“A family’s love. A fight for justice. A battle against darkness.”
Let Him Go (2020) is a neo-Western thriller directed by Thomas Bezucha, starring Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Lesley Manville, and Kayli Carter. Based on Larry Watson’s 2013 novel, the film follows a retired sheriff and his wife as they embark on a dangerous journey to rescue their grandson from a violent family living off the grid.
Story Overview
Set in 1961 Montana, the film introduces George Blackledge (Kevin Costner), a retired sheriff, and his wife Margaret (Diane Lane), who live peacefully on their ranch with their son James, his wife Lorna (Kayli Carter), and their infant son Jimmy.
Tragedy strikes when James dies in a riding accident, leaving Lorna and Jimmy vulnerable. Two years later, Lorna remarries Donnie Weboy (Will Brittain), a man whose controlling and abusive nature quickly becomes apparent. When Margaret witnesses Donnie physically harming Jimmy and Lorna, she becomes determined to bring her grandson home.
Margaret convinces George to accompany her on a journey to North Dakota, where the Weboy family resides. Their search leads them to Blanche Weboy (Lesley Manville), the ruthless matriarch of the clan, who refuses to let Jimmy go. As tensions rise, the Blackledges find themselves trapped in a violent confrontation, forcing them to make heart-wrenching sacrifices to protect their family.
Themes and Symbolism
- Family and Protection: The film explores the lengths to which parents and grandparents will go to protect their loved ones.
- Justice vs. Revenge: George and Margaret must decide whether to uphold the law or take matters into their own hands.
- The Harshness of the Frontier: The isolated landscapes reflect the brutality of the world they must navigate.
Why It Stands Out
- Powerful Performances: Kevin Costner and Diane Lane deliver emotionally gripping portrayals of grief, determination, and resilience.
- Lesley Manville’s Chilling Villain: Blanche Weboy is a terrifying antagonist, embodying control and cruelty.
- Tense and Atmospheric: The film builds suspense through its slow-burn storytelling and stark cinematography.
Reception and Legacy
Released on November 6, 2020, Let Him Go received positive reviews, praised for its performances, emotional depth, and gripping tension. It holds a 6.7/10 rating on IMDb and was noted for its neo-Western themes and dramatic intensity.
Where to Watch
You can find Let Him Go on IMDb or Wikipedia. It is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital platforms.