The Wild Transformation of Kevin Costner's Neo-Western into a Violent Grindhouse Thriller

The Big Picture

Kevin Costner's successful role in Yellowstone has relaunched his career and gained him a new audience, possibly more fans than his films.

Let Him Go offers audiences a fresh take on the neo-Western genre by introducing an unexpected twist towards extreme violence. This gripping film delves deep into the complexities of family tragedy and the intense clash between two families, while exploring profound themes of loyalty, violence, and the pursuit of freedom. As a result, Let Him Go stands as a haunting masterpiece of the modern Western genre.

‘Let Him Go’ Makes Family Tragedy Feel Real

Kevin Costner's success with Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone series has rejuvenated his career and introduced him to a brand new audience. Interestingly, he may have acquired more fans through his television work than any of the films he starred in during the first half of his career. So, is Costner a movie star or a Western enthusiast? Surprisingly, he's both. Costner had the opportunity to appease both sets of fans with the underappreciated 2020 Western thriller, Let Him Go. While Let Him Go initially appears to be a typical Western "dad movie," its unexpected turn towards extreme violence indicates that Costner was willing to take classic material and adapt it for the contemporary era.

Image via Focus Features

Set in 1960s rural Montana, Let Him Go is a captivating film adaptation of Larry Watson's acclaimed 2013 novel. Although there are no explicit references to current political events, the movie subtly suggests that the small community at its heart exists completely off the grid. This remote area operates by its own law, reminiscent of frontier justice, which suits retired sheriff George Blackledge (played by Costner) just fine. George dedicates himself to caring for his wife Margaret (portrayed by Diane Lane) and tending to their ranch, never imagining that he would be summoned back into action any time soon.

George is currently recovering from the death of his son in a horseback riding accident. This kind of unfortunate incident is something that every father fears, especially since there was no way for George to predict it. Director Thomas Bezucha effectively portrays the heavy burden of this tragedy on George and Margaret in the opening scenes of the film. Despite the immense pain, George doesn't have anyone to direct his anger towards. He can't blame his son or his son's young widow, Lorana, who he left behind. Instead, George feels disheartened and goes through his daily routines without much joy. Kevin Costner delivers an impressive performance, subtly implying that George is battling depression without explicitly mentioning it.

Every memory of George's son serves as a painful reminder of his loss, which is why he has kept his distance from Lorna. Despite his fondness for his son's young widow, George has intentionally distanced himself from her ever since she remarried rancher Donnie Weboy. Perhaps, by denying any kinship with Lorna, Donnie, and their son Jimmy, George finds it easier to move on from the tragedy of his son's death. However, when Margaret witnesses Donnie physically abusing both Lorna and Jimmy, George is forcefully thrust back into their family dynamics.

'Let Him Go' Has a Radical Twist

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The first part of Let Him Go captivates with its delicate and intimate family encounters. Without any knowledge of George's profession, the film transcends the constraints of being labeled as a "genre" movie. However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn in the second half as George and Margaret embark on their quest to find Jimmy. The Weboy family, who have accepted Donnie as their own, stubbornly refuse to let him go, disregarding the Blackledges' pleas.

Let Him Go shockingly reveals a twist when George and Margaret come face to face with Jimmy's other grandmother, Blanche (Lesley Manville), who evidently assumes the role of the "leader" within her family. Blanche's parenting approach stands in stark contrast to George's, as she rules over her sons, Marvin (Adam Stafford) and Elton (Connor Mackay), with authoritarian control. The initial interaction between Blanche and George illuminates the stark disparity in their values. While George simply wants his family to be happy, he doesn't find pride in their name. In contrast, Blanche is prepared to go to any lengths, even if it means breaking the law, to ensure that Jimmy remains a Weboy forever. This implication instills fear in both George and Margaret, as they realize that if they stand idly by, Blanche will turn Jimmy into yet another compliant follower.

‘Let Him Go’ Turns Into a Grindhouse Thriller

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The tension between the two families allows the film to smoothly transition into a more intense and violent plot. George and Margaret realize that they have been oblivious to a dangerous cult growing on the fringes of society, which adds a personal element to the story. While most Western projects touch on violent extremist groups, the specific values of the Weboys are somewhat elusive in the 1960s setting, although Blanche's fervent obsessions hint at a radical fundamentalist faction.

While Costner's portrayal of an older, weathered former sheriff is commendable, it is Lane's performance as Margaret that truly steals the show. Margaret is the proactive character in the film, always dedicated to raising Jimmy and protecting Lorna following her son's death. It takes a disturbing act of violence for George to comprehend the significance of family loyalty, something Margaret has been emphasizing all along.

Let Him Go fearlessly dives into grisly scenes: fingers get severed, bullets are discharged at close range, and a homestead is engulfed in flames. Despite the potential for a jarring shift from the initially grounded tone, the focus always remains on the power struggle over possession of Jimmy. Jimmy finds himself caught in the middle, treated as an object by both the Blanche and Blackledge families. While the Blanches aim to impose their values upon him, the Blackledges strive to grant him the autonomy to determine his own path. This conflict lends Let Him Go a sense of freshness, albeit in a disturbing manner, turning it into a contemporary Western masterpiece.