David Oyelowo Sci-Fi Thriller 'Don't Let Go' Is Climbing Netflix Charts

Published 2 months ago• 3 minute read

Time travel films have always been popular with viewers, and over the years, there have been several distinctive stories produced by Hollywood. One such film, the 2019 thriller Don't Let Go, has made a surprising comeback, recently soaring into Netflix's top ten charts after being added to the platform. Since its addition to Netflix on February 16, Don't Let Go has quickly climbed the streaming charts, reaching #4 in just two days. It's certainly not a small feat considering the fact that it has surpassed popular films like Kinda Pregnant and Rambo: Last Blood, both of which have done fairly well since their debut a week ago. Meanwhile, La Dolce Villa, Aftermath, and Trial by Fire are in the top three on the streaming chart, with Honeymoon Crasher, Uncle Drew, and Back in Action trailing closely behind, albeit it's been over a week since they have been added to the streaming service.

Directed and co-written by Jacob Estes, the film follows Detective Jack Radcliff (David Oyelowo), who receives a shocking phone call from his niece Ashley (Storm Reid). However, when he goes to her aid, he discovers that she has been contacting him from the past and, spoiler alert — in order to change Ashley's fate of being murdered — Jack must race against the clock to solve the crime. Viewers seem to be drawn to the film, largely due to the compelling dynamic between David Oyelowo and Storm Reid, which stands out as the film's strongest aspect, followed by its premise.

Unfortunately, despite its recent streaming success, the film struggled to gain traction when it first hit theaters in 2019. It garnered a respectable audience score of 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, but critics were not as generous, giving it a disappointing 42% because they felt that the execution of its time-travel concept didn't quite live up to expectations. This could leave individuals who haven't seen the film in a tough spot. So, should you watch Netflix's new time-travel film, Don't Let Go?

As much as the mixed reviews may influence one to avoid Don't Let Go, it is, in this writer's estimation, a fantastic sci-fi flick that deserves more recognition. For instance, while some critics were dissatisfied with the film, others — like Marissa De La Cerda from Chicago Reader and Kevin Maher from UK Times — praised it for its novel take on the genre, suggesting it is worth a watch for those who have yet to be burnt out by time-travel spectacles.

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Having said that, let's not forget that audiences enjoyed it far more than critics did. So while it may not be hitting your personal Criterion Collection anytime soon, it should, at the very least, be an enjoyable experience for those searching for a time-travel film with a slightly different outlook on the genre. It's no secret that critics and general audiences have had varying opinions on movies for years, and Don't Let Go is no exception. Netflix's decision to include the film in its February lineup may have been a good one, given how well it's been received over the last few days. So, why not give it a shot and judge the sci-fi thriller for yourself?