Disclaimers: In this Let Go Netflix review I included a link to the listing and trailer. There may be Amazon affiliate links on the page as well. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases. Also, please check parental guidelines and trigger warnings before reading or watching anything I discuss on my blog.
Let Go Netflix
Released: 2024
Setting: Sweden
Genre: family drama
Let Go Netflix synopsis
Ironically a marriage counselor, Gustav tells his wife Stella he wants out of their marriage. She’s been a stay at home mom all the years and has had enough of him, or has she? Because when she finds out their daughter Anna has a dance competition in Skane (a plane ride away) she insists they all go on the trip together as one last goodbye. Gustav is so ready to split being that he already has a girlfriend but his girlfriend tells him to go on the trip for closure. Anna would also rather go on her own but that’s irrelevant, it’s gonna be a family trip.
Of course, the trip brings all their issues to the forefront. Then, Stella overhears Gustav on the phone with his girlfriend. Surprisingly, she’s not too fazed. But what she is angry about is his lack of connection with and responsibility for the kids.
My review of Let Go on Netflix
Let Go was a ‘no plot, just vibes’ book in a movie and I was there for it. The emphasis on emotions and emotional processes was the plot; because isn’t life more about the emotions than what actually happens?
It reminded me of Marriage Story where we saw the breakdown of what went wrong in the marriage: him not being present, not taking responsibility, not being involved in their kids’ lives. Of course she wasn’t perfect either. She was too controlling and didn’t trust him enough to handle things so she did everything herself, which undermined him and didn’t give him room to be involved. I thought these issues were quite realistic and appreciated that.
But was Stella trying to rebuild this marriage, or was this trip just for the kids?
Throughout the movie I think we were all wondering did Stella push this trip for the kids’ sake or to win him back? Her motivations seemed to keep fluctuating… At some point Gustav says her issue is she doesn’t want him but also has trouble letting go, so I thought that must have been it, until it became clear.
The acting
I found the acting great. Gustav was very hatable but at the same time, I got him! I understood why he had so much trouble being present and why he behaved the way he did in the marriage as things clarified. Stella, though I didn’t understand her as much until the end, was great as well.
Overall
I wasn’t sure how I felt about the ending, part of me would have rathered something more ambiguous instead of such neat closure, but it did tie things together. The translation to English was also pretty good. I almost didn’t notice it. If you like emotional dramas, give this a watch! And if you’re looking for more to watch, see my thoughts on more Netflix new releases.
My rating: 7.5/10
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