” (2024)
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“Never Let Go” (2024) is a psychological horror film directed by Alexandre Aja, featuring Halle Berry as a mother, referred to as Momma, who strives to protect her twin sons, Samuel and Nolan, from a pervasive malevolent force known as “The Evil.” The family resides in a secluded cabin deep within a vast forest, adhering to strict routines and rituals to shield themselves from the unseen threat that Momma insists has decimated the outside world.
Central to their survival strategy is the practice of tethering themselves to the cabin with ropes whenever they venture outside, a precaution designed to prevent “The Evil” from making contact and possessing them. Additionally, the boys are required to recite daily prayers, expressing gratitude to the house for its protection. Momma frequently experiences disturbing visions of supernatural entities, including apparitions of her deceased parents and husband, which she believes are manifestations of “The Evil.” Despite the boys’ inability to see these entities, they trust their mother’s convictions and comply with her stringent rules.
The family’s fragile stability begins to unravel when an argument between the brothers leads to a critical accident: Nolan steps on Samuel’s rope, causing him to fall, break his ankle, and become untethered. In a desperate attempt to rescue his brother, Nolan disconnects himself from his own rope. Momma intervenes, confronting a vision of her mother, which she interprets as another assault by “The Evil.” This incident intensifies Nolan’s skepticism about the reality of the threat they are hiding from, prompting him to question his mother’s assertions.
As winter sets in, the family’s food supplies dwindle, exacerbating tensions within the household. Momma’s visions become more frequent and harrowing, featuring not only her deceased family members but also a mutilated version of Nolan. In a moment of desperation, she proposes killing and eating the family dog to stave off starvation. This suggestion horrifies Nolan, leading him to take drastic action: he cuts Momma’s rope and locks her in the greenhouse, hoping to prove that “The Evil” is a figment of her imagination. Tragically, Momma encounters another visionโthis time of her motherโand, overwhelmed by despair, takes her own life in front of Nolan.
Following Momma’s death, the brothers are left to fend for themselves. Nolan ventures further into the forest and encounters a hiker, whose presence introduces a glimmer of hope. However, the situation escalates when Samuel, increasingly paranoid and influenced by their mother’s teachings, fatally wounds the hiker. The arrival of the hiker’s daughter, who reveals herself to be an embodiment of “The Evil,” leads to Samuel’s possession. In the ensuing chaos, the family home is set ablaze. Nolan confronts a manifestation of “The Evil” in the form of his mother and, through an act of courage, manages to survive the ordeal. Rescue teams eventually arrive, transporting the brothers back to civilization. However, the final moments of the film cast doubt on the nature of their experiences, leaving audiences to question the true existence of “The Evil” and the psychological ramifications of their isolation.
“Never Let Go” delves into themes of fear, isolation, and the psychological impact of trauma. The film explores the fine line between protective parenting and oppressive control, as well as the consequences of living in constant fear of an undefined threat. Halle Berry delivers a compelling performance as a mother whose unwavering belief in unseen dangers drives her to extreme measures, ultimately leading to tragic outcomes for her family.