Kevin Costner's 'Career-Defining' Western Thriller Arrives on Netflix
The modern Western crime drama Let Him Go, featuring a 'brutal' yet 'excellent' performance from Yellowstone icon Kevin Costner, is now available for streaming on Netflix. This gripping revenge thriller, which first premiered in 2020, has garnered an impressive 85% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes and is described as a must-watch for fans of intense, emotional storytelling.
A Stellar Cast in a High-Stakes Drama
Directed by Thomas Bezucha, a co-executive producer of Fargo, the film stars Costner as George Blackledge and Diane Lane as Margaret Blackledge. Lane, renowned for her roles in Unfaithful and Under the Tuscan Sun, joins Costner in what critics are calling a 'career-defining' performance. The plot follows the Blackledges, a retired sheriff and his wife, as they embark on a dangerous quest from their Montana ranch to rescue their young grandson from a perilous family in the remote Dakotas.
Netflix subscribers, who already have access to Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone universe including 1883 and 1923, can now experience another powerful narrative from Costner. This release comes two years after his official exit from Yellowstone, where he announced he would not return for the second half of season 5, marking the finale of the popular series.
Audience Reactions: Praise and Critique
Fans have taken to Rotten Tomatoes to share their thoughts, with many hailing Let Him Go as a hidden gem. One viewer wrote, 'Excellent drama. Slow burn but worth the wait. Outstanding cast. The last few minutes of the movie had me on the edge of my seat. Lane and Costner were great as two grandparents desperately trying to save their grandson.' Another exclaimed, 'This movie was so so good, A must see!' while a third described it as 'A Gripping and Emotional Must-Watch!' praising its exploration of love, loss, and family bonds.
However, some viewers found the film overly bleak. One comment noted, 'Way too brutal and depressing. Costner and Lane were very good, but story was not well done. Very hard to hear some of the dialogue way too soft.' Another criticized the pacing, saying, 'Movie was slow moving. Even at the end when the story did take a dark turn it was boring. Poor story with a weak ending. Hated this movie.'
Despite mixed opinions on the plot, the acting has received widespread acclaim. An enthusiast praised, 'The acting was superb in this movie and the casting should get an Oscar. I don't usually watch new films twice in the same month but will make an exception.' Another concurred, 'A Neo-Western revenge drama, that is a little slowly paced, but is still engaging throughout thanks to a superb cast. It's a dour rescue story that pulls heavy on the heartstrings.'
Streaming Availability and Final Thoughts
Let Him Go is currently streaming on Netflix, offering subscribers a chance to dive into this suspenseful thriller. As one fan aptly summarized, 'A gripping suspenseful thriller with superb acting. You won't let go until the final credits roll.' With its blend of intense drama and standout performances, this film stands out as a notable addition to the Western genre and a highlight in Costner's filmography.
