Writer/Director Jacob Estes has crafted a suspenseful thriller that uses time travel in a unique way. Supported by a stellar cast Don’t Let Go is a nice late summer release to not miss out on. Here is my full review of the film and my interview with the movie’s star David Oyelowo.
In DON’T LET GO, detective Jack Radcliff (David Oyelowo) gets a shocking phone call from his recently murdered niece Ashley (Storm Reid). Working together across time, they race to solve her murder before it can happen. A classic thriller with a supernatural twist, DON’T LET GO is the newest release from BLUMHOUSE, the producers of GET OUT.
David Oyelowo’s portrayal as Detective Jack Radcliff was one he embraced so much he jumped on to be a producer for the film. David discussed what attracted him to the role, working with such fun actors as Storm Reid & Alfred Molina, and so much more in our interview.
Interview with Don’t Let Go Lead Actor/Producer – David Oyelowo.
The movie itself has some really enticing elements. The pacing of Estes and his team (DP Sharone Meir & Editors Billy Fox & Scott D. Hanson) makes a rather thought-provoking mystery move more efficiently and without much lag. I was impressed how smooth the transition into time-travel we witness and the subtle hints we gather along the way. As you hear in my chat with David, the usage of the color of Red is hugely important among other fun hints. Overall the mystery of a group of gangland style murders set in LA is given a fresh take with this film.
The real stand out element is the tremendous group of actors. As you heard in the Interview David’s taking over the role completely changed the film’s racial impression. A film about a white detective in LA quickly becomes a much more multi-cultured film with Oyelowo’s influence. This really adds validity to the project and helps ground the characters on more levels. With these changes we get talent like Brian Tyree Henry as Garrett Radcliff. His cameo as Jack’s brother is a nice touch but the casting of young Storm Reid as Garrett’s daughter is a stroke of genius. Reid and Oyelowo are easily the heart of the story. This Uncle/Niece tale is the main selling point of the film. Even though they are barely “together” on screen they dominate the entire screen time of the film. Storm Reid’s wide emotional turns help match Oyelowo’s more stoic cop figure demeanor. Add in talented actors like Alfred Molina, Byron Mann and scene stealing Mykelti Williamson and you are witness to a well cast movie.
As a whole Don’t Let Go can be sold as another cop film, but the supernatural time-travel element is the twist needed to separate this story. The heart behind the Uncle/Niece element is handled perfectly and really amplifies the film to another level. This film harps back to early Blum House work that leaned more on suspense rather than horror. In the end the film is worthy your time and money. It keeps your interested and intrigued while also building a real heartfelt closure.
Directed by Jacob Estes
Written by Jacob Estes
Selig Rating B+
Rated R
Running Time 1hr 43min
Drama, Fantasy, Thriller
Release August 30th – Locally: AMC, Cinemark and Studio Movie Grill throughout North Texas.
Starring: David Oyelowo, Storm Reid, Mykelti Williamson, Alfred Molina, Byron Mann and Brian Tyree Henry
The Selig Rating Scale:
A – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
B – Good movie
C – OK movie
D – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
F – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
