Genre: Psychological Horror / Survival Thriller
Director: Alexandre Aja
Starring: Halle Berry as “Momma,” Percy Daggs IV (Nolan), Anthony B. Jenkins (Samuel)
Runtime: 101 minutes
Release: Premiered Sept 16, 2024 at Fantastic Fest; theatrical release Sept 20; now streaming on Starz
Isolated with her twin sons in a rural cabin post-apocalypse, Momma enforces strict rules: they must remain tethered by rope when outside to avoid a lurking "Evil." As resources dwindle and tensions rise, her eldest son Nolan begins to question whether the threat is real—or a manifestation of his mother’s fractured psyche.
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Halle Berry’s Fierce Lead Performance
Berry embodies unwavering devotion bordering on desperation. Critics describe her as “a sturdy presence” whose performance is “riveting” even in a flawed film -
Alexandre Aja’s Tense Atmosphere
Aja’s direction delivers palpable unease in every frame—shadows, rustic cabins, and sudden glimpses of supernatural horror create a disquieting mood -
Phenomenal Young Actors
Percy Daggs IV and Anthony B. Jenkins give naturalistic performances, bringing credibility and emotional heft to the family dynamic -
Ambiguous Themes & Survival Realism
The film raises powerful questions: mental illness, overprotective parenting, generational trauma, and the blurred lines between protection and prison. World-weariness seeps into each action, from rope rituals to starving winters
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Muddled Narrative & Overloaded Themes
Critics noted an overabundance of ideas—COVID allegory, mental illness, survival extremism—never fully resolved by the final The ambition sometimes here overtakes cohesion. -
Predictable Twists & Underwhelming Payoff
The film sets up reality-vs-delusion tension strongly, but falls short in clarity and final impact—leading some to find the ending dissatisfying -
Pacing Issues in the Final Act
Initial tension gives way to a slower, uneven finale. A final twist feels exasperated rather than earne -
Rotten Tomatoes: Critics call it "anxiety-inducing" with a committed performance from Berry, though storytelling falls short
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RogerEbert.com described it as thematically overloaded and lacking narrative focus .
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The Guardian praised its atmosphere but noted it "can't quite find all of the pieces"
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Starz review recognized its solid creature design and acting but recommended viewers skip due to muddled execution
Never Let Go is a visually atmospheric and emotionally intense piece. Halle Berry’s performance and Aja’s direction elevate the material, especially in its first two-thirds. However, the film’s thematic ambition and narrative overload pull it apart in the final act. While it may frustrate those seeking a satisfying resolution, it's worthwhile for fans of character-driven psychological horror.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (3/5)
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Viewers drawn to psychological horror and tense survival stories
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Fans of strong performances and familial tension
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Those intrigued by ambiguous, symbolic narratives—but ready to accept a loose ending
