Let Him Go (2020) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
Let Him Go (2020) is a tense neo-Western thriller starring Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as George and Margaret Blackledge, a retired sheriff and his wife who embark on a dangerous mission to rescue their grandson from a violent, controlling family. The film culminates in a brutal, emotionally charged confrontation where George sacrifices himself to ensure Margaret and their grandson escape. The ending is bittersweet - Margaret and the boy survive, but George dies, leaving her to mourn while finally reclaiming their family. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the lengths one will go to protect family.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The final act of Let Him Go is a harrowing showdown at the remote ranch of the Weboy family, a clan led by the ruthless matriarch Blanche (Lesley Manville). Margaret and George arrive intending to persuade-or force-the Weboys to return their grandson, Jimmy, after their daughter-in-law Lorna (Kayli Carter) is taken against her will. However, the Weboys are a tight-knit, violent group who refuse to relinquish control. The tension escalates until a physical confrontation erupts, with George and Margaret fighting for their lives against the Weboy men.
In the climactic scene, George is fatally stabbed by Donnie Weboy (Jeffrey Donovan), but not before he manages to kill several of the attackers. Margaret, though wounded, fights her way out with Jimmy, escaping in their car. George's death is a tragic but purposeful sacrifice-he ensures his wife and grandson survive, even as he succumbs to his injuries. The final moments show Margaret driving away, exhausted and grieving, but finally free from the Weboy threat. The film ends with a quiet, somber shot of her and Jimmy, suggesting a new beginning despite the immense loss.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers:
1. What happens to Lorna after the confrontation?
- The film implies she may have been killed off-screen during the chaos, given her earlier abuse by the Weboys.
- Alternatively, she could have escaped but is never shown, leaving her fate ambiguous.
2. Does Blanche Weboy face consequences for her actions?
- Since George kills most of her sons, Blanche is left broken but unpunished by the law.
- Her power is destroyed, which could be seen as a form of poetic justice.
3. How does Margaret cope with George's death long-term?
- The ending suggests she will focus on raising Jimmy, honoring George's sacrifice.
- Her resilience implies she will endure, though the grief will linger.
Themes and Symbolism:
The ending reinforces the film's central themes of familial love and sacrifice. George's death is symbolic of the old West's fading code of honor-he dies protecting what he loves, much like the lawmen of classic Westerns. Margaret's survival, meanwhile, represents perseverance and the enduring strength of maternal love. The stark, unforgiving landscape mirrors the brutality of their journey, while the final escape into the open road suggests hope and a chance for renewal. The Weboy family, with their grotesque cruelty, serves as a foil to the Blackledges, highlighting how toxic familial bonds can corrupt, while healthy ones can inspire heroism.
Personal Opinion:
Let Him Go delivers a powerful, emotionally raw ending that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll. While some may find George's death predictable, it's executed with such weight and sincerity-thanks to Costner's understated performance-that it feels earned rather than gratuitous. Diane Lane's portrayal of Margaret is equally gripping; her quiet strength anchors the film. The brutality of the finale might feel excessive to some, but it underscores the film's unflinching look at the cost of vengeance and protection. The lack of a tidy resolution for characters like Lorna or Blanche adds to the film's realism, though it may frustrate viewers seeking closure. Overall, it's a haunting, well-crafted ending to a film that blends Western grit with deep emotional stakes.
Final Thoughts:
Let Him Go is more than a simple thriller-it's a meditation on love, legacy, and the sacrifices we make for family. The ending, while tragic, feels true to the story's ethos. George's death isn't glamorized, and Margaret's survival isn't a hollow victory. Instead, the film leaves us with the sobering truth that some battles are won at great personal cost. The final image of Margaret and Jimmy driving away is poignant, suggesting that while the past can't be undone, the future can still be reclaimed. It's a fitting conclusion to a film that balances heartbreak with resilience.