“NETFLIX JUST ADDED A DARK WESTERN GEM.” — Kevin Costner and Diane Lane Lead This Gritty Neo-Western Thriller Now Climbing Netflix’s Top 10, and Yellowstone Fans Say It’s a Must-Watch.

The 2020 crime drama, based on Larry Watson’s novel, follows a retired sheriff and his wife on a dangerous mission to rescue their grandson from a ruthless family living beyond the law. What begins as a rescue quickly turns into a tense, haunting showdown.

Viewers call it “dark,” “gritty,” and “intensely gripping,” with a slow-burn tone that many say feels similar to the storytelling style of Yellowstone.

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‘Gritty’ neo-Western crime drama is a Netflix must-watch for Yellowstone fans

Kevin Costner stars in the 2020 neo-Western thriller, Let Him Go, which is climbing Netflix’s Top 10 Films chart. The movie is based on Larry Watson’s 2013 novel

Kevin Costner in Let Him Go

Calling all Yellowstone fans! The neo-Western film, Let Him Go, is climbing Netflix’s Top Ten Films chart – and it’s a must-watch for thriller fans seeking their next fix of Kevin Costner.

The 2020 film, based on Larry Watson’s 2013 novel of the same name, follows a retired sheriff (Costner) and his wife (Diane Lane) who try to rescue their grandson from a powerful and dangerous family.

The film, which boasts an impressive 85 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, comes from filmmaker Thomas Bezucha, whose previous credits include the Emmy-winning crime drama Fargo and the Netflix thriller, Untamed. So it’s safe to say viewers are in good hands!

Keep reading to find out more…

What is Let Him Go about?

The story follows retired sheriff George Blackledge and his wife Margaret who set out to find their only grandson after their son’s death.

Diane Lane and Kevin Costner in Let Him Go© LANDMARK MEDIA / Alamy Stock Photo
Diane Lane and Kevin Costner star in Let Him Go

The synopsis reads: “Following the loss of their son, retired sheriff George Blackledge and his wife Margaret leave their Montana ranch to rescue their young grandson from a dangerous family living off the grid.

“They soon discover that the Weboy family has no intention of letting the child go, forcing George and Margaret to fight for their family.”

Who stars in Let Him Go?

Kevin Costner (Yellowstone) and Diane Lane (Anniversary) lead the cast as George and Margaret Blackledge.

They’re joined by Lesley Manville (The Crown) as Blanche Weboy, Jeffrey Donovan (Burn Notice) as Bill Weboy and Kayli Carter (Godless) as Lorna Blackledge.

Lesley Manville attends The Olivier Awards 2025 at The Royal Albert Hall on April 06, 2025 © WireImage
Lesley Manville also stars in the gritty film

Other cast members include Ryan Bruce, Will Hochman, Otto and Bram Hornung, Connor Mackay, Adam Stafford and Booboo Stewart.

What have critics and viewers said about the film?

Viewers described the film as “dark” and “compelling,” with one fan comparing the drama’s “slow-burn style” to that of Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan.

One person hailed the thriller as “gritty” and “heartfelt,” adding: “It’s the perfect mix of drama and suspense. Kevin Costner and Diane Lane are amazing. This is a finely drawn drama with high stakes tension.”

Kevin Costner, Diane Lane and Jeffrey Donovan in Let Him Go (2020)© LANDMARK MEDIA / Alamy Stock Photo
Jeffrey Donovan plays Bill Weboy in the neo-Western film

A second viewer penned: “A little bit slow but a wonderful, dark movie. Really enjoyed the plot not forgetting the wonderful cast and masterful performances.”

Meanwhile, The Guardian described the film as a “fun, fiery thriller” in its four-star review. The Telegraph also handed out four stars to the “western-tinged, slow-burning rescue thriller”.

Let Him Go is available to stream on Netflix now.