Never Let Me Go (2010)

Main Cast: Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, Kiera Knightly

Plot Summary: Three childhood friends, Kathy, Tommy and Ruth, try to maintain their relationships whilst preparing themselves for their pre-determined futures.

The Good: - As yet another book to film adaptation, it's good to see that Never Let Me Go didn't stray far from Kazuo Ishiguro's original concept, chronology and feel. The sadness of the situation is practically tangible throughout, and the over spill of naivety and innocence from childhood into adulthood makes it all the more touching.

-The main cast breathe life into their characters; Mulligan (Kathy) and Garfield (Tommy) particularly stand out, and their characters'  relationship, although under the surface, is constantly evident. The child actors that portray the main three when they are younger also succeed in making the characters relatable, interesting and true to the book counterparts.

The Bad: -It's difficult to categorise this tale, with it not quite fitting into the technical and often frightening nature of Sci-Fi, but at the same time not making a big enough fuss for it to be considered a drama or tragedy. It sits on the cusp of a lot of genres,  and therefore doesn't quite seem to accomplish anything.

- Although it leaves a lasting impression and is often very moving, I find it hard to consider it as more than a very depressing, very British comment on the shortness and unsatisfying nature of life.

Memorable Moment: - Kathy and Tommy's pit stop in the middle of a country road after being told some bad news, where Tommy revisits the rage he was famous for at school.

Score: 6/10

Verdict: Never Let Me Go stayed true to its novel predecessor, and this left me feeling pleasantly surprised. However, other than the acting which truly did do the characters justice, I feel that most of the positives are down to Ishiguro's story rather than the film itself. Worth a watch, whether or not you've read the book, but don't be surprised if you come away feeling somewhat depressed and dispirited.