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Let Him Go
Theatrical release poster
Directed byThomas Bezucha
Written byThomas Bezucha
Based onLet Him Go
by Larry Watson
Produced by
  • Paula Mazur
  • Mitchell Kaplan
  • Thomas Bezucha
Starring
CinematographyGuy Godfree
Edited by
Music byMichael Giacchino
Production
company
The Mazur Kaplan Company
Distributed by
Release date
  • November 6, 2020 (2020-11-06)
Running time
114 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$21 million
Box office$11.6 million[1][2]

Let Him Go is a 2020 American neo-Western thriller film starring Diane Lane and Kevin Costner, and directed, written, and co-produced by Thomas Bezucha, based on the 2013 novel of the same name by Larry Watson. It also stars Lesley Manville, Kayli Carter, Will Brittain, and Jeffrey Donovan.

The film follows a retired sheriff (Costner) and his wife (Lane) who try to rescue their grandson from a dangerous family living off-the-grid.

Let Him Go was theatrically released in the United States on November 6, 2020, by Focus Features. The film received positive reviews and grossed over $11.6 million.

Plot

[edit]

In 1961 Montana, retired sheriff George Blackledge lives on a ranch with his wife Margaret, their son James, James's wife Lorna and infant son Jimmy. One afternoon, Margaret sees James's horse return without him. George finds James's body by a creek; he had fallen off his horse and broken his neck.

In 1963, Lorna marries her new boyfriend, Donnie Weboy; she is not in love with him but needs his support with Jimmy. One afternoon, while out shopping, Margaret sees Lorna, Donnie and Jimmy getting ice cream. When Jimmy drops his, Donnie forcefully grabs Jimmy's arm. When Lorna steps in, Donnie strikes her. Margaret later goes to their house to check in on them, but a neighbor reveals that they have left town. Margaret packs her bags, planning to rescue Jimmy. George reluctantly joins her.

George and Margaret speak to a sheriff who mentions a lead in Forsyth, a shop owner related to the Weboys. He tells them to look in Gladstone, North Dakota. George discovers that Margaret brought his revolver with them. Outside of Gladstone, they come across Peter Dragswolf, a young Native-American. He provides them with food and warmth for the evening, and suggests that they look for Bill Weboy, Donnie's uncle.

The following morning, George and Margaret meet Bill. He speaks to Donnie's mother Blanche, who says that she wants to meet the Blackledges. At her house, she appears pleasant. However, when Lorna and Jimmy arrive, she starts to make rude comments toward the Blackledges and speaks sternly toward Lorna.

The next day, George and Margaret visit Lorna at work. They plead with her to return home to Montana with Jimmy, but Lorna is worried what Donnie will do if she tries to leave. However, she is convinced to sneak out later while the Weboys are asleep.

That night, Blanche, Donnie and Bill, along with Blanche's two other sons Marvin and Elton, break into the Blackledges' motel room. When Margaret tells Blanche that Donnie struck Lorna and Jimmy, she asks Donnie if it is true, then slaps him and then Margaret to ask how hard he hit Lorna. When she orders him to hit Margaret, George grabs his gun and points it at them.

The men overpower George, then Blanche orders Donnie to chop off George's fingers with a hatchet, which he does. When they leave, Margaret takes George to the hospital. An officer later tells them that he spoke to the Weboys, who insist George attacked first, as he and Margaret planned to abduct Jimmy. The officer says that Jimmy is a Weboy now and suggests they leave town.

George and Margaret start heading back to Montana, but when he is too weak to keep going, they stop by Peter's again to rest. Margaret asks George if they can move out there to be near Jimmy. He, however, wants to give up. Margaret breaks down, devastated that they have lost both James and Jimmy.

During the night, George sneaks out, returning to the Weboys'. Finding a shotgun on the back porch, he checks and replaces the shells in the gun. George sets a fire outside as a distraction, reaches Donnie and Lorna's room, and forces Donnie down at gunpoint while Lorna leaves.

Meanwhile, Margaret, upon finding George gone, rushes with Peter to find him. George knocks Donnie unconscious when he tries to alert the others. Blanche wakes as he fights Bill, and Lorna tumbles down the stairs. Blanche aims her pistol at George as he gets Jimmy back but she accidentally shoots Bill dead. He then throws Jimmy over the balcony to Lorna, who catches him as Blanche shoots him in the chest.

As Marvin and Elton run upstairs, George fights Blanche for the gun and eventually causes her to shoot both of them. Margaret and Peter find Lorna and Jimmy outside. Margaret rushes in to try and get George out, but Blanche corners them and shoots George again, this time killing him. Margaret then grabs the shotgun and kills Blanche.

Peter gets Margaret out as the Weboy house goes up in flames. They later part ways, as she drives home with Lorna and Jimmy.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Casting

[edit]

The film was announced in February 2019, with Thomas Bezucha directing his screenplay based on Larry Watson's novel, and Kevin Costner and Diane Lane attached to star. Bezucha would also produce the film with Paula Mazur and Mitchell Kaplan.[3]

Filming

[edit]

Filming began in April 2019 in Calgary, with Lesley Manville, Will Brittain, Jeffrey Donovan and Kayli Carter added to the cast.[4] Actor Booboo Stewart was added in May.[5] Filming lasted through May 17.[6]

Release

[edit]

Theatrical

[edit]

The film was released by Focus Features on November 6, 2020.[7] It was previously scheduled to be released on August 21, 2020,[8] but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[9] The studio spent an estimated $8 million promoting the film.[10]

Home media

[edit]

Let Him Go was released on digital download on February 2, 2021, and on Blu-ray and DVD by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment on February 9, 2021, in the United States. It was then released on Blu-ray and DVD on April 26, 2021, by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment in the United Kingdom. It began streaming on HBO and HBO Max on July 3, 2021. A 4K Ultra HD edition from Universal was released on August 20, 2024.

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

Let Him Go grossed $9.4 million in the United States and Canada, and $2.6 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $11.6 million.[1]

The film made $1.5 million from 2,454 theaters on its first day, including $150,000 from Thursday night previews. It went on to debut to $4 million, becoming the second straight Focus Features film to top the box office after Come Play had the week prior. The audience was 66% over the age of 35, with 52% being female.[11] The film made $1.8 million in its second weekend, finishing second behind newcomer Freaky,[12] then $710,000 in its third.[13][10]

In its fourth weekend of release the film made $453,000 from 1,447 theaters (and $670,000 over the five-day Thanksgiving frame).[14] The film became available via VOD on the same weekend, and was the top-rented film on FandangoNow and Apple TV, and sixth on Google Play.[15] The following weekend the film made $208,610,[16] and finished first on Spectrum, second on FandangoNow, and ninth on Google Play.[17]

Critical response

[edit]

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 84% based on 192 reviews, with an average rating of 7/10. The site's critics consensus reads: "Let Him Go's uneven blend of adult drama and revenge thriller is smoothed over by strong work from a solid veteran cast."[18] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 63 out of 100 based on 36 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[19] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B−" on an A+ to F scale, while PostTrak reported 82% of audience members gave the film a positive score, with 50% saying they would definitely recommend it.[11]

Owen Gleiberman of Variety praised Costner and Lane's performances, saying they "give it their all in a genre film that fuses suspense with honest emotion."[20] Writing for The Globe and Mail, Barry Hertz gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, saying: "A skilfully executed thriller that is narrowly aimed at one demographic – audiences over 50 who like a little violence with their late-life dramas – but succeeds at entertaining just about anyone who comes across its dusty, blood-soaked path."[21]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Let Him Go

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Let Him Go is a American neo-Western drama written and directed by , adapted from the 2013 of the same name by Larry Watson. The story follows retired sheriff George Blackledge () and his wife Margaret (), who leave their ranch in 1961 to retrieve their young grandson from the clutches of his abusive stepfather's menacing family in . The film features a strong , including as the formidable matriarch Blanche Weboy, as the couple's daughter-in-law Lorna, and supporting roles by , , and . Production began in May 2019 in , , with by Guy Godfree and a score composed by . Originally scheduled for an August 2020 release, it premiered in theaters on November 6, 2020, following delays due to the . Critically, Let Him Go received praise for its performances and atmospheric tension, earning an 85% approval rating on based on 198 reviews, with the consensus noting that "Let Him Go's uneven blend of adult drama and revenge thriller is smoothed over by strong work from a solid veteran cast." It grossed $11.6 million at the against a $21 million budget, finding a modest during limited theatrical runs. The adaptation explores themes of family loyalty, grief, and rural in the mid-20th century, drawing from Watson's novel set in the same era.

Story

Plot

In 1961, retired George Blackledge and his wife live a quiet life in rural with their adult son James, his wife , and their young grandson Jimmy. Tragedy strikes when James dies in a horseback riding , leaving the family in deep grief. Three years later, quickly remarries Donnie Weboy, a rough and abusive man from a neighboring town, and the couple departs with Jimmy without informing the Blackledges. Margaret, haunted by memories of her son and concerned for her grandson's welfare, witnesses Donnie's violent tendencies toward Lorna and Jimmy before their sudden move. Determined to reunite the family, George and pack their belongings into their and embark on a to , following leads from locals about the Weboy clan's isolated homestead. Along the way, they befriend Peter Dragswolf, a kind Native American man who provides guidance and shares stories of the region's harsh history, briefly offering them shelter. Upon arriving at the remote Weboy , the Blackledges encounter the tight-knit, intimidating Weboy , ruled by the manipulative Blanche Weboy, her son Donnie, his uncle the brutish Bill, and the volatile Marvin. Blanche, a domineering figure with a veneer of , exerts iron control over her kin and dismisses the Blackledges' pleas to see Jimmy, insisting the boy belongs with his new . Tensions rise as George and meet Lorna in secret and convince her to flee with Jimmy during a tense family gathering, but the Weboys intercept them on the road, leading to a savage ambush where Donnie severs two of George's fingers with a . A local , biased toward the powerful Weboys, refuses to intervene and forces the Blackledges to leave empty-handed. Undeterred, George returns alone under cover of night to the Weboy homestead for a desperate . He sneaks into the , frees Lorna and Jimmy, but ignites a during the escape, engulfing the property in flames. In the ensuing chaos, Blanche shoots George fatally, but arrives in time and shoots Blanche to death with a , protecting Jimmy from the collapsing structure and the remaining Weboy threats. Wounded but alive, , Lorna, and Jimmy drive back to , finding solace in raising her grandson amid the enduring landscape.

Themes

The film Let Him Go delves into the theme of and loss, particularly through the emotional aftermath of the Blackledges' son James's in a horseback riding , which shatters their insular world and propels Margaret on a determined quest to reconnect with her grandson as the last link to her child. Margaret's raw, active mourning contrasts with George's more stoic restraint, highlighting the varied ways individuals process profound personal in a rural setting. This exploration underscores how loss reshapes family dynamics, transforming quiet sorrow into a catalyst for action. Central to the narrative are family bonds and parental instinct, portrayed as powerful driving forces that contrast the protective, loving Blackledge family with the toxic, controlling Weboy clan, where abuse and manipulation erode relational ties. Margaret and George's unwavering commitment to rescuing their grandson exemplifies a deep-seated parental resolve, emphasizing themes of and within familial structures. In opposition, the Weboy family's dysfunction illustrates how fractured bonds perpetuate cycles of harm, critiquing the darker undercurrents of . Set against the backdrop of 1960s rural American life in , the film evokes isolation and traditional values through depictions of ranch existence, endless landscapes, and simple daily routines, which initially foster a sense of timeless peace before revealing hidden dangers that propel the story into thriller territory. This rural milieu amplifies the narrative's tension, showcasing how geographic and cultural seclusion can both nurture and conceal threats to community and safety. The shift from introspective to escalating peril critiques the fragility of idyllic life amid societal changes. Gender dynamics emerge prominently through resilient female characters like , who embodies proactive strength and righteous anger in her pursuit, subverting clichés of grieving mothers as passive or deranged, and Blanche Weboy, whose manipulative control reveals contrasting facets of feminine power. 's agency, often using charm and determination, stands in relief against George's more reserved , highlighting evolving roles within and . These portrayals explore how women navigate adversity, from protection to dominance, in a patriarchal rural context. In the neo-Western genre, violence serves as a stark resolution mechanism, critiquing cycles of through explosive confrontations that underscore themes of redemption and retribution, while exposing the brutal underbelly of family conflicts. The 's pivot to raw, unsettling acts of aggression transforms emotional stakes into physical peril, reflecting genre conventions where moral reckonings demand forceful intervention. This approach highlights the cost of breaking toxic patterns, blending visceral intensity with a commentary on in isolated communities.

Cast and characters

Principal cast

Diane Lane portrays Margaret Blackledge, the resolute grandmother and skilled horsewoman who drives the narrative through her unyielding determination to protect her family. plays George Blackledge, the retired whose calm demeanor and background offer steadfast support and practical expertise to the central conflict. embodies Blanche Weboy, the formidable matriarch of the rival Weboy family whose commanding presence heightens the story's tension as the primary antagonist. Kayli Carter stars as Lorna Blackledge, the widowed daughter-in-law whose precarious position between the Blackledge and Weboy families underscores the emotional stakes of familial loyalty. Ryan Bruce appears as James Blackledge, the deceased son whose tragic loss in a riding sets the plot in motion and is depicted in key flashbacks to establish the family's bonds.

Supporting roles

Jeffrey Donovan plays Bill Weboy, the eldest son of the matriarch Blanche and older brother to Donnie, serving as a primary enforcer in the clannish Weboy family's efforts to maintain control and intimidate outsiders. Will Brittain portrays Donnie Weboy, the abusive who marries and relocates with her and Jimmy to the Weboy family . Adam portrays Marvin Weboy, one of the Weboy brothers whose presence amplifies the family's collective threat and rural isolation, often appearing in scenes that heighten the tension around their compound. Booboo embodies Peter Dragswolf, a young Native American traveler encountered by the Blackledges on their road trip, who offers practical aid as a tracker and companion, injecting moments of levity and cultural perspective into the journey. Child actors Bram Hornung and Otto Hornung share the role of young Jimmy Blackledge, the grandson at the story's emotional center, whose vulnerability underscores the family dynamics and motivations driving the central conflict in key flashback and present-day scenes.

Production

Development

Let Him Go is an adaptation of Larry Watson's 2013 of the same name, published by Milkweed Editions and originally set in in rural and . The film relocates the story to the , a decision by director to incorporate contemporary social tensions, including civil rights issues affecting Native American communities. Thomas Bezucha, a longtime admirer of Watson's writing spanning over two decades, encountered the novel and was compelled to adapt it, taking on roles as writer, director, and co-producer. In developing the screenplay, Bezucha amplified the thriller aspects of the source material, transforming the intimate family drama into a more suspenseful narrative while cultivating a neo-Western aesthetic through expansive landscapes and period-specific visuals. Focus Features acquired the distribution rights and provided financing for the project, with production officially announced in February 2019 alongside the attachment of leads Kevin Costner and Diane Lane. Costner joined early as both star and executive producer, contributing to the film's development following the completion of Bezucha's screenplay draft.

Casting

In February 2019, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane were announced as the leads for Let Him Go, with Costner also serving as an executive producer on the project, which helped secure financing from Focus Features. Later that year, in April 2019, Lesley Manville joined the cast as the matriarch of the antagonistic family, a role director Thomas Bezucha advocated for following her Oscar-nominated performance in Phantom Thread. Manville described the character as an "unpleasant bad girl," noting the excitement of portraying such a gritty, intense figure distinct from her typical roles. Kayli Carter was cast alongside Manville, , and in the same April announcement, with Carter portraying the vulnerable daughter-in-law central to the story's emotional core. Carter discussed the role's maternal themes with Bezucha prior to principal , emphasizing natural in her preparation to capture the character's emotional depth without over-rehearsing. The ensemble was rounded out with supporting actors including , added in May 2019. Donovan was selected for his established ability to embody menacing figures, drawing from prior antagonistic turns in projects like . The young grandson Jimmy was played by brothers Bram and Otto Hornung, selected to bring innocence to the narrative's tense family dynamics.

Filming

Principal photography for Let Him Go commenced on April 15, 2019, in various locations across , , which served as a stand-in for the film's 1960s settings in and , and concluded in May 2019. Filming took place primarily in rural to capture the expansive prairies and isolated homesteads central to the story. The Blackledge family exteriors were shot at the CL Western Town and Backlot in , west of , utilizing its period-appropriate structures to evoke a mid-20th-century . Travel sequences depicting the protagonists' road journey were filmed in the dramatic and river valleys near Drumheller and , providing sweeping, desolate landscapes that enhanced the narrative tension. The Weboy family homestead, a key site for the film's climactic confrontation, was constructed on private farmland in , approximately 40 miles south of ; director opted to build a full two-story practical set to facilitate authentic action sequences, culminating in a of the structure for the fiery finale. Bezucha emphasized practical effects throughout to maintain realism, particularly in the horse-riding sequences and intense fight scenes, avoiding heavy reliance on . Cinematographer Guy Godfree complemented this approach with wide-angle shots that prominently featured Alberta's vast, moody prairies, creating a visual progression from open optimism to claustrophobic dread as the story unfolded. The faced logistical hurdles, including the rushed finalization of the Blackledge location just weeks before began, but benefited from the region's historic buildings and natural terrain for period accuracy. With an estimated budget of $21 million, the film prioritized meticulous period detail, including authentic costumes and props sourced to reflect the era's rural American life—such as custom-painted lampshades and desaturated color palettes in interiors to convey emotional decay. Although wrapped before the , encountered delays due to industry-wide shutdowns, contributing to the film's release being postponed from to November 2020.

Music

Score

The original score for Let Him Go was composed by , an Academy Award winner for his work on Up (2009) and known for his scores on films like (2009), blending emotional depth with tense, suspenseful elements. Director selected Giacchino for the project due to their prior collaborations on (2005) and (2011), valuing his ability to evoke internal character emotions in a character-driven . The score employs a orchestral style, featuring strings and to convey and family intimacy in quieter scenes, while escalating to percussion-heavy motifs for thriller-like confrontations. It incorporates folk-inspired elements, such as guitar writing and simple chord progressions reminiscent of , to enhance the neo-Western atmosphere of rural . Key tracks include "Let Him Goverture," which introduces the film's central family themes through piano, guitar, solo violin, and swelling strings to evoke a sense of hope tied to the protagonists' past. Another notable cue, "Ice Scream, You Scream," underscores the rising tension with the antagonistic Weboy family, using agitated strings and ominous percussion to heighten the horror-tinged suspense. Giacchino's composition process involved developing two primary themes—one lilting and guitar-led for warmth, the other darker for —recorded in fall 2019 with a small including guitar, , strings, percussion, and bass to maintain an honest, minimalistic . This approach allowed for variations that mirror the story's emotional shifts, using sparse cues to emphasize rural isolation. Overall, the score facilitates seamless transitions from intimate to intense , supporting the film's focus on relationships and resilience without overpowering the dialogue or visuals.

Soundtrack release

The for Let Him Go was released as the Let Him Go (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), composed by and issued by Back Lot Music, a division of Universal Studios Music LLLP, on November 6, 2020. The digital features 21 tracks totaling approximately 54 minutes, encompassing Giacchino's original score with cues that blend orchestral elements and subtle atmospheric textures to complement the film's neo-Western tone. Select tracks, such as "Ice Scream, You Scream" and "The Reckoning," incorporate integrated sound effects to heighten the immersive quality, reflecting key dramatic moments like confrontations and pursuits. In addition to the score, the film incorporates several licensed period-appropriate songs to evoke 1960s Americana, particularly during early domestic scenes and travel sequences. Notable needle drops include "Oh Boy!" by The Crickets, a 1957 rockabilly hit performed in an opening sequence to establish the era's nostalgic vibe; "Deep in the Night," an original composition by Bob Mair and Nick Vincent used for moody, introspective atmospheres; and "Crazy Dreams" by Patsy Cline (written by C.C. Adcock, John Magnie, and Dr. John), a twangy track underscoring rural tension. Other featured songs, such as "Stop the World and Let Me Off" (a classic country ballad) and "Last Dance," further reinforce the film's Midwestern setting with folk-inflected and honky-tonk styles during road-trip montages and family gatherings. These selections were not included on the official score album but enhance the narrative's cultural authenticity. The album became available in digital formats across major platforms like , , and upon release, with limited physical CD editions also distributed through specialty retailers. While it did not achieve significant commercial chart performance, the release garnered appreciation among film score enthusiasts for its standalone listenability, praised for Giacchino's evocative string arrangements and thematic motifs that capture the story's emotional depth without the visuals.

Release

Theatrical

Let Him Go had its wide theatrical release in the United States on November 6, 2020, distributed by , following a delay from its original August 21, 2020, date due to the . The film opened in 2,454 theaters amid ongoing theater reopenings, marking one of the first major wide releases post-summer lockdowns. Internationally, the rollout began in late 2020, with simultaneous releases in markets including on November 6, and on November 5, and the on December 18. Delays occurred in several regions due to prolonged COVID-19-related theater closures and restrictions. The marketing campaign centered on the star power of and , positioning the film as a neo-Western thriller infused with drama and suspense. Trailers, released starting August 20, 2020, highlighted the couple's emotional journey to rescue their grandson, underscoring themes of loss, loyalty, and confrontation with a dangerous . Given the , the release incorporated limited drive-in screenings alongside traditional theaters to accommodate . Promotional efforts included hybrid events such as virtual Q&As with director , including sessions hosted by on November 9, 2020, and on November 4, 2020. Pre-release projections anticipated an opening weekend in the $4 million range, reflecting cautious audience return to cinemas after months of closures and signaling early interest in adult-oriented dramas during the recovery phase.

Home media

The film was made available for premium video on demand (PVOD) and digital purchase or rental on November 24, 2020, through platforms including iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, and Vudu, shortly following its limited theatrical debut. It was later released for digital sell-through on January 19, 2021, and on 4K UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD on February 2, 2021, by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. A 4K UHD Blu-ray edition was released on August 20, 2024. The home media editions included bonus features such as three featurettes: "The Blackledges: & ," focusing on the leads' performances; "The Making of Let Him Go," detailing production insights; and "Donnie Weboy: ," exploring the antagonist's portrayal. No deleted scenes or audio commentary were included. The physical releases featured cover artwork depicting and against a backdrop of rural landscapes, emphasizing the film's Western setting, and were packaged in standard keep cases with slipcovers. "Let Him Go" became available for streaming on Peacock in 2024, as part of NBCUniversal's catalog of titles, and has been added to in select international regions since 2021. Domestic sales were estimated at $4.47 million, with DVD sales at $2.47 million and Blu-ray at $1.99 million, helping offset the film's theatrical underperformance. The physical release debuted at number one on the Nielsen VideoScan First Alert chart for the week ending February 6, 2021, outperforming other new titles by a factor of three.

Reception

Box office

Let Him Go had a of $21 million. The film underperformed at the , grossing $11.5 million worldwide, with $9.4 million from the and and $2.1 million from international markets. It opened in 2,454 theaters on November 6, 2020, earning $4.0 million in its first weekend, which marked the highest opening in in six weeks amid the ongoing . The debut was impacted by capacity restrictions and theater closures in many regions, limiting audience turnout despite the star power of and . Over its nine-week domestic run, the film totaled $9.4 million, experiencing steep week-to-week drops of up to 45% due to escalating measures, theater shutdowns, and from other limited releases. Internationally, performance was weak, particularly in and , where releases were staggered into 2021 and hampered by ongoing restrictions and subdued marketing efforts during the global health crisis. The overall results fell short of expectations for a featuring prominent leads like Costner and , but the film recouped costs through robust home media sales, including $4.5 million in estimated domestic DVD and Blu-ray revenue, as well as subsequent streaming availability.

Critical response

Upon its release, Let Him Go received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its strong performances and atmospheric cinematography while noting issues with pacing and tonal shifts. On , the film has an approval rating of 85% based on 198 critic reviews, with a critics' average rating of 6.8/10. The site's consensus states: "Let Him Go's uneven blend of adult and thriller is smoothed over by strong work from a solid veteran cast." On , it holds a weighted average score of 63 out of 100 based on 36 critics, signifying "generally favorable" reviews, with many highlighting the standout acting ensemble. of awarded the film three out of four stars, commending the "seamless connection" and chemistry between and as a long-married couple, which grounds the story's emotional core, but critiquing the deliberate pacing in the early acts and the abrupt shift to thriller elements that feels jarring. In , praised Lesley Manville's portrayal of the antagonistic Blanche Weboy as a "monstrous matriarch" that intensifies the film's tension, though he noted the narrative's reliance on familiar genre tropes. Critics commonly lauded the performances, particularly Manville's chilling turn as the Weboy family matriarch, alongside and Costner's understated portrayals of and resolve, as well as the evocative cinematography capturing the vast landscapes. However, several reviews pointed to criticisms of the predictable plotting, with some calling the story's progression formulaic, and an uneven tone that transitions awkwardly from quiet family drama to sudden violence in the climax. Audience reception was also positive but slightly more mixed than critics'. On , it earned a 76% approval rating from over 1,000 user reviews. Polled audiences gave the film a B- on an A+ to F scale via , reflecting solid appreciation for its emotional depth and character-driven moments despite the genre blend.

Accolades

Let Him Go received no major Academy Award nominations and garnered limited recognition primarily in genre-specific festivals. At the 2021 Western Film Festival, won for her role as Margaret Blackledge. Guy Godfree won the CSC Award at the 2021 Canadian Society of Cinematographers Awards. The film dominated the 2021 Cowboys & Indians (C&I) Movie Awards, winning Best Picture, Best Actor (), Best Actress (), and Best Supporting Actress (). Overall, these modest accolades reflect the film's solid craftsmanship and performances but its lack of standout impact during the awards season.

References

  1. https://variety.com/2020/film/reviews/let-him-go-review-kevin-costner-diane-lane-1234817443/
  2. https://milkweed.org/book/let-him-go
  3. https://www.focusfeatures.com/let-him-go
  4. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/let-him-go-film-review-4086825/
  5. https://variety.com/2019/film/news/lesley-manville-kayli-carter-kevin-costner-let-him-go-1203190235/
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9340860/fullcredits
  7. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/kevin-costner-diane-lane-thriller-let-him-go-lands-summer-2020-release-1261552/
  8. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/let_him_go
  9. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9340860/
  10. https://www.focusfeatures.com/article/interview_author_larry_watson_let-him-go
  11. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/let-him-go-movie-review
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/05/movies/let-him-go-review.html
  13. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/nov/05/let-him-go-review-kevin-costner-diane-lane-lesley-manville
  14. https://themoviespoiler.com/movies/let-him-go/
  15. https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2564087/let-him-go-ending-who-is-the-him-in-the-kevin-costner-and-diane-lane-thriller
  16. https://www.tvguide.com/movies/let-him-go/cast/2030333878/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9340860/fullcredits/
  18. https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/11/06/let-him-go-booboo-stewart-lost-20-pounds-role-interview/
  19. https://themercury.com/features/movies/let-him-go-lacks-strong-motivation-but-western-period-setting-interesting/article_cedf52e0-da57-5ab0-809a-29cbaae3315f.html
  20. https://www.moviemaker.com/let-him-go-writer-director-thomas-bezucha-built-a-house-to-burn-it-down/
  21. https://www.focusfeatures.com/article/five-new-western-films_let-him-go
  22. https://www.popmatters.com/thomas-bezucha-interview-2650169139.html
  23. https://deadline.com/2019/02/kevin-costner-diane-lane-let-him-go-focus-features-1202561328/
  24. https://scripts-onscreen.com/movie/let-him-go-script-links/
  25. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2020/11/04/lesley-manville-flexes-new-muscles-in-thriller-let-him-go/
  26. https://filmhounds.co.uk/2021/04/kayli-carter-let-him-go-interview/
  27. https://variety.com/2019/film/news/kevin-costner-let-him-go-booboo-stewart-1203202472/
  28. https://thecinemaholic.com/where-was-let-him-go-filmed/
  29. https://pro.imdb.com/title/tt9340860/
  30. https://www.atlasofwonders.com/2020/11/where-was-let-him-go-filmed.html
  31. https://variety.com/2020/artisans/news/kevin-costner-let-him-go-production-design-1234824783/
  32. https://fstoppers.com/originals/let-him-go-class-creating-tension-filmmakers-531411
  33. https://www.focusfeatures.com/article/interview_let-him-go-composer_michael_giacchino
  34. https://www.movie-wave.net/let-him-go/
  35. https://www.filmscoremonthly.com/board/posts.cfm?forumID=1&threadID=141977&archive=0
  36. https://filmmusicreporter.com/2020/11/05/let-him-go-soundtrack-album-details/
  37. https://music.apple.com/us/album/let-him-go-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1534362180
  38. https://www.soundtrack.net/album/let-him-go/
  39. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9340860/soundtrack/
  40. https://www.soundtrakd.com/movie/let-him-go-2020
  41. https://chicago.suntimes.com/movies-and-tv/2020/11/4/21548406/let-him-go-review-diane-lane-movie-kevin-costner-lesley-manville
  42. https://open.spotify.com/album/4fgejrAeBYWdSaYRLXYyis
  43. https://www.ebay.es/itm/234724363280
  44. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9340860/releaseinfo/
  45. https://deadline.com/2020/11/kevin-costner-diane-lane-let-him-go-weekend-box-office-focus-features-record-covid-19-1234610882/
  46. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Let-Him-Go-(2020)
  47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE8pwEF-3TI
  48. https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/let-him-go-trailer-thomas-bezucha-kevin-costner-diane-lane-1234581258/
  49. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/independent-filmmakers-have-found-ways-navigate-pandemic-get-audiences-films-n1247218
  50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mpd7Ut5Fnqo
  51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-NQNrPhaCg
  52. https://deadline.com/2020/11/let-him-go-proxima-kindred-jungleland-specialty-box-office-preview-1234608372/
  53. https://variety.com/2020/film/news/box-office-kevin-costner-diane-lane-let-him-go-1234825508/
  54. https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/9857/let-him-go
  55. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Let-Him-Go-Blu-ray/279911/
  56. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Let-Him-Go-4K-Blu-ray/366682/
  57. https://bluray.highdefdigest.com/90447/lethimgo.html
  58. https://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2021/01/kevin-costner-and-diane-lane-in-let-him-go-available-on-blu-ray-and-dvd-february-2nd/
  59. https://www.amazon.com/Let-Him-Blu-ray-DVD-Digital/dp/B08M2HBF22
  60. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/let-him-streaming-watch-stream-073802146.html
  61. https://www.netflix.com/title/80997419
  62. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Let-Him-Go-%282020%29
  63. https://www.mediaplaynews.com/let-him-go-debuts-at-no-1-on-disc-sales-charts/
  64. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt9340860/
  65. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/box-office-let-him-go-no-1-with-4m-tenet-hits-350m-globally-4089818/
  66. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/let-him-go/
  67. https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2021
  68. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9340860/awards/
  69. https://www.facebook.com/cowboysindians/posts/let-him-go-dominated-the-fourth-annual-ci-movie-awards-winning-best-picture-best/10158823443658913/
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