Never Let Me Go (2010) R

This is a very complicated film with tremendous performances across the board. Director Mark Romanek (One Hour Photo) had his hands full with this alternate reality/sci-fi romance. The script was written by Alex Garland (Sunshine, 28 Days Later...), who's very good at what he does. His script is based on the best-selling book by the same name, but he began writing it before the novel was released. He worked on it for years. The end result is satisfactory, but this film definitely could've been better in a lot of areas.

The film follows three friends Kathy (Carey Mulligan), Ruth (Keira Knightley) and Tommy (Andrew Garfield). All three grew up in a strange English boarding school called Hailsham. Where they are monitored closely and go through the same mundane details, day after day. Kathy and Tommy become close friends when they're real young, but Ruth steals him away from her. They still remain friends through the years though. It isn't long before a "teacher" at Hailsham reveals to her kids that they will not live normal lives. They will not be actors. They will not be doctors. They will not be teachers. They will not be lawyers. But that they will be donors. And as they grow older they will donate their organs, one by one, until they can no longer breathe. Remember that this is a work of fiction. It's set in an alternate reality where certain people live their lives for one purpose, to donate their bodies to others. If this seems over-the-top, just think about it. People have, and still, sacrifice themselves for a "better" cause. Whether it be in the Bible days or todays suicide bombers.

These children accept their fate. They believe it's normal, it's what they were born to do. In a way, that is true. As Kathy, Ruth and Tommy grow up and turn 18, they are able to leave the grounds of Hailsham. They're sent to cottages where they will stay until their numbers are called, so to speak. Some are sent around the country to assist in the process in one way or another. At the cottages they drink their first Coke, watch their first television show, have their first sexual experiences (and so on). Tommy and Ruth are still together at this point, but they argue and bicker with one another often. Kathy on the other hand is a bit of a loner, and keeps to herself.

Another revelation revealed is that they weren't sent to the Hailsham by their parents or by an orphanage. But that they're in fact clones. Clones who were created for one purpose, donation. Now this concept is much like the one we saw in The Island, starring Ewan McGregor. But this film/book is quite different. These children accept their fates, go along with it and do it full-heartily. Even if the film isn't as heart-wrenching and emotional as the book, it's still effective. Ruth, Tommy and Kathy are often trying to find their "match," the person they were based off of. Wouldn't you want to know whose DNA was used to clone you?

Ruth and Tommy eventually break-up, and Kathy becomes a "carer," one who assists and cares for another who's in the process of donating an organ. Being a carer means you'll live longer, but your time will eventually come. After one of her patients dies after an operation, Kathy runs into Ruth. Ruth has been through two donations and is weak and feeble. She's extremely happy to see Kathy, because she's been meaning to say sorry for stealing Tommy all those years ago. The two of them go and visit Tommy just a few short miles away. Tommy has also been through two donations, but is doing a lot better than Ruth.

They take a trip to the ocean, where on the beach is an abandoned boat. The cinematography is beautiful and this scene is one of the best. Ruth apologizes to the two of them on the beach, and Kathy and Tommy begin a relationship soon after. They try to apply for a "deferral," a temporary, two-year release from donating for those who're in love (and can prove it).

I'll leave it at that for ya'll. There aren't many twists and turns, but this film is very methodical and hypnotic. The one thing I have against this film is that it wasn't nearly long enough. 90+ minutes wasn't nearly enough time to capture the true heart and soul of the book. I could've used another hour to be honest. Knightley (The Jacket, Atonement) isn't on the screen for too long, and she's forgettable (to an extent). But Mulligan (An Education, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps) has never been better and Garfield (The Social Network, Red Riding: In the Year of Our Lord 1974) is his usual outstanding self. Mulligan really steals the show with her fantastic facial expressions and her shyness.

When this film first came out it was tagged as Oscar-bait, but I think critics felt the same way I do. This film needed to be longer and more in depth. Either way, it's a great film. Charlotte Rampling (Swimming Pool, I'll Sleep When I'm Dead) and Sally Hawkins (Layer Cake, An Education) have small, effective roles early in the film. If you can handle British accents, I say give this one a try. It's challenging and deeply saddening. But please pay attention or you'll miss a whole lot, real quick.
B