Review of Never Let Me Go (2010) by Jonathan B — 14 Sep 2013
Carey Mulligan shows what a wonderful actress she is in this bleak, science fiction movie. It is set across three decades, the 1970s, 80s and 90s but with a twist that makes them disquieting and unfamiliar.
The movie charts the friendship of three children who grow up together in a strange boarding school where their lives have a predestined and uncomfortable course. The whole feel of the film is downbeat and sombre, matched by the muted colour palette and peeling wallpaper of the surroundings.
Keira Knightly gives a fine performance as Ruth, one of the trio completed by Andrew Garfield, who gives a particularly moving portrayal. However, it is Mulligan's Kathy that holds the attention when she is on screen.
She has a stillness and intensity the makes her deeply fascinating and captivating to watch. The movie deals with some really disturbing ideas about belonging and the meaning of humanity and was a real surprise to me.
It is an understated and quiet film, full of pauses and glances that break your heart at the fate of the central characters. It is unusual to find such a little gem of a film these days and this movie had passed me by upon its original release.
I am really pleased to have stumbled across it now on DVD and I am sure it will bear repeated viewing over the years.
This review of Never Let Me Go (2010) was written by Jonathan B on 14 September 2013.
Never Let Me Go has generally received positive reviews.
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