This movie was dark and grey and gloomy just like the rainy day I was trying to escape from. Even so, not long after the lights turned down I found myself pleasantly drifting from one melancholic experience into another.‘Never Let me Go’ is based on the book written by Kazuo Ishiguru that I remember reading and loving way back in high school. And so I was excited to hear that it had been made into a motion picture. I was also very curious as to how the unusual subject matter would translate onto the big screen. But the impressive screenplay written by Alex Garland (who’s name you might recognise as the guy who wrote the novel ‘The Beach’) helps make the transition from book to film seamlessly.
The story kicks off with a caption explaining that a medical breakthrough in 1952 has prolonged the human lifespan to 100 years. This sets the scene for a science fiction kind of movie but don’t let that turn you off (sorry trekkies!) - unike most sci-fi movies, rather than being set in the future, ‘Never Let Me Go’ lays out an alternative to the current 20th century. The initial setting is at Hailsham, a seemingly idyllic English boarding school with beautiful green grounds and lots of smiley, healthy kids running around. The film quickly becomes grim but also intriguing as we discover that these children are all orphans and are imprisoned at Hailsham as they are being raised to be human organ donors.
The main character performances are haunting – in a good way. Carey Mulligan is exceptional as Cathy H, the narrator of the film, as is Kiera Knightley in a supporting role as the outgoing and dominant Ruth. Interestingly, Carey and Kiera last appeared together in 2005 in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ when Kiera was a much bigger name but ‘Never Let Me Go’ shows Carey is more than capable of carrying the lead role. Tommy, who ends up being the pointy end of a love triangle between himself and the two girls, is movingly portrayed by Andrew Garfield.
What’s great about this movie is the way it makes you think about what it means to be human. I particularly loved the final reflection by Cathy regarding whether or not their lives were truly any different than the people they donate to e.g. “maybe none of us really understand what we’ve lived through”?!. It also touches on the notion of not having enough time to spend with those we love and how important it is to appreciate every moment and the fact that somehow this is easier to achieve when you know the end is near. This movie made me realise that since becoming a mum, I’ve had no choice but to be more present and appreciate all the little moments that make up now – which as it turns out is a beautiful gift Lilliana has given me. And here I was thinking our relationship was all one way at this point in time!
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed this movie – and Lilliana was clearly mesmerised (see inset!) – I appreciate ‘Never Let Me Go’ probably isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I think most people will find this hard to watch and might even describe it as ‘slow’. If you haven’t read the book, and if you have other films to choose from, I don’t think I’d be putting this one at the top of my list.However, if you loved the book, or you’re looking for a film that provokes some interesting dinner conversation, or if you’re just trying to escape a rainy day........ take a risk and add this one to your list.
