Never Let Me Go is a haunting and introspective film that delves deep into the complexities of human cloning and the ethical quandaries that accompany it. Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel of the same name, the movie is set in an alternate reality where scientific advancements have led to the creation of clones. However, the true purpose of these clones is shrouded in mystery for much of the story. Featuring stellar performances by a top-notch cast, the film presents a thought-provoking narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.
The film follows the lives of three individuals—Kathy(Carey Mulligan), Tommy(Andrew Garfield), and Ruth(Keira Knightley)—who grow up in an isolated boarding school. At first glance, their childhood appears serene, almost idyllic, but there is an underlying sense of unease that gradually builds as the story unfolds. As they mature, the trio finds themselves entangled in a complex web of emotions, particularly as they navigate a love triangle that tests their friendships and forces them to confront unsettling truths about themselves and the world they inhabit. In this new world, the technology of human cloning is implemented on a full scale for the harvesting of vital organs. The movie/novel considers the ramifications of treating life as resource.
What makes Never Let Me Go profoundly impactful is its exploration of what it means to be human. The characters, though seemingly ordinary, grapple with the weight of their existence in ways that are deeply relatable. The film raises poignant questions about identity, purpose, and the ethics of creating life with a predetermined fate. The melancholic tone of the movie, underscored by Rachel Portman’s haunting score, envelops the viewer in a sense of quiet despair that lingers long after the screen goes dark.
The emotional depth of the story is heightened by the great performances of the lead actors, who convey a range of complex emotions with subtlety and grace. The film’s visual style, with its muted colour palette and serene landscapes, adds to the atmosphere of melancholy and introspection, making us feel as though we are witnessing a beautiful, yet tragic, tableau.
When I watched it with my roommate, while we were doing our residency, we were both deeply affected. We sat motionless during the credit scene, and the melancholy stayed with us for days. Even at work, we found ourselves thinking about the characters and the film’s unsettling conclusion.
The story may not be something everyone can relate to, but for those who have seen a loved one suffer from a terminal illness, it strikes a deep chord. The way the characters spend their time doing mundane, simple things, knowing their fate is sealed, speaks volumes about the true meaning of desires and wishes in life.
It’s a strange and helpless story, but it’s told in such a gentle way that it is honestly just really sad and half-relatable. The movie breaks your heart. It’s easy to dismiss someone’s humanity if you don’t see them as human. It is also easy to stop caring if you don’t see yourself as one either. The actors play the characters so beautifully that, against all reason, it makes you want to be there with them in their hopeless situation.
The ending scene, where Kathy is reminded of Tommy, the love of her life, by catching a glimpse of trash blowing in the wind, is truly heartbreaking. The background score by Portman makes it unforgettable. For those who enjoy films that challenge the mind and touch the heart, Never Let Me Go is a must-watch.
