Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Young people ponder sex, love, life in downer sci-fi drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Never Let Me Go
What's the Story?
Kathy (Carey Mulligan) appears to work in some capacity in a hospital. In flashback, viewers learn about her past, growing up at a rather peculiar school. She falls in love with Tommy but loses him to her friend, Ruth. Before long, the children learn their real purpose (possible spoiler alert): They have been specially created for "spare parts" to be donated to "real," sick people. Years later, Tommy (Andrew Garfield) and Ruth (Keira Knightley) are still together. Rumors begin to circulate that there may be special treatment for couples who are truly in love, but Kathy volunteers as a "carer," which will take her on a different path from her friends. Will these young people discover the secret behind their lives, and can true love conquer all?
Is It Any Good?
Based on a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro and directed by celebrated former music video maker Mark Romanek, this film is meticulously made and never less than interesting. It develops and sustains a specific, eerily effective mood that's hard to describe; it's somewhat dystopian but also somewhat like an alternate reality.
The three stars are captivating and charismatic, but that may not be enough to provide a real emotional connection in the movie's chilly, thoroughly depressing atmosphere. The overall science fiction idea hangs over the entire film like a dark cloud; it has no beginning or ending or center, and it's unchanging. Although the movie's ultimate point is to appreciate what little we're actually given (and also to value the real meaning of being human), it leaves little room for hope.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the movie depicts sex. The characters are very curious about sex. Do they learn about it in healthy ways?
Do you think the movie's overall message is positive or negative? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 15, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : February 1, 2011
- Cast : Andrew Garfield , Carey Mulligan , Keira Knightley
- Director : Mark Romanek
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Fox Searchlight
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexuality and nudity
- Last updated : August 5, 2022
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