Based on the acclaimed novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, “Never Let Me Go” is a delicate and understated film set in a dystopian 1994, no so different from our own world. Only in this one, life expectancy is over 100 because of the use of clones to harvest as organ donors. It may sound like an epic sci-fi adventure, but in actuality, this movie is much more of an interpersonal-relationship and period-piece drama. It is an actor’s film, reliant on subtlety, nuance and elegance.
The story is narrated by Kathy as she reflects on her life over three acts. The first act returns back to 1978, as she and two friends, Ruth and Tommy, attend Hailsham — a school where they are prepared for an inevitable destiny. This is where a life-long love triangle starts to form. Kathy likes Tommy. Tommy likes Kathy. Their friendship is truly touching as they navigate the early stages of their relationship. However, despite being Kathy’s best friend, a jealous Ruth steals away the young Tommy and they stay together for years while Kathy sits patiently and quietly as the odd one out.
The second act takes place at The Cottages, a remote waiting station for these cloned human beings. Here, Kathy decides that she wants to become a carer — one who looks after the donors as they are slowly parted-out until “completion” (Ishiguro’s word for death). The three friends all go their separate ways, as is typical in most of our lives.
The final act is a haunting reunion ten years later. I will not detail too much of the plot, as it is best left experienced first hand. However, the film poignantly deals with the notions of limited-time, destiny vs free-will, redemption, naivety, true-love, self-worth and loneliness. It is a story with grand themes.
I loved it. It is so wonderfully performed by the three leads. Carey Mulligan (“An Education”) is a gifted young woman who already has two masterpieces under her belt. There is something so serene and delicate about her performances that it becomes impossible to turn away. Keira Knightley is fast becoming the most underrated talent in the industry. Sure, she is a megastar and renowned as one of the most beautiful women to ever grace the silver-screen. But with “Pride & Prejudice”, “Silk”, “The Edge of Love”, “Atonement” and “The Duchess”, you would be hard pressed to find anyone with a stronger résumé in recent years. Andrew Garfield (the new “Spider-Man”) adds to his impressive 2010 collection, which also includes “The Social Network”, with a powerful effort as Tommy.
All things considered, “Never Let Me Go” is one of the most memorable films of 2010. It is the kind of film that will have you pondering its complexities for days, maybe weeks. It will compete for a place in my year-end Top 10 List. I urge you all to seek it out, despite the typically horrendous distribution by the studio and cinema chains. Films like this should be playing on 3000 screens on opening weekend. Instead, you will probably be forced to seek out this one on DVD.
I love Carey Mulligan. She is my new fave actress.