“Maybe none of us understand what we’ve lived through or feel we’ve had enough time,” muses Carey Mulligan in Never Let Me Go. Undoubtedly many will feel the same about this film. An adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguru’s celebrated novel, some are sure to find the slow-paced subtleties of Mark Romanek’s film off-putting, but those willing to invest will be rewarded with a hauntingly beautiful, emotionally devastating love story.
Set in England in the 1960s, Kathy, Tommy and Ruth are brought up in the seemingly idyllic boarding school of Hailsham. But passing references to rigorous medical examinations, their fear of leaving the school grounds and a sense of mystery surrounding their future all create an unsettling atmosphere as the true nature of this dystopia is slowly revealed.
The tone of Ishiguro’s novel is one of haunting detachment, and Romanek has captured it beautifully. Keeping his camera at a slight distance from his subjects and meting out both information and dialogue sparingly, the emotional engagement with the characters almost sneaks up upon you. But thanks to the incredible lead performances, you soon find yourself thoroughly riveted. Mulligan gives a stunningly nuanced performance as Kathy, imbuing the impassive narrator with a deep sense of knowing and regret. As she watches her best friend steal her childhood love, her internalised heartache becomes almost unbearably painful to watch. Keira Knightley also devours her role as the deeply insecure and malicious Ruth. But it’s Andrew Garfield who captivates, bringing an endearingly naïve grace to the emotional Tommy.
The beauty of Never Let Me Go’s traditional love triangle plot is heightened by Adam Kimmel’s luminous cinematography. As gorgeous sweeping shots of twilight-hued landscapes are accompanied by a melancholic score, the film has all the appearance of a sumptuous classic drama.
But as words like “originals” and “completion” reverberate through casual conversation, the chilling reality of the characters’ world elevates this story into something much more unique, and the devastating dénouement will stay with you for days afterwards.