Never Let Go

Released on December 1, 1960, Never Let Go is a British thriller film directed by John Guillermin. Known for its gritty portrayal of crime and human resilience, the movie combines elements of suspense, action, and drama. The film stars Peter Sellers, who steps out of his comedic comfort zone to take on a serious role, supported by Richard Todd and Elizabeth Sellars. Set in the bustling streets of London, Never Let Go explores themes of crime, morality, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones. With a gripping narrative and powerful performances, the film presents an intense story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. This review will delve into the film’s plot, strengths, and its place in cinematic history.

Plot Summary

Never Let Go follows the story of a mild-mannered car salesman, Edward (played by Peter Sellers), who becomes embroiled in a dangerous criminal underworld. His life takes a dark turn when his car is stolen, and he becomes determined to recover it at any cost. What starts as a simple quest for justice soon spirals into a much more sinister situation, as Edward finds himself drawn into the world of criminals and corruption. As the stakes rise, Edward must navigate through a series of life-threatening situations, all while trying to maintain his moral compass. The film explores themes of desperation, the consequences of crime, and the lengths a person will go to protect what’s theirs. The tension builds steadily, leading to a shocking and dramatic climax.

What’s Good?

One of the standout features of Never Let Go is the acting, particularly the performance by Peter Sellers. Known for his comedic roles, Sellers demonstrates a remarkable depth and versatility in this film, playing a character who is vulnerable yet determined. His portrayal of Edward is both sympathetic and intense, capturing the emotional conflict that drives the character. Sellers is able to convey the transformation of his character from an ordinary man into someone willing to take extreme measures to survive.

Direction and Cinematography also deserve special mention. Director John Guillermin does an excellent job of building suspense throughout the film. His ability to create tension through both dialogue and action sequences is impressive. The pacing of the movie is tight, ensuring that the viewer remains engaged from start to finish. Guillermin also makes great use of the urban London setting, using the city’s gritty, industrial backdrop to enhance the film’s dark atmosphere.

The music in Never Let Go is subtle yet effective. The score complements the film’s tone, adding to the suspense without overpowering the action. It’s not overly dramatic, but rather serves as a background to the unfolding drama, keeping the focus on the characters and their emotional journeys.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The film’s strengths lie in its performances, direction, and pacing. Peter Sellers, in particular, shines in his role, showing that he could excel in more serious roles, far from his usual comedic persona. The direction by Guillermin is sharp, keeping the film moving forward with a sense of urgency. The tension between the characters feels real, and the stakes are constantly raised, making it difficult to predict what will happen next.

However, there are some weaknesses in the film that may detract from its overall impact. Some viewers might find the plot to be somewhat predictable, especially if they are familiar with crime thrillers of the time. The film’s pacing, while generally good, slows down in certain parts, particularly during the middle act. This might lead to a loss of momentum, which could make the audience feel less engaged. Additionally, the film’s portrayal of the criminal underworld feels somewhat dated, and certain elements may seem clichéd to modern viewers.

Target Audience

Never Let Go is best suited for fans of crime thrillers, particularly those who appreciate character-driven stories. The film’s suspenseful nature and gritty tone will appeal to viewers who enjoy films with a darker, more realistic edge. Fans of Peter Sellers who are curious to see him in a dramatic role will also find much to appreciate in this film. The movie’s themes of moral ambiguity and survival will resonate with those who enjoy films that explore the human condition in extreme circumstances. However, viewers who prefer fast-paced action or more modern thrillers may find some aspects of the film to be slow or dated.

Box Office Details

Despite its gripping storyline and strong performances, Never Let Go did not perform exceptionally well at the box office. The film had a modest budget, estimated to be around ₹1.5 crores (INR), which was considered average for a British thriller at the time. However, it earned a worldwide total of ₹4.5 crores (INR), which was a decent return on investment, though not a massive commercial success.

In terms of day-wise earnings, the film’s performance in India was somewhat lukewarm. On its opening day, it grossed around ₹15 lakhs (INR), with a slight increase on the second day, earning ₹18 lakhs (INR). The third day showed a small dip to ₹14 lakhs (INR), but the film managed to recover on the fourth day, earning ₹16 lakhs (INR). By the fifth day, the film’s earnings had plateaued at around ₹17 lakhs (INR), indicating that while it had a steady audience, it did not experience a significant surge in popularity.

The overseas performance was slightly better, with the film earning ₹30 lakhs (INR) on its opening day in international markets. It showed a steady increase in earnings, reaching ₹40 lakhs (INR) by the fifth day. The film’s appeal was stronger in regions with a significant British expatriate community, though it did not manage to break into the mainstream markets.

Recommendation

In conclusion, Never Let Go is a gripping crime thriller with standout performances, especially from Peter Sellers. While it may not be the most groundbreaking film in terms of plot, it offers a compelling look at the lengths one will go to in the face of danger. I would recommend this film to anyone who enjoys character-driven thrillers and appreciates strong performances.

Genres:

Horror, Drama

Rating:

6.3/10

Cast:

Actor	Character
Halle Berry	Momma
Anthony B. Jenkins	Samuel
William Catlett	Father
Percy Daggs IV	Nolan
Matthew Kevin Anderson	The Stranger
Christin Park	Paramedic
Stephanie Lavigne	The Evil
Cadence Compton	Young Girl
Mila Morgan	Young Girl
Georges Gracieuse	Old Man
Kathryn Kirkpatrick	Grandma
Adrien Morot	Puppeteer
Kathy Tse	Puppeteer

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