MMT Quick Review of LET HIM GO

What are you willing to do to rescue someone you love? That’s the question behind the actions of lead characters George (Kevin Costner) and Margaret (Diane Lane) in the new dramatic thriller LET HIM GO.

Here’s the synopsis: Following the tragic 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 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.

Adapted from the 2013 novel by Larry Watson, the film follows the couple as they journey to take back their grandson from the clutches of the dangerous Weboy family and depicts a genuine love story along the way.

It’s no doubt that Lane and Costner have a natural chemistry. We witnessed it previously in 2013’s Man of Steel, and it’s displayed even more in this film – through their love for each other, late son, his widow, and their grandchild.

But it is the movie’s final showdown that is most impressive, and you know from the minute Margaret decides to get her grandchild back that something harrowing is on the horizon.

I love that a First Nations advisor is listed in the crew credits – as the film has a secondary character, Peter Dragswolf (Booboo Stewart), who is Native American and describes his childhood experience of being taken away from his parents and forced to attend a boarding school to become civilized – a historical reference to a reprehensible period in US history.

Also, that a Child Psychologist is credited considering the violence in the film and Bram and Otto Hornung having double duty with the portrayal of the Blackledge’s grandson Jimmy.

I wish the movie took time to explore the backstory of the Weboy family, since it’s not fully explained how or why it’s considered the “big bad” in several counties and had them deadlocked in its favor. But I enjoyed the ride and believe the story is well told, nonetheless.

A character-driven story with a slow build, Let Him Go is an engrossing watch and the thrills pick up in the second act, culminating in an all-out battle to the finish, literally, in its final. I rate it 3.5 out of 5 on the MMTrometer.

LET HIM GO opens Friday, November 6 in theaters.

Until next thought, Thomasena