Let Him Go (2020)

Directed by: Thomas Bezucha | 113 minutes | crime, drama | Actors: Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Kayli Carter, Ryan Bruce, Otto Hornung, Bram Hornung, Lesley Manville, Will Brittain, Jeffrey Donovan, Connor Mackay, Adam Stafford, Booboo Stewart

‘Let Him Go’ centers on Margaret (Diane Lane) and George Blackledge (Kevin Costner). This grandpa and grandma have a hard time when their son James falls from his horse after a ride and breaks his neck. He leaves behind a newborn son and a wife. When their daughter-in-law remarries years later, grandparents immediately see that she made a wrong choice. This Donnie Weboy abuses his wife and child and clearly comes from the wrong nest. Stubborn Margaret decides to retrieve her grandson after witnessing the abuse. The Weboy family does not agree and soon things go wrong.

‘Let Him Go’ is a bleak, slow revenge film in which you know things are going to escalate enormously. The whole film is therefore provided with an ominous atmosphere that is played out wonderfully by the cast. By gradually giving more and more information about all the characters, the film remains exciting and intriguing. The highlight of this film is the bond between Lane and Costner, who are well attuned to each other. This duo really seems like a married couple who know each other well and push back at the right times. Their past is especially well expressed in knowing glances and words that are left unspoken.

The outburst of violence at the end is hard, but that’s mainly because this movie invests in the characters. You’re going to care about them and that’s why the final comes in extra hard. ‘Let Him Go’ is mainly about atmosphere. This results in beautiful panoramas, tranquil music and intense acting. You look at real people and not at infallible heroes. Especially the proud and impulsive Margaret is very human because she causes a lot of problems with her stubbornness. Very nice (revenge) film with a fantastic cast.