NEVER LET ME GO Review (5 out of 5 stars)

Gorgeous, sweeping, sad.
 
NEVER LET ME GO is based on the 2005 Kazuo Ishiguro book of the same name which Time dubbed “the best novel of the decade,” a fact the film’s fabulously forlorn poster doesn’t neglect to point out. The movie - sure to be an awards contender come fall - is directed by Mark Romanek, whose only other directorial credit for work released in theatres is 2002’s flawed but cult-classic psychological thriller ONE HOUR PHOTO, starring Robin Williams in the role of a lifetime. 

I am pleased to proclaim that Romanek easily tops his early-2000’s frosh debut and has proven himself a heavyweight contender. NEVER stars hot young acting talent Carey Mulligan (Oscar-nominated for her ingénue in AN EDUCATION and starring in the upcoming WALL STREET sequel) as Kathy; handsome budding new star Andrew Garfield (THE SOCIAL NETWORK, and the official new Peter Parker/Spiderman) as Tommy; and Oscar nominee Keira Knightley (PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, ATONEMENT) as Ruth. The three play flummoxed young school grads stumbling through abbreviated adult lives following their time at the postcard-worthy boarding school Hailsham. Young thespians Izzy Meikle-Small, Charlie Rowe and Ella Purnell impressively play their earlier grade-school counterparts in the first segment of the film– expect to see one or more of these young’uns again.

The trailer merely hints at the sci-fi(-ish) hook of the storyline, which I’ll also refrain from spelling out. Let’s just say though that NEVER LET ME GO’s bucolic British tale takes place in a universe just like ours save for one shocking-but-never-discussed-in-polite-company distinction. The love triangle of Kathy, Tommy and Ruth is utterly engrossing, as are the actors’ portrayals of the characters themselves: Carey’s long, soulful looks, Garfield’s silent anguish and shattering scream and Knightley’s manipulation of the two kept me pining for more. You know these people, and you want to know more even as the end credits roll; Mulligan could very well nab another Oscar nom for her work. The supporting cast is also incredible: Sally Hawkins and Nathalie Richard steal scenes in their small roles as conscience-racked elders, and you wouldn’t want to mess with Charlotte Rampling’s dour schoolmarm – who manages to redeem herself in the end.
 
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