REVIEW: Diane Lane and Lesley Manville Fight for Their Families in “Let Him Go”

What lengths would you go to protect the ones you love? Would you travel miles to bring home a loved one from a dangerous situation? And, when you yourself encounter the dangerous situation, would you run or fight? Those are the exact questions asked in Focus Features’ new film, Let Him Go.

Based on the novel by Thomas Bezucha, after the death of their son, George (Kevin Costner) and Margaret Blackledge (Diane Lane) have nothing left, but their daughter-in-law, Lorna (Kayli Carter) and grandson. Over the years, Lorna eventually remarries Donnie Weboy (Will Brittain). The man is an unknown to the Blackledge’s, but if he makes their former daughter-in-law happy, they are happy. That is until Margaret seems something that shakes her to the core and urges her to confront Lorna. But Lorna, Donnie and their grandson are nowhere to be found. They have up and left. Now, Margaret and George must leave their home in Montana to save their daughter-in-law and grandson from their new dangerous family. The couple will stop at nothing to bring their family home, but the question becomes, is the cost worth the fight.

This story isn’t so much a story of grandparents trying to bring their grandson home, but more about the will of two mothers, who will stop at nothing to protect their families. Margaret will stop at nothing to bring her daughter-in-law and grandson home, while Blanche Weboy (Lesley Manville) will stop at nothing to protect her sons and her “new” family. Lane and Manville give gripping performances as Blackledge and Weboy. Though the two characters could not be any different, each is after the same end goal. Lane and Manville leave everything on the line with these two characters and it certainly pays off. Their performances will leave you feeling for both characters, but at the same time shaking your head at some of their decisions.

Costner’s George, at first, is just along for the ride, but as the film progresses, he comes around and also gives quite the performance. The nice thing about Costner is his delivery is just as much verbal as it is nonverbal. From his looks to how he stands, the audience will have no problem figuring out what he is trying to say without actually saying it. He and Lane, also, are a winning combination. These two easily play off one another. I just wish they had more lighthearted scenes together.

Let Him Go is a moving story that will keep you glued to your seat from start to finish. The story is a little predictable, but the performances are stellar. They are the reason audience members will stay tuned to the story.

Grade: A