Movie Review: Let Him Go

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A very atmospheric and suspenseful little thriller. 

The casting played such an important part in making this movie work so well. These roles are so perfectly suited to Kevin Costner and Diane Lane and no one could have played them better. These performances are so real and heartfelt that you can except this film's very farfetched storyline. This is because Costner and Lane bring a lot of simple humanity to these roles and that gives the movie a down to Earth feeling it needs. The characters are in many ways very different, yet the subtle moments of acting make their relationship feel more real than many more elaborate Hollywood romances. Yet these performances aren't the only reason for this film working. The pacing in this movie is fantastic. This is a film that takes its time and lets the atmosphere and characters build the story. Yet the moments are violence are so sudden and quick. It is the contrast between the laid back pace of the rest of the film and these violent scenes that make them so effective. This film is also simply lovely to look at. Much of this movie takes place out in nature, and in a very rural small town. This movie captures the the beauty and majesty of such places and story-wise this serves as an effective contrast between the natural beauty of the environment and the darkness of this story. Director and writer Thomas Bezucha, shows that he certain knows how to set up and deliver a story like this. 

On the downside, the film is quite cliché and predictable. The main antagonist (Lesley Manville) is a bit too over the top and doesn't always mesh with this often quiet and reflective movie. 

Though not perfect this movie delivers just what a suspense movie is supposed to. 

Note: I watched this movie in a movie theatre and am so happy to be back. It feels like returning to home sweet home and watching films at home can never come close to comparing to watching them in theatres.