'Don't Let Go (2019)' has a really interesting premise and, unlike most about which you could say the same, it generally knows what to do with it. Essentially, it focuses on a girl whose phone reception is so bad that it takes two weeks for a call to come through. All joking aside, the piece is a mystery-thriller that combines detective work with time travel. Though it's not necessarily the first time we've seen something like this, the flick feels remarkably fresh. Its concept and, to an extent, execution are inventive and invigorating. There's a remarkable sense of suspense throughout most of the narrative. The tension between the past and the present is always tightening until it explodes in an excellently edited conclusion. It isn't just justice that's on the line, it's life itself. Strangely, though, the underlying plot is broadly generic. A lot of its beats have been explored before, sans the central time-twisting dynamic. It falls into the trap of having its key reveal be relatively predictable precisely because it's trying to be so unpredictable. Some late-game revelations rely on barely established conceits and characters, if they've even been established at all. This makes the final act feel rather rushed, in a way, and leads to some 'telling not showing' moments. There are also some plot inconsistencies and contrivances that feel like products of the editing process. These don't matter too much, though, and are only really relevant in retrospect. The overall story makes sense, even if you think about it, and it's well-paced, too. It also features a number of nice micro-surprises that keep you guessing as to what's next. Though it's not all that memorable, the film is a fantastic in-the-moment experience. It's an enjoyably edge-of-your-seat affair throughout. 7/10
Review of Don't Let Go
