Halle Berry’s new horror movie debuts with fresh Rotten Tomatoes rating

As a longtime horror enthusiast who’s weathered countless blood-curdling nights and jump scares, I can confidently say that Halle Berry’s latest survival horror, “Never Let Go,” is a thrilling addition to the genre. With its fresh Rotten Tomatoes score and a director known for his knack for creating edge-of-your-seat horror films like “The Hills Have Eyes” remake and “Crawl”, it’s clear that we’re in for a wild ride.

As a fervent admirer of Halle Berry, I’ve been eagerly anticipating her latest venture into the realm of terror with “Never Let Go.” It seems that my excitement is shared by many, as this new survival horror has garnered predominantly favorable reviews, securing a fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The movie is being led by Alexandre Aja, known for directing the 2006 remake of “The Hills Have Eyes” and also the gator-themed horror film “Crawl.” At this moment, it has a 74% rating from critics on the aggregator platform.

As a gaming enthusiast, it’s quite clear from the trailer that “Never Let Go” is a movie where the title phrase is frequently used. In fact, it seems to be a recurring theme throughout the film.

Halle Berry's new horror movie debuts with fresh Rotten Tomatoes rating

In the video, Berry’s on-screen role emphasizes to her twin boys the importance of not releasing the tether linking their secluded woodland home.

“That rope is your lifeline. Never let go,” she says at one point.

Later on, the trailer unveils the consequences that unfold when the rope snaps, leaving the characters defenseless against the sinister beings residing in the forest.

As I eagerly anticipate catching this movie in U.S. theaters on September 20th, I’ve been reading up on early reviews from Fantastic Fest. The visuals are mind-bendingly trippy, a testament to the filmmakers’ artistic vision. However, it seems that the plot takes a backseat at times, bending logic just enough for shocking twists that left me speechless.

AV Club

“It’s refreshing to encounter genre fare that is equal parts original and entertaining.”

Bloody Disgusting

Never Let Go takes a familiar, minimalist premise and gives it a gritty, unsettling twist. Instead of softening the edges, it plunges everyone into the darkness without a safety net, and prefers to leave its themes and the nature of evil open to interpretation. This method is effective in horror films, provoking thoughts about unquestioning faith and belief.

Halle Berry's new horror movie debuts with fresh Rotten Tomatoes rating

Variety

The exploration of themes such as grief, sanity, rebellion, and redemption is profoundly connected in a way that intensifies the chilling, confined feeling, thereby amplifying the terrifying, anxiety-laden tension and eerie, ominous ambiance.

The Hollywood Reporter

Halle Berry, who is not only an actress but also a producer through her company HalleHolly, puts in a commendable performance. She strips down to a near-wild appearance and adopts a Southern accent intermittently, skillfully portraying a character that straddles the boundary between intensely protective and overly paranoid or unstable for most of the film. However, despite Berry’s dedicated acting, the narrative fails to deliver depth, being more convoluted than intricate, and the movie tends to be excessively self-important compared to the seriousness it warrants based on its content.

IndieWire

Never Let Go ought to strike a chord with horror enthusiasts yearning for autumn escapism, as well as parents who find their experiences mirrored in the visual narrative.

Halle Berry's new horror movie debuts with fresh Rotten Tomatoes rating

The Daily Beast

In my perspective, “Never Let Go” seems incompletely developed, noticeably as it progresses beyond its central crisis and heads towards its climax. Despite skillfully laying the groundwork for the story, director Alexandra Aja and screenwriters Kevin Coughlin and Ryan Grassby fail to immerse their characters in sufficient danger – a choice likely aimed at keeping viewers intrigued about the nature of the malevolence.

TheWrap

As a passionate admirer, let me share an observation: It might momentarily intrigue you, which could be sufficient for others, but it merely grasps at something profound before quickly releasing its grip.

Slant Magazine

As the movie progresses, it pushes the boundaries of its own narrative consistency. After an unexpected, jaw-dropping revelation in the third act, the universe it has built becomes almost impossible to follow, seemingly as a tactic to maintain viewer suspense.

Never Let Go is released in US cinemas on September 20 and in UK cinemas on September 27.

2024-09-18 23:19