REVIEW: Never Let Go (2024 Film) - Starring Halle Berry

 

Never Let Go starts with promise but loses its way as it progresses. Directed by Alexandre Aja, the film aims to be a tense psychological survival thriller but ends up feeling directionless.

The premise is intriguing: a family isolated in the woods, living in fear of an unseen force called "The Evil." The mother, played by Halle Berry, has her two sons convinced, or does she?, that this dark entity will take them if they break a strict set of rules. The initial setup is genuinely creepy, drawing viewers into the family's world of paranoia. Berry delivers a compelling performance, adding depth to her character's descent into madness and elevating the tension.

The film explores themes of faith and doubt, particularly how disbelief can unravel a fragile reality. The son, Nolan, begins to question his mother’s warnings, creating tension that plays well against the eerie family dynamic. For a time, the ambiguity, whether "The Evil" is real or imagined, keeps viewers engaged.

However, the story begins to feel repetitive. The cryptic lore, tension-filled arguments, and “is it real or isn’t it” moments lose their impact over time. What starts as an intriguing mythology about "The Evil" becomes muddled as the plot progresses. The climax, intended to be thought-provoking, is underwhelming. The inclusion of a bizarre CGI snake-monster feels out of place and detracts from the intended psychological nuance.

The film’s visual effects, surprisingly dated for 2024, diminish the impact of some pivotal scenes. Instead of amplifying the terror, the CGI feels awkward and even laughable at times. A more grounded approach could have made the final act far more effective.

Despite its flaws, Never Let Go has its strengths. Alexandre Aja excels at creating an eerie atmosphere, especially in the claustrophobic cabin and the surrounding woods. Some scenes are genuinely chilling, but the repetition and overlong pacing sap their power.

Ultimately, the film is a mixed bag. Halle Berry’s performance stands out as a highlight, bringing more to the role than the script provides. While it had the potential to be a standout psychological horror, the convoluted plot and unsatisfying resolution hold it back. Fans of the genre might still find it worth watching, but it falls short of groundbreaking. Score: 6.5/10.

Out Now on Digital at https://apple.co/3Y7tLlG

REVIEW: The Substance (2024 Film) - Starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid

The Substance is an intense, darkly satirical plunge into vanity, fame, and self-destruction. Coralie Fargeat has created something grotesque yet hypnotic, leaving a lasting impression, though it definitely will not be for everyone.

Demi Moore delivers one of her best performances in years as Elisabeth Sparkle, a washed-up star desperate to cling to her youth and relevance. She brings a raw vulnerability to the role, making Elisabeth’s descent both tragic and unnerving. Margaret Qualley is equally impressive as Sue, the younger, more idealized version of Elisabeth. She radiates seductive charm and reckless abandon, perfectly embodying the character’s carefree youth. The dynamic between the two, essentially two sides of the same person, is captivating and unsettling as their relationship unravels into chaos. That said, Qualley and Moore do not look alike, which slightly undercuts the concept.

What sets The Substance apart is its audacity. It is unapologetically grotesque, blending sharp satire with stomach-churning body horror. Fargeat’s direction is razor-sharp, filling each scene with style and tension. The practical effects and prosthetics are especially impressive, making the horror feel disturbingly real.

This is not a film for the squeamish. The gore is intense and occasionally veers into shock-for-shock’s-sake territory. The final act cranks everything up to such an absurd level that it risks losing its impact, but the sheer boldness keeps it from falling flat. While the script leans more on visuals and raw emotion than intricate storytelling, it works within the film’s larger-than-life tone.

As a critique of Hollywood’s obsession with beauty and youth, The Substance makes its point loud and clear, even if it lacks subtlety. The commentary on how the entertainment industry discards women as they age is effective, though it feels a bit familiar in today’s cultural landscape. Still, the film’s unrelenting energy and twisted humor give it enough bite to stand out.

In the end, The Substance is a gory, wild spectacle that delivers exactly what it promises. If you can stomach the blood and mayhem, it is a sharp and shocking ride worth taking. Solid 8 out of 10.

Out Now on Digital https://apple.co/4f90UnI