Susan Granger’s review of “Never Let Me Go” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
In his highly acclaimed novel by the same name, Japanese-born, British writer Kazuo Ishiguro (“The Remains of the Day”) poses a fundamental question: What makes us human? That’s what this baroque, Orwellian coming-of-age story is about.
As it begins, 28 year-old Kathy (Carey Mulligan) reminisces about her youthful days at Hailsham, an austere boarding school set in the English countryside, where the children are surprisingly docile and obedient. Under the watchful eye of the stern headmistress (Charlotte Rampling), three youngsters – Kathy, Tommy and Ruth – develop an unbreakable bond. Their equilibrium is momentarily shaken when a brash, new teacher, Miss Lucy (Sally Hawkins), reveals their true mission in life: through genetic engineering, they’re clones, diabolically bred in test tubes as organ donors, which is why they’re fitted with electronic bracelets. Some will temporarily become ‘carers’ who watch over the donors as they give up their vital part until their time of ‘completion.’
After graduation, now-grown Kathy, Tommy (Andrew Garfield) and Ruth (Keira Knightley) are sent to work at a farm called the Cottages, where they patiently wait to be summoned. In the meantime, much to Kathy’s dismay, Ruth and Tommy have fallen in love. Kathy has always considered herself sensitive Tommy’s best-friend, but Ruth’s overt sexuality has proven irresistible to the lustful lad. And rumor has it that clone couples who are romantically involved can defer their donation service for awhile.
Adapted by Alex Garland (“The Beach,” “28 Days Later”), photographed by cinematographer Adam Kimmel and directed by Mark Romanek (“One Hour Photo”), whose background is primarily in music videos, it’s eerily realistic, thanks to Mark Digby’s stylistic production design. On one hand, it’s a poignant concept; on the other, it’s strangely ponderous science-fiction. Cathy Mulligan’s (“An Education”) talent is woefully wasted looking wistful most of the time, while Andrew Garfield (“Boy A”) and Keira Knightly (“Pride & Prejudice,” “Atonement”) seem miscast.
On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Never Let Me Go” is a subtle, solemn 5. It’s exquisitely mounted but filled with chilling despair.
