If you’ve watched the trailer, you’ll see that Never Let Go is influenced by classic horror elements. However, director Alexandre Aja reveals that the inspiration was surprisingly unexpected.
Many of the greatest horror films feature recurring motifs: a family in distress, an iconic cabin in the woods, and chaos ensues. The new movie Never Let Go, starring Halle Berry, appears to follow this pattern… but things are not what they seem.
In Never Let Go, the character Momma (played by Berry) is dedicated to protecting her two sons from “the Evil” lurking outside, which only she perceives. Her primary objective is to keep the boys safe by having them stay tied to a rope whenever they venture outside, vowing to never let go.
Several classic horror films come to mind as possible influences, such as The Cabin in the Woods or even The Strangers, which restarted its franchise earlier this year. However, according to Aja, the source of inspiration for Never Let Go comes from a lesser-known horror film.
“There’s something about those two women living in the tall grass, isolated from society, and betraying one another through that supernatural sunlight mask that possesses them. That concept resonated with the film I was aiming to create,” Aja explained.
For those unfamiliar, Onibaba, directed by Kaneto Shindo, tells the story of a mother and daughter-in-law who survive by murdering soldiers for their belongings. Upon learning of her son’s death, the mother designs a terrifying mask to manipulate her daughter-in-law into staying with her.
Similar themes abound in both films, particularly regarding their remote settings. Both narratives also explore an unhinged mother caught between supernatural forces and what may simply be a deteriorating grip on reality.
For horror enthusiasts, there’s another influence in Never Let Go that fans might recognize.
“When I first read the script, it reminded me of the layers and complexities found in The Shining. Even though my film bears no direct relation to it. There’s a resonance in the use of the rope, conjuring the notion of being safe if you remain inside the house… or at least remain tethered to it.”
Widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever, The Shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick, features Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall at the Overlook Hotel, with Nicholson’s character, Jack Torrance, descending into madness as he encounters supernatural phenomena.
Never Let Go will hit theaters in the US on September 20 and in the UK on September 27. Both Onibaba and The Shining are available for streaming on Max and Apple TV+.
In the meantime, explore the best serial killer documentaries, top horror films on Prime Video, and the best Neon horror movies. Additionally, check out new movies streaming this month.
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