Andrew Garfield Shines in this Mind-bending Sci-fi Masterpiece
Andrew Garfield delivers a standout performance in this underrated sci-fi drama, exploring deep ethical quandaries surrounding the significance of human existence Never Let Me Go delves into the gripping storyline, leaving viewers captivated till the very end
Highlights
Despite receiving critical acclaim, Andrew Garfield's portrayal in "Never Let Me Go" often goes unnoticed. In the film, he brilliantly embodies the character of Tommy, a clone who struggles with his inevitable tragic destiny and seeks solace through the power of art and love.
The film delves into ethical and moral dilemmas within its dystopian universe, steering clear of conventional science fiction clichés. It prompts viewers to ponder profound themes such as life, death, love, loss, and identity.
In the concluding scenes of "Never Let Me Go," a somber reality looms over the characters as they face their inevitable roles as organ donors. Tommy embraces his fate and passes away, while the protagonist Kathy confronts the unavoidable prospect of her own donations.
Andrew Garfield rose to fame more than a decade ago with the release of popular films like The Social Network and The Amazing Spider-Man, and his career has been thriving ever since. Despite his impressive body of work, some of his roles are often overlooked, including his standout performance in Mark Romanek's Never Let Me Go. Released in 2010, this dystopian sci-fi drama, based on Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, delves into profound themes such as life and death, love, loss, grief, identity, and humanity.
Penned by Alex Garland (known for Ex Machina and Annihilation) and directed by Mark Romanek, Never Let Me Go takes a unique approach to the sci-fi genre. Instead of relying on traditional science fiction elements, Romanek creates a dystopian world that feels eerily similar to our own reality, allowing the audience to grapple with the ethical and moral dilemmas presented by the story. Set in an alternate reality, the film follows the lives of three childhood friends, portrayed by Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley, as they navigate a love triangle and search for the meaning of their existence.
What Is Never Let Me Go About?
Although both the movie and Garfield's portrayal were highly praised by critics, it went relatively unnoticed by many. It is worth noting that this was the British-American actor's final role before achieving worldwide fame later that year for his supporting performance in David Fincher's The Social Network.
In an alternative dystopian world portrayed by Never Let Me Go, a remarkable medical breakthrough has prolonged human lifespan to over a century. The story commences in 1978, focusing on the journey of three close friends - Kathy (Mulligan), Tommy (Garfield), and Ruth (Knightley), across the passing years. Their upbringing takes place within the enigmatic confines of Hailsham, a strict boarding school that fosters their creativity through the pursuit of artistic expression. However, the veil of mystery is lifted by a teacher who reveals the cruel reality that these children are not ordinary individuals. Their purpose in life has predetermined them to be clones, destined to sacrifice their organs for the benefit of their original human counterparts. As they mature, their vital organs will be harvested through multiple donations, ultimately leading to their premature demise during early adulthood.
Who Does Andrew Garfield Play In Never Let Me Go?
The narrative of the movie centers around the personal journeys, friendships, and relationships of Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth. Throughout their growth and experiences, they encounter love, loss, guilt, and the tragic reality of their existence. Once they reach adulthood, the three main characters receive information about a potential deferral. They learn that if two of them form a couple and can demonstrate their love for one another, clones can prolong their time and delay the need to donate their organs. As time passes, the characters gradually lose hope for the future. They come to believe that there is little value in establishing connections with others or anticipating anything ahead, as everything can be abruptly taken away.
In the film, Andrew Garfield portrays the character of Tommy, a sensitive and somewhat socially awkward young man who, like everyone at Hailsham, faces a tragic destiny. Tommy's relationships with Ruth and Kathy form a complex love triangle that serves as a major storyline. As a clone bred for others to live, Tommy struggles with his own identity and searches for purpose in his existence. Throughout the narrative, he undergoes personal growth and gains a profound understanding of the harsh reality of his situation. Discovering the concept of deferrals leads Tommy to believe that the art they were encouraged to create at Hailsham offered a glimpse into their souls. As a way to cope with his inevitable future and potentially secure a deferral, Tommy turns to art and uses it as an outlet for his emotions.
Tommy dedicates a significant amount of time searching for a means to postpone his organ donations and searching for a glimmer of hope. However, despite his efforts, he ultimately undergoes two donations. As the film nears its conclusion, Tommy and Kathy, both weakened, embark on a relationship. Yet, they are confronted with a harsh truth about their very existence. Their former teachers from Hailsham reveal to them that their artistic creations were not intended to explore the depths of their souls, but rather to determine if clones possess souls at all. They come to the devastating realization that the deferral program was merely an illusion, and there is no genuine escape from their fate as organ donors. This revelation pushes Tommy to the brink, causing him to break down and scream out in frustration.
How Does Never Let Me Go End?
Rather than providing a conventional Hollywood ending, the conclusion of Never Let Me Go serves as a somber reminder of the moral dilemma that has been present from the very beginning. Upon realizing that their hopes for deferrals are in vain, Tommy and Kathy seek solace in one another. Shortly thereafter, Tommy is summoned for his third donation. As Kathy looks out from the window, she observes Tommy lying on the operating table, smiling at her, indicating his acceptance of his fate. He fulfills his donation and ultimately loses his life in the process.
A few weeks after losing Tommy, Kathy contemplates her life and childhood in a field, questioning if her fate is any different from the person she will "save." She has become a carer for other clones in order to extend her own donations, and is now informed that she will make her first donation in a month. This realization leads her to believe that eventually, everyone will face the same end.
In Never Let Me Go, the characters differ from those in other films by failing to even consider the option of running away. Throughout their lives, they have been conditioned to view themselves primarily as donors rather than individuals, serving as a constant reminder of their tragic existence and unavoidable destiny. Andrew Garfield's portrayal of Tommy is an exceptional display of his talent and versatility, making it one of his most powerful performances since his early career.
