Never Let Go, directed by Alexandre Aja, is a film that artfully mixes performances and atmosphere, crafting an unnerving world steeped in tension. Halle Berry delivers a fierce portrayal of an helicopter mom out in a lonely cabin in the woods, desperately trying to protect her sons, Samuel and Nolan, from the unseen dangers lurking outside. The two young actors, Percy Daggs IV and Anthony B. Jenkins, complement her with solid performances that embody their characters’ growing doubts about their mother’s increasingly paranoid rules.

The film excels in building a haunting atmosphere; the tangled, dark woods feel like a character in their own right, adding layers of claustrophobia and dread. The ropes that tether the family together symbolise both their bond and the fear that binds them, creating a palpable sense of tension. Aja’s direction is visually striking, with strong cinematography that captures the oppressive beauty of the forest, especially in the early scenes. Remarkably, the cabin-in-the-woods setting—a staple of horror storytelling—has been revitalised under Aja’s lens, effectively serving as a claustrophobic refuge that amplifies the film’s dread. One of the film’s most intriguing aspects is its exploration of reality versus illusion. The viewer is constantly left questioning whether the horrific visions experienced by Berry’s character are manifestations of external evil or merely products of her increasingly fragile mental state. This ambiguity adds a layer of psychological complexity, enhancing the tension as the audience grapples with her perceptions of reality.

However, the film’s identity is somewhat muddled. Aja seems torn between crafting a pure horror story, a psychological thriller, and a creature feature. This lack of focus can leave viewers uncertain about the film’s intent, making the morbid moments feel excessive rather than effective. The strong performances, especially from Berry, deserve a clearer vision to truly shine. The film would have been more effective as a purely psychological fare. The ending will surely surprise and shock you.

While Never Let Go dives deep into themes of motherhood and the primal instinct to protect, it sometimes feels like it’s grappling with its own demons, unable to decide what kind of horror it wants to be. The film starts with an arresting image of decay, setting a gruesome tone, but as it progresses, the effectiveness of its psychological terror occasionally wavers amidst the visceral shocks.

Ultimately, the film leaves you buzzing with questions about the nature of fear and family, but it could benefit from a more cohesive vision to elevate its ambitious ideas into a fully realised horror experience. Despite its flaws, Never Let Go is a compelling mix of atmosphere and performance that showcases the talent involved, even if the narrative sometimes trips over its own ambitions.