Never Let Me Go

Watch Never Let Me Go

"These students have everything they need. Except time."
  • R
  • 2010
  • 1 hr 43 min
  • 7.1  (152,471)
  • 69

Never Let Me Go is a heart-wrenching drama film from 2010, directed by Mark Romanek and based off Kazuo Ishiguro's novel of the same name. The film stars Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield in leading roles. The film begins with three young friends – Kathy (Mulligan), Ruth (Knightley) and Tommy (Garfield) – growing up together in a seemingly idyllic English boarding school named Hailsham. However, as they progress through their school years, the trio becomes aware of a darker truth about their existence. They are actually clones, raised for the sole purpose of donating their organs to non-clones, or "normals." As the story progresses, the three friends must come to terms with their fates as organ donors and the influence their chosen paths have on their relationships with each other.

Initially, the film presents a romantic angle to Kathy and Tommy's relationship, which is the driving force throughout the story. Yet, Ruth, another member of the gang, creates a love triangle that challenges their relationships. The film subtly depicts the challenges Kathy and Tommy face as they run away at various points, trying to find alternative ways before their inevitable donation/surgery. The poignant moments of the story are where the movie’s muted colors and a subdued atmosphere come into play.

As the plot advances, viewers come to understand how the characters deal with their predetermined future while attempting to find a sense of objectivity in their relationships with each other. Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy’s dilemma is far from simple. They are forced to come to terms with the fact that their entire existence, no matter how free they thought they were, was only meant to serve others.

Set in England during the '70s and the early '80s, the film's pastel-hued visuals and simple clothing emphasize a sense of enforced uniformity. The film's gentle, delicate tones ironically clash with its extremely uncomfortable narrative.

The performances by the three leads - especially Carey Mulligan as Kath, the central character - are remarkable. The characters’ quiet and restrained portrayals contrast with the weighty themes of mortality and identity. Andrew Garfield, that was a rising star at the time, does an excellent job in portraying Tommy, who is at times both violently anguished and emotionally vulnerable. Keira Knightley, who is typically known for period dramas, delivers a nuanced performance that ticks every emotional box.

Through and through, “Never Let Me Go” is a somber meditation on humanity, love, and the inevitability of death. It is not a fast-paced, plot-driven film, but a slow-burn that aims to evoke an emotional reaction from viewers. Subsequently, some might find it boring since the plot, at face value, may seem predictable or unoriginal. However, for those who are fans of thought-provoking and emotionally challenging films, this is one of those films that stays with you long after you've watched it.

The movie is a tragic love story that explores the delicateness, brutality, and beauty of human life. It’s a poignant tale of people struggling to make sense of their lives and get a grip on their inescapable destiny. The final scene is heartwrenching and concluding, fitting the bittersweet emotions the audience will carry with them.

In conclusion, 'Never Let Me Go,' with its philosophical themes, muted aesthetics, and heartbreaking narrative, is a must-watch film that stands out from the rest.

Never Let Me Go is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 69.

Never Let Me Go
Description
Where to Watch Never Let Me Go
Never Let Me Go is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV Channels, Starz, The Roku Channel, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Never Let Me Go for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2010
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 43 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.1  (152,471)
  • Metascore
    69