Was Let Him Go Based On A True Story
Let Him Go is a 2020 American neo-Western drama film directed by Thomas Bezucha and based on the novel of the same name by Larry Watson. The film stars Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as a retired sheriff and his wife who set out to find their only grandson after their son died and his widow remarried into a dangerous and abusive family. The film received generally positive reviews from critics and was praised for its performances and direction.
The True Story Behind Let Him Go
While Let Him Go is not based on a specific true story, it is inspired by the real-life experiences of author Larry Watson. In an interview with Parade magazine, Watson said that the story was inspired by his mother-in-law's experience of losing her son and grandson to a new family after her daughter's remarriage.
Watson said that he was struck by the "heartbreaking" nature of the situation and wanted to explore the idea of "what happens when a family is broken up by death and remarriage." He also noted that the story was set in the 1950s, a time when divorce and remarriage were less common and there was less legal protection for grandparents seeking custody of their grandchildren.
The Making of Let Him Go
The film adaptation of Let Him Go was directed by Thomas Bezucha, who also wrote the screenplay. Bezucha said that he was drawn to the story because of the complex relationships between the characters and the themes of love, loss, and family.
The film was shot on location in Alberta, Canada, and features stunning landscapes and cinematography. The performances of Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as the lead couple have been widely praised, as well as the supporting cast, which includes Lesley Manville as the matriarch of the abusive family.
The Reception of Let Him Go
Let Him Go has received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the performances of Costner and Lane as well as the film's direction and cinematography. The film currently holds a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film has also been noted for its exploration of themes such as grief, family, and the legacy of violence. Some critics have criticized the film for its slow pace and predictable plot, but overall, Let Him Go has been praised as a powerful and emotional drama.
Conclusion
While Let Him Go is not based on a specific true story, it is inspired by the real-life experiences of author Larry Watson and explores themes that are relevant to many families. The film has been praised for its performances, direction, and cinematography, and is a powerful and emotional drama that will resonate with audiences.