Let Me Go

Let Me Go is a harrowing yet deeply poignant film released in 2017. This emotionally resonating independent drama is directed by Polly Steele, based on the dramatic true life story of a British woman named Helga Schneider whose mother surrendered her to an orphanage during her early childhood to serve in Hitler’s SS during World War II. The film features heart-wrenching performances from an impressive cast that includes renowned actress Juliet Stevenson, paired with Jodhi May, Lucy Boynton and Karin Bertling.

The main story is set in the present day and follows Juliet Stevenson who portrays Helga Schneider. Helga was abandoned by her mother, known as Traudi, at the age of four while she willingly served as an SS guard in the concentration camps. The film canvasses the long journey of self-discovery and reconciliation for Helga as she grapples with the truth of her mother’s dark past.

Helga, now a resident of England, is a three-generation matriarch who is struggling to understand how the woman who gave birth to her could willingly abandon her and her family for an inhumane ideology. When a letter arrives stating that her mother is close to death and wishes to see her, she is compelled her to revisit the terrors of her past and face a reality that she avoided for six decades.

Let Me Go takes a highly unconventional approach to exploring the themes of legacy, forgiveness, and trauma as it oscillates between present-day London and Berlin in the 1940s and 2000s. The past meets the present as the four leading female characters of the feature explore their intricate family history. A parallel line of narrative unfolds as Helga takes her estranged daughter, Beth (Jodhi May), a vehement human rights activist, and granddaughter, Emily (Lucy Boynton), an ebullient and curious young woman, with her on this transformative journey. They delve deep into the dark roots of their family's past.

Juliet Stevenson’s performance as Helga in Let Me Go is profoundly moving, revealing a woman burdened by the sins of her mother. She effectively encapsulates the mixture of scorn, regret, shame, and curiosity while incorporating a fierce determination to develop a better life for her progeny. Jodhi May, known for her impressive performances in various films, delivers another powerful portrayal as Beth. Beth keen on understanding the haunting backgrounds of her mother, is a character who is adamant about deciphering the lineage of her family, helping to foster a clearer picture of the haunting legacy.

Lucy Boynton as Emily delivers a pleasingly refreshing performance as the innocent and inquisitive third generation. Juxtaposed against the dark undertone of the plot, Emily’s youth and bright spirit shine in the film, creating an interesting contrast for viewers.

Adding depth to the characters there's the portrayal of the elderly Traudi by Karin Bertling. The character of Traudi is an effective representation of someone lost in a dark ideology, offering a chilling insight into the mind of an individual brainwashed by the Nazi regime.

In essence, the movie Let Me Go is a stirring testament to the power of confronting and overcoming one's past, all while seeking understanding, closure, and possibly forgiveness. This emotive drama takes the viewers on a journey that is moving without being melodramatic, effectively exploring the idea that the decisions made by one generation have a rippling effect on the lives of future generations.

The film, set against a backdrop of past atrocities, deep familial bonds and the healing power of forgiveness, maintains a sense of vibrant hope that lives alongside the terrible truth of history. This depiction marks a significant contribution to cinema that delves into World War narratives from a unique and impactful perspective.

Let Me Go draws its strength from the mature and layered performances of its strong women-led cast. It orchestrates a timely narrative that calls for the need to reconcile with our darkest family secrets for the betterment of personal and intergenerational healing. The film brings out the complexities of parent-child relationships, the traces of traumatic past lingering in the present, and the enduring strength of women amidst it all.