Hi everybody and welcome to a brand new 2020 movie review! Today I’m going to be looking at one of the few movies that dared brave into theaters at a time when the majority of theaters were closed and one that also served as an early test case for how a film would do on the 17 day window that Universal implemented for films that open below $50 million. Based off of a novel from 2013 of the same name, and starring Kevin Costner and Diane Lane this wasn’t a movie that didn’t make a huge amount of noise when it released, but was still well received and seemed to do well with older demos in the same way as Costner’s TV sensation, Yellowstone. As someone who is always down for seeing the man in a western type project I was naturally interested in it and came in expecting a solid thriller. What I did not expect was this to end up being one of my favorite films of 2020. Let’s jump right into this family drama/thriller and see just how much it ended up surprising me!
Set in Montana in the year 1961, the film follows retired sheriff, George Blackledge and his wife, Margaret, in the aftermath of the death of their son, James. This leads to James’ wife, Lorna, to marry again 2 years later with her new boyfriend, Donnie, and while George and Margaret aren’t exactly thrilled by this pairing, Lorna needs someone to help provide for her infant son, Jimmy. One day while out shopping, Margaret sees the three out together getting ice cream with Jimmy dropping his and Donnie grabbing his arm forcefully. When Lorna decides to step in, Donnie strikes her hard, a sight that shocks Margaret. Concerned for Lorna’s well being, she goes to check where they live, but finds out that they have left town. Convinced that Donnie is abusive to Margaret and Jimmy, Margaret, along with a reluctant George, decides to pack her bags and head on a journey to rescue the two before Jimmy’s abuse can go any farther.
Right off the bat the movie establishes the characters and plot in an efficient manner, getting to the core conflict surprisingly fast but just from one scene of the whole family together before James’ death, one is able get a sense of who everyone is and is the only real moment of happiness before things take a dark turn. Plus there is an emphasis on showing in these earlier scenes where characters are able to speak through their actions rather than words, which proves to be an effective manner of storytelling. I also found it interesting how it presents why (their daughter in law and grandson are being abused) and why not (what exactly can they do to stop it) they should or should not go on this rescue mission as it adds another layer that makes one think whether it is worth it. Once this road trip begins, the film becomes more of a slow burn, taking it’s time to take in the atmosphere, and develop our two leads while also gradually escalating in terms of tension and intensity. I really dug this calm before the storm approach as it made me care and invested in what was going on and there is a sense that something is not quite as it seems when exploring the Weboy family. Once we start driving to the Weboy family’s house it becomes some of the most intense stuff I have seen in recent memory with the potential of violence present in every scene with an incredibly awkward dinner being the stand out moment. From there the movie gets even more intense and it leads to a incredibly tense finale that may not exactly be the happiest but it ends in a way that made sense in regards to the themes regarding grief and the regrets one has in their lives and how it is much harder to fix than one would want. All of it is told compellingly and it was just an a very well done story that manages to be atmospheric at some points and downright nerve wracking in others.
Not only is the movie very well told but it is also beautifully shot and extremely well made. Director, Thomas Bezucha, envisions this story nicely using a lot of visuals to convey what is going on and using dialogue only when necessary. I also like how he is able handle the more peaceful scenes and the ones where things may some normal but there is nothing off and that is conveyed by the direction. The more tense scenes are shot in a way that makes the proceedings feel even more unnerving and there is an appropriate contrast visually in terms of the more atmospheric, slow burn stuff and the thriller material with the former looking peaceful and calm and the latter having a darker look. Cinematographer, Guy Godfree, is able to get the looks of both of these parts perfectly and it one is able to be further immersed into this world because of it as well as the solid period piece production design which brings the 60s setting to life and Michael Giacchino’s atmospheric score.
After raising the Man of Steel himself in the feature of the same name in 2013, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane reunite as a couple once again and they turn in some of their best performances in my eyes. I was able to get a sense of their relationship and history as a couple who have been together for a very long time and are still reeling from the death of their son and taking stock of the mistakes they have made as parents, grandparents, and as a couple. Lane plays Margaret as a loving grandmother who wants nothing more than for her grandson and thinks that everything will be okay again, but fails to realize the mistakes she has made in the past and her desire to get Jimmy back becomes an obsession. She expresses a wide variety of emotions and comes off as a character one can’t help but sympathize with while also acknowledging her flaws as a person. Costner gives a more understated performance which works perfectly for his character as a husband who loves his wife and family and wants to do the right thing but is not afraid to lay down the reality of the situation in front of Margaret and call her out for her unrealistic expectations. They both anchor this film all the way through and show off their skills as talented onscreen performers. Meanwhile the rest of the cast is also great with each actor/actress giving engrossing performances. Kayli Carter is able to convey the trauma that Lorna is facing ever since her husband died and some of the most compelling scenes are the ones that deal with the fact that Margaret and her never had an easy relationship with one another as she felt Margaret never trusted her to be a good mother. Also offering a powerful turn is Booboo Stewart as a young Native American man who lives alone in the wilderness after facing a tragic past and he is someone whom Lorna comes to see could be a potential second chance for her to take care of. As for the Weboy family Will Britain plays the role of Donnie as someone who isn’t exactly hiding the abuse he causes, while Jeffery Donovan manages to transition from seemingly normal brother Bill to quietly menacing quite well. Stand out in regards to the supporting cast would have to be Lesley Manville as the family matriarch, Blanche, who starts off somewhat pleasant but shows her true colors as a truly unsettling individual with Manville giving an over the top yet investing performance that never felt totally out of place.
In all, I am surprised with how much I was invested in Let Him Go as I found it to be a phenomenally done thriller with an engrossing story, great atmosphere that added to the movie, lots of effective tension, beautiful cinematography and a fantastic acting showcase from Diane Lane and Kevin Costner. Was truly surprised by this and I wish it was talked about more. For those who are a fan of both of these actors or just want to watch a powerful drama that also happens to be a great thriller I highly recommend checking this one out. Truly overlooked and for me is a highlight of an unconventional year for movies.
Rating: A+
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