What would life be like if you knew you were going to die? The fantastic movie “Never Let Me Go” answers this question. Directed by Mark Romanek, it explores the life of three best friends-Kathy, Tommy and Ruth-as they grow up together and struggle to accept a dark truth that they all share. The trio grows up together at an odd English boarding school that seems less concerned with teaching its students about the outside world than about heavily emphasizing their overall health. Kathy, the narrator, seems to be an observer of life; she rarely interacts with others and takes a liking to Tommy, who struggles with being accepting by the other boys because of his lack of sporting ability. Ruth is the only one with whom Kathy shares her thoughts, while Ruth is confident and strong willed. At a pivotal point in the plot, a teacher reveals to the children what they really are: clones designed to give their vital organs to their “originals.”
The news hits hard and, as they grow, we see how it affects them emotionally and mentally. Kathy (played wonderfully by Carey Mulligan) is the odd one out, while Ruth and Tommy (for whom Kathy still harbors feelings) date. They are given several years out in the world to do what they please until their organ “donations” begin. We watch as the three struggle to stay together, while being emotionally torn to shreds by the truth that’s staring them all in the face: they don’t have much longer to live.
I won’t reveal much else, because I don’t want to give much away. But this movie is gorgeously filmed, and the soundtrack is beautiful. It is an incredibly touching film, due primarily to Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield, who plays the adult Tommy.
The chemistry between them is really quite heartbreaking, as they realize that their romance is short-lived. There is one scene that is intensely touching in which Andrew Garfield receives some difficult news and exits the car. He lets out an unearthly cry that can only be identified as sheer agony, and it is nothing short of heartbreaking.
“Never Let Me Go” is truly a must-see film and will leave you breathless in all the right ways.