If you’re not a fan of indie flicks, slow-moving films or love stories, the title of this movie, Never Let Me Go, should be the answer you give to anybody asking you if you want to see this movie. If you’re into all three of those stipulations, then Never Let Me Go is a well made film that you can look forward to seeing. The story and concept are interesting as it hides itself within itself and slowly unveils what’s actually going on. However, it takes too long to do so and inevitably hides the cool subplots too well within the main plot of the love story that never quite grips the audience. So in the end, you’re disappointed that you sat through an excruciatingly long film that seemed longer than it actually was.
In the beginning, Never Let Me Go is set in a boarding school for young children. Everything looked normal on the surface but you could tell something was peculiar about this place. The students were told that it was very important for them to take care of their health inside and out. The kids were monitored very closely making sure they were as perfect as possible. Then you start to realize that the children never go home, none of them have siblings, and none of them get visits from their parents. Slowly the film lets you in on the secret of the boarding schools but the main twisted love story continues to linger on in the background. One of the teachers at the boarding school couldn’t handle the stress of keeping the students in the dark and exposed them to what they actually were doing there. She was let go shortly after but it strangely didn’t matter to the students at all…as if they already knew their fate.
Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and our next Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield, in Never Let Me Go
At eighteen, the students graduate to another stage in their program and start living on their own without the close eyes of their teachers. The child actors grow up into adult actors and by this time, you’re privy to the secrets and mystery of the film. Here, they begin to be exposed by pop culture and the world outside the walls of the school. Relationships are allowed to flourish, new friends are made, and more questions arise. Instead of getting more exciting, however, the film tries to add even more mystery and intrigue…it didn’t work for me. I was over this film and just wanted it to end but it kept going and going. The audience at my screening was with me as I heard moans, groans, and snores.
This is one of my favorite shot scenes of the year
There are some positive points though. This film had some of the most beautiful and amazing shots. In particular, there is a wide shot of a beached ship on the ocean line…it’s breathtaking. Along with the cinematography, the acting is top notch including performances from Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley, our next Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield, and a couple child actors which made the film bearable. The largest problem with this film is that it was too long and too dull. Even though it was less than 2 hours, it felt a lot longer.
Where did the time go?
Never Let Me Go’s conclusion leaves the audience with some philosophical questions to ask and take a deep look at oneself. Some may take this as a slap in the face putting the whole film you just watched into 2 sentences but for the general public, I think it needed to be said for them to understand what was going on. This movie could have gone in so many different directions…it has a sci-fi element, it has the overbearing love story, and it has a lot of social commentary. In the end thought, it fell short on delivering any of that well. This is another one of those films made to appeal to the Oscars award season…we’ll see if it pays off in a few months.
Facebook. Everyone knows about it and almost everybody is on it. To not be a part of it is just as conscious a decision as not to drink water, as it has become just as much a part of society as eating and sleeping. Despite its widespread popularity, however, for most, little is known about its origins, its founders, and how it has become such an institution in our everyday life. Cue Columbia Pictures to bring you The Social Network, the tale of how this social networking phenom implanted itself into the homes of millions of Americans nationwide.
