Mini review: Never Let Me Go (2010)

Certificate: 12

Director: Mark Romanek

Cast: Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, Kiera Knightley, Sally Hawkins

  An up and coming British cast provide enchanting performances in this low key adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2005 novel. The film follows friends Kathy (Carey Mulligan), Tommy (Andrew Garfield) and Ruth (Kiera Knightly) from their upbringing in the mysterious Hailsham school through to their late twenties. While technically a sci-fi tale (text at the beginning informs us that in 1952 a scientific breakthrough has pushed lifespans beyond 100 years), this is very much a reflection on friendship, identity and the acceptance of extraordinary circumstances. Although weakened by making what in the novel is a slow reveal apparent from the start, the interactions between the characters help maintain dramatic tension throughout, resulting in a heartfelt and engaging piece.

Verdict: 4/5