New to On Demand and DVD: Don’t Let Go

© OTL Releasing

We’ve all lost someone, and most of us have begged for the chance to change the result. In the film Don’t Let Go, one man gets that opportunity.

Detective Jack Radcliff (David Oyelowo) gets a shocking call from his niece Ashley (Storm Reid). It’s shocking not because she’s calling — Ashley often called her Uncle Jack to discuss much of life, since her father had been involved with the wrong crowd.

The relationship built between Jack and Ashley over the years had been a foundational constant in each of their lives. Uncle Jack saved his niece from anything he could — whether she needed a ride or simply someone to talk to, he was there. Ashley had a way of saving her uncle as well — bringing him back to a reality that was grounded by her presence. As a detective, Jack found himself being extricated from the morass of his caseload by simply talking with Ashley.

It’s the call from Ashley after she has been murdered that changes Jack’s life. This call starts a dialogue across time, Jack in the present day and his niece talking from two weeks earlier. Can Jack solve the case, and save his niece?

In Don’t Let Go, we experience one part science fiction, dealing with communication over time, and one part murder mystery, trying to solve the crime before it occurs. These two plot devices can be very satisfying when done individually and when merged together offer a number of possibilities.

Attention to detail is vital in any film that straddles a timeline. Here there is only an adequate effort in that regard. In this film, some of the messy details of the time difference force the viewer to not engage their brain. If you think too hard, you will question the minutiae that seems out of place. Turn the brain off and just take the journey.

We are treated to an excellent performance by Oyelowo and solid performances from the entire cast. In fact, Reid is quickly establishing herself as a young actor to watch in Hollywood as she displays some range from her previous role in Ava DuVernay’s A Wrinkle in Time.

Don’t Let Go is a worthwhile effort and although moments of it may induce a quizzical look, just riding the time travel wave will allow viewers to enjoy this perceived deep offering, just on a less-than-in-depth level. It’s OK to let go of Don’t Let Go when you finish watching it, just enjoy it for the roughly two hours while you do.

Don’t Let Go is available On Demand and on DVD beginning Nov. 26. Check your cable system for availability