Let Me Go

In 1961 Montana, retired sheriff George Blackledge and his family, including his wife Margaret, son James, daughter-in-law Lorna, and grandson Jimmy, live a peaceful life on a ranch. The story begins with Margaret noticing something unusual with James's horse, hinting at an impending tragedy. George later finds James's body by the creek after he falls and breaks his neck while riding.

George rides out into the woods and discovers James's lifeless body. Quietly, he brings his son’s body home, marking a somber moment in their lives that underscores their loss. The event leaves the family mourning the absence of James and feeling the weight of grief.

Years later, George and Margaret attend the wedding of Lorna and her new husband, Donnie Weboy. They help the young couple settle into their new life, but it’s evident that Lorna isn't truly in love with Donnie and that Jimmy is absent, which intensifies Margaret’s feelings of loss and longing.

While out shopping, Margaret spots Lorna and Jimmy with Donnie after an ice cream outing. She observes Jimmy refusing food and Donnie forcing his arm, culminating in Donnie striking Lorna. Margaret later learns from a tenant that the Weboys have left town, prompting her to plan a rescue.

Determined to locate their grandson, the Blackledges begin asking locals about the Weboy family. Margaret, surprisingly armed, and George receive a lead in North Dakota after consulting with a sheriff and a shop owner connected to the Weboys. Their journey marks a new chapter marked by hope and determination.

During their travels, George and Margaret meet Peter Dragswolf, a young Native American man. He offers them food and warmth and advises them to look for Donnie’s uncle, Bill. This encounter provides them with new leads and highlights the themes of kinship and cultural connection.

George and Margaret find Donnie’s uncle, Bill, and then meet Blanche, Donnie’s mother. Blanche appears friendly but reveals her stern and controlling nature during dinner. Their interaction exposes the Weboy family’s darker side and their hold over Donnie and Lorna.

Lorna, distressed and fearful of the Weboys, agrees to escape with her grandparents. They plan to sneak out at night, recognizing the danger she faces if she stays. Their determination to reunite with Jimmy fuels their resolve.

That night, the Weboys attack George and Margaret in their hotel room. Blanche and Donnie’s violence intensifies when Donnie is ordered to cut off George’s fingers. During the chaos, George is overpowered, and his injuries lead to a hospital visit, highlighting the Weboys’ brutality.

George, driven by desperation, sneaks back to the Weboy house and sets it on fire. He fights to retrieve Jimmy and Lorna, resulting in a violent shootout where Blanche kills Bill and wounds George, ultimately killing him. Margaret arrives too late to save George, and Blanche continues her rampage.

In the final moments of the confrontation, Margaret faces Blanche and fires her shotgun, killing Blanche in a desperate act of justice. George succumbs to his injuries shortly afterward, ending their tragic quest. Margaret's action signifies her resolve to protect her family at all costs.

After the house burns down and Blanche is dead, Margaret manages to get Jimmy and Lorna outside safely. She holds them close, while Peter helps her escape from the chaos. The devastating loss of George is felt deeply, but the family begins to move forward, holding onto hope.

As dawn breaks, Margaret, Lorna, and Jimmy drive away from the wreckage, leaving the violence behind. Margaret mourns George's death but is comforted by the safety of Jimmy. The story closes with a mix of grief and resilience, emphasizing the enduring bond of family.