Review: Never Let me Go

Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2005 novel of the same title, Never Let me Go is thought-provoking , goes against human instinct and nature to explore the notion of rent-a-body humans designed to save the real human race from life threatening illnesses such as cancer and motor neuron disease.

While critics have panned the film to be much like The Island (2005), also based on the same novel, Never Let me Go is more realistic, heart felt, the characters easier to relate to and a truly British film with outstanding performances from a talented cast.

Set in an alternative Britain in the late seventies, the movie focuses on the lives of three friends-Kathy H (Carey Mulligan), Ruth (Keira Knightley) and Tommy (Andrew Garfield) who are being brought up in an educational institution where their every day routines are closely monitored, from the food they eat, sport they play and more importantly the state of their health. To keep tabs of the children in the school, each has an electronic tag they use to check in and out with. Of course this seems like the norm to the pupils, who are not allowed past the boundaries of the school and unaware of the true reason of their existence. That is until a new teacher with a conscience starts at the school and tells the children that they will never see past their 30th birthday, have a career or children. But with her statement of truth to the year 4 class she iskilling them with kindness as they have no power or desire to escape this fate that awaits them through fear provoked by the stories they have heard within the school, lies spread by teachers, and subsequently their short years become fraught with paranoia and anticipation as to when they will be called up for their first and last donation.

Whereas society views them as bodies without souls, the pupils are still like normal children, they enjoy playing with toys, develop friendships and feel hurt, anger and jealousy, an emotion that threatens to split up the three friends as Ruth makes a move on Tommy after noticing him and Kathy developing true feelings for each other. 

Their relationship continues at age 18 when the children graduate from the school to live in cottages with others like them who have been brought up in similar institutions. Here they have more freedom and are even allowed into the real world for day trips permitting they return to the cottages.  During this time Tommy and Ruth’s relationship becomes more visible, something which tears Kathy apart, so she decides to volunteer as a carer, the only job the children are permitted, looking after those who are at their stage of completion (donating). Ultimately it is this decision which prolongs her short life, and after moving away from Tommy and Ruth, who eventually split, leads her back to them. 

She finds that both Ruth and Tommy are on their second donation. While Tommy is still fighting fit, Ruth is beaten and requests the three meet to go on a day trip, knowing where Tommy is being cared for. On their outing Ruth makes amends by apologising for her behaviour and offers Kathy and Tommy a life-line, the address of the gallery owner who visited the school, a woman they believe can extend their lives by proving they are in love. However this arrangement is yet another cruel rumour, and as soon as the pair are reunited Tommy is called for his third and last donation. Two weeks after Kathy is notified of the appointment for her first donation.

Of course it’s easy to say that they all should have made a run for, but much like our purpose is for pro-creation theirs is to donate and prolong others’ lives, which they accept.