Let Him Go

Movie Trailer

Release Date
November 6, 2020

Genre
Thriller, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Kevin Costner as George Blackledge
• Diane Lane as Margaret Blackledge
• Lesley Manville as Blanche Weboy
• Jeffrey Donovan as Bill Weboy
• Kayli Carter as Lorna Blackledge
• Will Brittain as Donnie Weboy

Director
Thomas Bezucha

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Family Stone (2005)
• Monte Carlo (2011)
• Big Eden (2000)

Producer
Paula Mazur, Mitchell Kaplan, Thomas Bezucha

Writer
Thomas Bezucha (based on the novel by Larry Watson)

Budget
Estimated $25 million

Production Company
Mazur / Kaplan Company, Focus Features

Running Time
113 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for violence)

Content Advisory

• Intense violence
• Themes of grief, loss, and family
• Some strong language

Movie Story
Let Him Go is a tense and emotional thriller that follows retired sheriff George Blackledge (Kevin Costner) and his wife Margaret (Diane Lane) as they embark on a dangerous journey to rescue their young grandson from a dangerous family living off the grid. Set in the 1960s in the American Midwest, the film begins with the tragic death of the Blackledges’ adult son, leaving behind his wife, Lorna (Kayli Carter), and their young grandson, Jimmy.

When Lorna remarries a man named Donnie Weboy (Will Brittain), the Blackledges grow concerned about the safety and well-being of their grandson. Their fears are realized when they discover that Donnie is abusive, and Lorna and Jimmy are living under the control of the Weboy family, led by the ruthless matriarch Blanche Weboy (Lesley Manville).

Determined to bring their grandson home, George and Margaret travel to the remote Weboy farm, where they encounter a chilling and hostile environment. As they try to negotiate Jimmy’s return, the situation escalates into a deadly confrontation, revealing the depths of Blanche’s cruelty and the lengths to which the Blackledges will go to protect their family.

Let Him Go is a powerful story about loss, vengeance, and the unbreakable bonds of family. The film’s slow-burn tension builds to a gripping climax, with standout performances from Kevin Costner and Diane Lane, whose portrayals of grief-stricken but determined grandparents anchor the film’s emotional core. Lesley Manville delivers a chilling performance as the menacing Blanche Weboy, making her one of the most memorable villains in recent cinema.

Special Effects
The special effects in Let Him Go are minimal, as the film relies more on atmosphere, character-driven storytelling, and intense dramatic moments. The cinematography captures the vast, open landscapes of the American Midwest, emphasizing the isolation and danger that the Blackledges face in their quest. The film’s use of lighting and composition enhances the suspense and emotional intensity, particularly in the film’s climactic scenes.

Box Office Performance
Let Him Go was released in theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited its box office potential. Despite these challenges, the film performed modestly well, grossing around $11.6 million domestically. It was also released on video-on-demand platforms, where it found an audience among viewers who appreciated its strong performances and gripping story.

Filming Locations

• Alberta, Canada
• Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada
• Drumheller, Alberta, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “Sometimes that’s all life is, Margaret. The list of what we’ve lost.” – George Blackledge
• “You’re the law where you are, but here it’s me.” – Blanche Weboy
• “He belongs with his family. We came to get our boy.” – Margaret Blackledge

Behind-the-Scenes

• Let Him Go is based on the novel of the same name by Larry Watson, which explores similar themes of family, loss, and justice.
• Director Thomas Bezucha adapted the novel into a screenplay and brought his vision of the 1960s Midwest to life with careful attention to period detail and atmosphere.
• The film re-teams Kevin Costner and Diane Lane, who previously played husband and wife as Clark Kent’s parents in Man of Steel (2013) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016).

Awards

• None, but the film received critical acclaim for its strong performances, particularly those of Diane Lane and Lesley Manville, as well as its gripping, character-driven narrative.

Final Verdict
Let Him Go is a compelling and suspenseful thriller that combines powerful performances with a tense and emotionally charged story. Kevin Costner and Diane Lane deliver exceptional performances as grieving grandparents willing to risk everything to save their grandson. The film’s portrayal of familial loyalty and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones resonates deeply, while Lesley Manville’s chilling portrayal of the antagonist adds to the film’s impact. With its strong character development, atmospheric tension, and gripping narrative, Let Him Go is a standout thriller that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

IMDb Rating
6.7/10