What would you do if someone you loved or someone in your family was threatened? If they were ripped from your life and your only choice is to do something drastic to protect them? Let Him Go, the new film from Focus Features releasing in theaters this weekend not only examines this, but different family connections and what extremes people will go to to protect their own.
Set in the late 1950’s, Let Him Go follows George and Margaret to the Bad Lands as they try to locate and bring home their grandson, after he is moved away by his new step-father. The journey for the couple takes its toll emotionally, physically and that’s even before they get to the off the grid home that the boy is being held at.
The movie itself is interesting, but a bit slow. That could be because we’re used to the fast pace of action or comic book films. The movie seems to amble it’s way through the story but does so taking important stops explaining the relationship between George and Margaret, and with their daughter in law Loretta.
Their search for their grandson, shows the difference in times as they just hop from Police Station to store asking about the family who has him. And while the movie focuses on the story, it’s hard to not get sucked into the 50’s by the technology and cars that surround them. It almost brings a simpler time back to the screen, which almost lets you forgive the slower pace of the film.
Let Him Go does have several scenes of violence to be on the lookout for, and some that are implied. They will make the viewer uncomfortable, but it also gives the viewer insight into the other family as well. It is a learned violence and almost training that they use to control their family and their way of life.
And through the movie, Let Him Go not only examines the relationships between parents and kids, grandparents and grand kids, but also what limits each could push you to. The movie will make you wonder what your limits are and if you would give it all for the people you love.
Let Him Go will be in select theaters on November 6th. Special early screening passes for the film on November 5th can be found here: http://focusfeaturesscreenings.com/trnzS70026
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About Let Him Go:
Following the loss of their son, retired sheriff George Blackledge (Costner) and his wife Margaret (Lane) leave their Montana ranch to rescue their young grandson from the clutches of a dangerous family living off the grid in the Dakotas, headed by matriarch Blanche Weboy. When they discover the Weboys have no intention of letting the child go, George and Margaret are left with no choice but to fight for their family.
