Halle Berry’s New Horror Flick: A Closer Look at Never Let Go

Academy Award winner Halle Berry has long been regarded as a reliable box office draw, yet her latest horror venture, Never Let Go, released in 2024, faced unexpected challenges. Despite its notable star power and a solid marketing campaign, the film struggled against fierce genre competition, falling into relative obscurity at the box office.

A Battle in the Horror Genre

Upon its release, Never Let Go wasn’t alone in the theatre; it found itself competing with heavy hitters such as the Smile 2, led by rising star Naomi Scott, and the critically acclaimed body horror piece, The Substance. These competitive forces made it difficult for Berry’s film to gain traction. At a time when horror was rapidly evolving and audience expectations were high, Never Let Go became a victim of timing, raising questions about its release strategy.

Streaming Success Amidst Box Office Disappointment

Fast forward a year, and the landscape for horror films had shifted significantly. The notable absence of new titles during the Halloween season has allowed Never Let Go to reclaim a degree of popularity, now streaming on Starz. Surprisingly, the film has climbed into the top ten streaming rankings in the U.S., joining an eclectic lineup that includes prominent titles like Arsenal featuring Nicolas Cage and the John Wick spin-off, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, led by Ana De Armas.

A Critical Lens

Despite this resurgence in streaming popularity, initial reception for Never Let Go was lukewarm, with critic and audience scores hovering around a mediocre 56% and 54%, respectively, on Rotten Tomatoes. The site’s consensus reflects this ambivalence: "Director Alexandre Aja‘s latest horror offering boasts an anxiety-inducing atmosphere and a committed performance from Halle Berry, although audiences will have to let go of some storytelling expectations to enjoy the ride." This critique emphasizes both the film’s strengths and its pitfalls, hinting at an intriguing concept that perhaps faltered in execution.

A Brief Synopsis

The narrative of Never Let Go presents a tense psychological thriller. As evil entities encroach upon their sanctuary, a mother and her twin sons cling to one another, literally tethering themselves with ropes for protection. This physical bond symbolizes their emotional strength as they confront an unknown enemy. However, when one of the boys begins to doubt the reality of the threat, the tenuous ties that bind them begin to unravel, triggering a gripping fight for survival. The premise taps into a deep-seated fear of isolation and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones.

Box Office Journey

Financially, Never Let Go didn’t break records but wasn’t a complete disaster either. The film grossed approximately $21.7 million globally, surpassing its modest $20 million budget. However, on its opening weekend, it finished in a disappointing fourth place domestically, rapidly falling to eighth by the second weekend. Such a trajectory highlights the film’s challenges in standing out in a crowded field.

Current Availability

For viewers intrigued by this eerie tale, Never Let Go is currently available for streaming on Starz. Given the film’s recent rise in popularity amid a sparse horror landscape, it’s an opportune time for audiences to explore this unique offering in the genre. Whether you’re a die-hard Hallie Berry fan or simply searching for fresh horror content, it might be worth giving this flick a chance. As Halloween memories fade, Never Let Go takes a second shot at captivating an audience eager for chills and thrills.