Let Him Go – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Let Him Go – Family and Tragedy: A Modern Western Tale   

Life is pressed upon the many, showcasing fate within the reaction of choice.  Pushing towards affinity, it is this sense that brings true conviction to a story, including film.  In this latest review, I look at a new drama/revenge thriller that puts forward the importance of life.  With strong acting and genuine detail, Let Him Go brings about hardship against the forces of fate.  Even when things become obvious, this film endears beyond.  Let Him Go might not be an epic journey, but it showcases that the simplest notions can enough for a modern western tale.

In the wake of tragedy, a couple try to find closure.  That changes when their grandson gets taken away from them.  With little hope, the couple embarks on a journey to find purpose in loss.  The foundation of this story is routed in the idea of tragedy.  This centralizes the two halves (drama/revenge thriller) into a unique outline of a modernized Western.  Within this harden theme, it creates a connection of realism to the generalized storytelling.  Through the inciting incident, the death of George (Kevin Costner) and Margaret’s (Diane Lane) son, it creates a window of vigor in fragility.  This ultimate hardship creates a vacuum of despair, placing it against subtle but endearing moments.  The gravitas of loss comes to play through commonplace narrative, an application of ‘everyday’ routines that bring meaningful stature.  Seeing normalcy press against the levels of pain leads to strong characterization.  You see how both try to find their own way dealing with the loss of their son, but the contrast in character brings dynamic to their relationship.  As certain revelations happen, the ex-wife (with her new husband) leaves unexpectedly.  The couple decides to track them down and take back their grandson.  From here, the film begins to turn move from a drama to a revenge/thriller.

As they track their missing grandson, the directive shifts to the typical point A to B method within a western feel.  Scenes begin to repeat as followed:

Character A confronts Character B -> Expositional Conversation -> Subtle One Liner(s) -> Move On to Next Scene

This repetition levels out characterization, creating a forward narrative that deepens within revenge tactics.  This also adds in new characters that create conflict (with the main characters) but also shift against the tone of the film.  Even when things begin to feel disjointed, the core connection with George and Margaret create that passion in completing their mission.  When we head into the final act, it becomes a telegraph western that leads to an ultimate sacrifice (climax).  Everything comes full circle in the epilogue, showcasing the meaning in the overall theme.  Let Him Go plays with the familiar to create an endearing experience within loss.  Even if aspect of the finale is very predictable, it never takes from the film’s stronger points.  If you are fan of the actors/actress or like a blending for a modern western, this is one for you.  Worthy to venture out to the theaters for this one.    

Full Score – 3.5 out of 5 (Matinee)