By Robin E. Simmons
LET HIM GO
Witness how far a family will go to rescue one of their own in this gripping and emotionally charged action drama.
Based on the novel of the same name by New York Times acclaimed author Larry Watson, the intense thriller reunites Academy Award® winner Kevin Costner and Academy Award® nominee Diane Lane as a husband and wife who set out to save their young grandson from the clutches of a violent and ruthless family of redneck misfits.
Hailed by critics as fresh and suspenseful, the film is set in the 1960’s American West and explores the bonds of family, the power of love and the necessity (?) of sacrifice. Featuring never-before-seen bonus content with the film’s cast and crew takes audiences behind the scenes delving deeper into the western mythos that informs the film.
After their life is set off course following the tragic loss of their son, retired sheriff George Blackledge (Costner) and his wife Margaret (Lane) leave their Montana ranch on a mission through the North Dakota desert to rescue their young grandson from a dangerous family living off the grid.
Navigating tragedy and tumult, the couple soon discover that the Weboy family, a deep-rooted local clan led by the brutal and heartless matriarch Blanche (the gifted Oscar© nominee Leslie Manville) has no intention of letting the child go, forcing George and Margaret to ask how far they will go to fight for their family.
The film is filed with powerful performances and examines the strength of family ties, the bittersweet and fierce cost of vengeance and the true stakes of heroism set against an iconic and deeply American backdrop.
Writer and director Thomas Bezucha delivers a superb, eloquent — almost poetic — living tapestry set against a majestic landscape punctuated by moments of shocking terror that will have the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the movie. This is among Costner’s best performances. Strong recommendation. Universal. Blu-ray.
Comments? robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com
