OUR MOVIE REVIEW:

Never Let Go introduces an intriguing setup—a family haunted by an evil presence, with growing doubts about whether the malevolence is real or just imagined. Unfortunately, the film never fully embraces the potential of this concept. The tension and psychological conflict that could have been explored remain largely underdeveloped, leaving the story feeling unsure of what it wants to achieve. Instead of diving deeper into the mystery or the family’s unraveling, the film seems content to scratch the surface, missing the chance to offer something more thought-provoking.

Halle Berry delivers a solid performance, and the supporting cast performs competently, but nothing about the acting stands out as particularly memorable. While the actors work within the confines of the script, none of them are given the opportunity to push their performances beyond the basic emotional beats. Berry anchors the film well, but even her talent can’t elevate material that doesn’t ask enough of its cast. The performances end up serviceable but unremarkable, contributing to the overall feeling that the film is playing it safe.

Alexandre Aja has shown his ability to handle suspense in past films like High Tension and Crawl, both of which had a clear sense of purpose and an understanding of how to build tension. In Never Let Go, however, that sense of direction seems missing. While the premise is ripe for psychological thrills, Aja doesn't manage to generate the level of intensity or uncertainty that his previous work offered. The film fails to capitalize on its central dilemma, and the suspense feels flat, resulting in a story that never quite comes together.

Ultimately, the film feels like it’s caught between two ideas without committing fully to either. The question of whether the evil is real or a product of the family’s fear is fascinating, but Never Let Go hesitates to explore it with the depth it deserves. The climax, instead of being a satisfying resolution, leaves the audience with more questions than answers, and not in a way that feels deliberate or clever. What starts as a film full of potential ends up as an underwhelming experience that never takes the necessary risks to make it truly memorable.