ABC Film Challenge – Thriller – L – Let Him Go (2020) Movie Review
Director: Thomas Bezucha
Writer: Thomas Bezucha (Screenplay) Larry Watson (Novel)
Starring: Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Kayli Carter, Ryan Bruce, Lesley Manville, Jeffrey Donovan, Will Brittain
Plot: A retired sheriff and his wife, grieving over the death of their son, set out to find their only grandson.
Tagline – Fight For Family
Runtime: 1 Hour 53 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Let Him Go starts when Margaret (Lane) and George (Costner) see their son die in an accident. Leaving their daughter-in-law Lorna (Carter) left to raise the baby alone, finding herself remarrying Donnie Weboy (Brittain).
When Margaret sees Donnie hit her grandson, she wants to bring him home. But before she can make this happen, Donnie returns to his family under the strict and ruthless Blanche Weboy (Manville). Where it will become a fight to save their grandson.
Thoughts on Let Him Go
Let Him Go takes us to the open plains of America where two different styles of ranchers will clash over the custody of a young boy. Which will see everything turning into a violent back and forth between the two families. Margaret and George wanting a peaceful solution, while Blanche’s family will look to send messages.
The pacing for this film works wonderfully, as much like George shows us, we know things are going to escalate, it is more about waiting to see how far things will end up going. The performances in this film are brilliant. Diane Lane and Kevin Costner showing the loving couple who have been through the tragedy of losing a son and wanting what is best. Alongside the unhinged performance from Lesley Manville. This movie does rely on the backdrops of the open American country side, which will make it all the more appealing.
Final Thoughts – Let Him Go is a tension, perfectly paced thriller.