Never Let Me Go (2010)

Based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro (which Time magazine called the best novel of 2005), the first third of the film focuses on three children (Izzy Meikle-Small, Charlie Rowe, Ella Purnell) who are part of a program of clones, specifically bred for their organs. When they reach adulthood, they begin the process of donating their organs and are "completed" (a euphemism for death) by the age of 30. Some of them have the option of being caregivers to the donors which extends their lifespan but only temporarily until their donating time begins. As adults, the three children are played by Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield. If this sounds like a Ray Bradbury or George Orwell "brave new world" story, it isn't. The sci-fi setting is merely a background for the story of these three and of regrets, redemption, hope and although death comes to us all, at 30 or at 90 ... life is still too short. The film is relentlessly downbeat and I found myself unsettled and terribly sad (or was it depressed?) as I left the theatre which actually is to the film's credit. It makes no concessions to commercialism and I can't imagine anyone not being touched on the most basic level. Strongly directed by Mark Romanek who comes from a music video background but you'd never know it from the languid pace. Excellent score by Rachel Portman. With Charlotte Rampling, Sally Hawkins and Nathalie Richard.