Prisoners Reviews

With a very solid cast and great pacing, "Prisoners" is one of the most intense films of 2013, even if it is a bit of a letdown. It takes a very done-to-death plot and puts a few unique twists and turns in it, but you can't help but start piecing the puzzle together early on, and if you pay attention enough, the ending is screaming at you right from the start. I do give props to the writer for the way he chose to display the foreshadowing, but if you are really trying to be a smart filmgoer, the ending will not come as much of a surprise. Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Terrence Howard deliver superb performances and the score is absolutely perfect. The sound, along with the great performances is really what sells this film for me, and it will definitely merit multiple viewings for sure. With a well written script, intense dramatic moments, and just the right amount foreshadowing (even if predictable), "Prisoners" is a great film all around, and I highly recommend it!

****

"Prisoners" is one of those movies that is going to be hard for a lot of people to watch. It's a movie about a child abduction and the lengths that a father will go to to get his daughter back. If you mixed "Mystic River" and "Seven" together, then you would get "Prisoners". There are lots of twists and turns, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat and eyes glued to the screen. The cast in this is absolutely amazing. Spearheaded by Hugh Jackman playing the father, and this is his best role yet. If he doesn't get a best actor nomination at the awards shows this year, then there is something very, very wrong. There were two scenes with him where I nearly had a tear or two come out. It's very powerful stuff. Jake Gyllenhall is also terrific as the lead detective on the case. Paul Dano, Viola Davis, Terrance Howard, and Mellissa Leo round out the ensemble, and each one is terrific. This is one of those movies where it'll end and you will immediately say "I would have done this..." or I agree with this person. It's very easy to put yourself into their shoes, especially if you're a parent. My wife asked if this would have had the same impact 5 years ago, and I don't think it would have. This is an amazing movie, with a truly gripping story. Sure some won't like it or want to watch it, but for everyone else, this is one of the best movies of 2013 right now. I'd be very surprised if this doesn't end up on my top 5 list at the end of the year.

A dark, unsettling, successfully soul-crushing story concerning two lost girls from two different families, the detective (Jake Gyllenhaal) trying to track them down despite the path getting increasingly cold, and how one of the fathers (Hugh Jackman) kidnaps and tortures a young man (Paul Dano) who he believes might have kidnapped the girls. This is a heavy film handled exceptionally well from director Denis Villeneuve, who shoots the film like a David Fincher classic, and the acting (outside of Jackman, who does not flesh out his character enough) is first-rate. It is not a film for everyone, especially for some parents, as this is a worst-case scenario brought to life in frightening fashion. The writing is phenomenal, and the ending is clever and not predictable at all given the almost overbearing darkness and dread this film possesses.

'Prisoners'. A snaking screenplay that plays on fears and desperation in an agonisingly captivating way. Jackman and Gyllenhaal are great!

The cinematography stands out too, and of course, as the credits started rolling, Roger A. Deakins' name appears.

Genre films elevated to Oscar status are nothing new in the industry. Sure, nowadays, the studios are looking for indie directors who've made a splash to helm their summer tentpoles, but it's not really a recent trend. ARGO was just the latest in a long line of "programmers" to win the Best Picture Academy Award. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, FRENCH CONNECTION, GLADIATOR, BRAVEHEART, or if we're going to reach far back, THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH, are essentially masterfully-made B movies.

Into the fray steps PRISONERS, which from the trailer seemed to me like TAKEN with an Oscar buzz cast and an indie darling director. Missing child revenge thrillers have sold a lot of popcorn in the past, so why not slather on a patina of importance and attract everyone to the project? Add an unnecessary 146 minute running time, and you get "important" cinema, right? Those gold statuettes will practically come pre-etched.

None of this is to say I didn't enjoy PRISONERS. It's actually pretty stirring stuff for what seems like a first pass at an edit. Fraught with bloated pacing issues and a fair amount of repetition (how many ways can Hugh Jackman scream "Find my daughter now!"?), the film has such an accomplished sense of place and tone, you're almost willing to forgive its many shortcomings.

Set in suburban Pennsylvania but actually shot in Georgia, we join the Dover's and their neighbors, the Birch's, as they celebrate Thanksgiving. It's bleak, rainy, grey and a sense of quiet isolation and dread permeates every one of cinematographer Roger Deakins' great images. There's a sense of uneasiness from its opening images of Jackman and his son (Dylan Minnette - so good in LET ME IN and LOST) as they hunt a deer. It sets the tone that we're in for a vicious, brutal survival story. In a perfectly calibrated, casual manner, it slowly dawns on the families that their young daughters are missing. From here on out, you're in for a sad tale replete with an almost endless series of twists and turns.

Enter the ridiculously monikered Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), a stern cop who has solved every case, as he immediately clashes with Jackman, who understandably wants results NOW! Jackman is pretty great in this film, balancing a protective father role with one far more rage-filled and dangerous than expected. When a suspect (Paul Dano) is apprehended and let go, Jackman is convinced of his guilt, and makes some very painful decisions in the process. Gyllenhaal is given very little to work with. No back story and a LOT of ZODIAC-style snooping around, but he's completely mesmerizing, all rapid blinking and hardened attitude. I'm not sure I completely believed that a small town Pennsylvania town would allow its detectives to have visible neck tattoos, but I just went with it. Gyllenhaal wisely underplays his part, ceding all of the big moments to Jackman.

What's odd and distinctive about the film is what's not shown. Many key plot points occur offscreen. Abrupt fades to black pepper the film and there are strange diversions which help paint a picture of a town with a very sordid past. A haunting push-in on a tree is far more chilling than seeing a child being duct-taped and abused. We never even see one character's cathartic release. Another is left for dead and never seen onscreen again. It's all geared to keep you off-balance. Sure, there's some arty pretension, and almost every scene could have benefited from some trimming. Characters are given long monologues to spew, whereas a bit of reserve would have spoken volumes. Melissa Leo does a great job as Dano's Aunt, a hardened Midwest type whose sense of joy clearly vanished with the death of the mullet and Farrah hairdos. David Dastmalchian memorably and creepily portrays a key suspect, who, guilty or not, provides some key pieces to the puzzle.

So much of the film resembles ZODIAC, except this time out, we actually find out the identity of the bad guy. It's fairly shocking stuff, causing you to rethink much of what you just saw. Deliberately leaving things out, down to it's final, unresolved scene, PRISONERS is satisfying as a treatise on what we've become as a society. The torture sequences blatantly reference Abu Ghraib and scream for after-movie coffee talk from the audience. There's a fantastic winter storm chase sequence in which the pelting snow is just the right detail to evoke extreme uneasiness. Too long and blustery by half, and flawed in that way Hollywood films insist they have a lesson to teach the rest of us yokels, PRISONERS is still a gripping, beautifully filmed movie of the moment.

Any kind of story can be a great one regardless of how many time a similar one might have been told. Challenging the norm of expectations of an entire genre, non traditional in storytelling, and even exploring the story in a new way. Prisoners breaks new ground with it premise that brings complexity and provoking thoughts on the viewer own morals.

Prisoners is about a father taking matters into his own hands after his young daughter and her friend disappear and a hot-shot detective assigned to the case relentlessly trying to find the clues that could lead to the whereabouts of the missing girls. Prisoners on the surface appears to be a basic film about child abduction, but its narrative is unconventional. The first thirty minutes waste no time setting up the characters, motivations, their moralities, and our early perception in how to view them. These characters are written realistically engaging the viewer to challenge themselves thoughtfully if they would do the same and what role would they play in a similar situation. This brilliantly works in favor of its story as we perceive each action slowly impairing our morality choosing which character to side with. It's tight and slow pacing desolately crawls under your skin. Switching from who sympathize for in many scenes. Intensifying the dreary atmosphere becoming more unsure how far character will go. Going even as far as to question if the motivation is enough to justify the action taken by a father to find his missing daughter.

Not in short supply is the clever usages of clues in the film connecting each together to paint a darker picture of events. Making it difficult to be exact if everything is exactly as we think. Keeping the viewer guessing how it'll all the way through the end. When it does reach the end it's an open ending that leaves viewer to interpret how the outcome resulted. The script fails to provide for the women of the film with anything that equals to the males. Most of the women don't play huge parts in the story being reduce to give exposition or motivation for another character. Serving little purpose other than being plot devices. It couldn't avoid a common trapping where the audience will piece the mystery faster than the film detective. Not entirely a negative flaw since it doesn't detract from the investment we make, but will make certain scenes of the film feel like a drag to get through.

Hugh Jackman has set a new high bar for his acting ability. Jackman approaches his character with ferocity keeping the audience guessing about their own moral complexities. He tears into scenes in a way we've never seen him and layers his character with plenty of affection, empathy, grief, and rage. Embodying everything the film represents giving a realistic, thoughtful portrayal on a complex character. Jake Gyllenhaal holds his own up against Jackman impressive performance. Jake Gyllenhaal is disconnected from real emotion in another multilayered role. He's the most identifiable embroiling himself with the family like the viewer and having constant doubts. Expressing our concern, frustration, and uncertainty. Paul Dano doesn't have too much to offer but is completely adequate in form. Dano plays a dumb character expertly having our doubts about him and humanizing him through little words. Supporting cast have little screen time especially the actresses, but fulfill on what little time they get. The score is haunting and expressively moody intensifying atmosphere.

Prisoners brings gritty realism in its premise without sacrificing intelligence nor avoids challenging the complexity of morality characters present. Anchor by two powerhouse performances that embodied the film moody atmosphere and complexity of morality. Embroiling the audience of the at times harshness of reality an experience that is relatable making them view their moral compass in an entirely different perspective.

Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal shine here. They give Oscar worthy performances here. Their scenes together are amazing. Jackman's character reminded me a little bit of Mel Gibson's character from Ransom. Jake's character reminded me a bit of Andy Garcia's character from Jennifer 8.

The film reminded me of movies like Ransom, Mystic River, Silence of the Lambs, The Vanishing, Kiss the Girls, etc. The style of the film reminded me a lot of Mystic River. The film is suspenseful and might be tough to watch. I was able to figure out quickly who the real kidnapper was. Also I thought some scenes were too slow.

The performances are really good here. Melissa Leo and Paul Dano do great work here. Terrence Howard and Viola Davis also do solid supporting work. I felt like I have seen Maria Bello played this type of character before in other films and TV shows. She played a similar character on the TV show, Touch. I think they should have casted another actress in her role.

When the film is over the audience will definitely be talking about the film. Some might not like the way the film ends. Overall, I liked the film and definitely recommend it cause of the performances.

An intense, gripping yet unconventional "whodunit" that will keep you glued to the screen so much so you won't realise you've just sat through a two and a half hour film and leave the cinema feeling the disturbing and lingering dread as to why the film is entitled "Prisoners." Brilliantly crafted, well-directed and marvellously acted by a fantastic cast. I discovered a new found respect for Jake Gyllenhaal's acting chops in his Poirot-esque interpretation of the role of Detective Loki. Suffice to say, the less said the better, so as not to spoil your enjoyment of this film as you will be kept guessing right till the end. A must watch!

Relentlessly intense, Prisoners is a masterful drama, full of suspense, intrigue, and an intelligent sensibility that separates it as one of the top thrillers and dramas of the year. It's a film that doesn't telegraph where it's going, and defies the normal conventions of a police procedural, working both as a haunting thriller and a penetrating character study.

It is the performances in Prisoners that give the film a depth and texture that is hard to match. It is headlined by Hugh Jackman, absolutely brilliant in his role as the tortured father who loses his humanity, in a performance that certainly ranks amongst the best of his career. The rest of the film is populated by equally strong performances, notably Jake Gyllenhaal as the driven, independent-minded detective, and Melissa Leo as the seemingly broken mother.

The script is intelligently written, with a tragic crime at its heart that provides a platform for a more meaningful exploration of the film's other, deeper themes. How the characters react, the arcs they go through, their motivations, their insecurities, their tragedies, all of these intersect to reveal a tapestry that is nuanced, enthralling, and undeniably thrilling. To be sure, the film does feature a number of twists, but they are executed especially well, not progressing in obvious ways, but rather occurring as a series of pieces in to a larger puzzle. Unlike other films that rely on absurd twists that are not organically grounded,
Prisoners genuinely features a complex web of stories, and interconnects them seamlessly.

Above all, what I appreciated most about Prisoners was the dark and foreboding atmosphere that pervaded the film. It added a heaviness, and an intensity level that defined the film. Every action of the film has weight, every scene has meaning. At the end, you are left with a feeling that stays with you, the emotion simply resonates effectively.

An excellent thriller.

4.5/5 Stars

What can only be described as an epic, slow burn thriller, "Prisoners" is a direct descendant of the dark worlds shaped by director David Fincher. With drained color and constant dreariness in every scene, the films tone is off the charts. The drizzling rain and stormy days may seem somewhat heavy handed, but these choices suck you into this world and drain the hope right out of you. Director Denis Villeneuve wastes no time providing false hope or building a world where life is normal. Within the first twenty minutes, the girls are gone and you'll be amazed at how long Villeneuve can string you through the hunt. Built with strong performances from everyone involved and bringing to light some precedent subjects like torture and the human psyche, the film takes hold and never lets go. Jake Gyllenhaal is the highlight of the film as Detective Loki, bringing a silent charisma and unending bravado that provides this stern drama with everything that it needs to keep going. Hugh Jackman makes some definitive choices in his role, but ultimately comes off monotonous and loud throughout the entire film, but I'd make a case that this is the point, leading to an eventual ending that serves up justice in all directions. Terrence Howard and Maria Bello slightly phone-in their performances, not given much to work with, while Paul Dano, Melissa Leo, and Viola Davis all give above par performances. "Prisoners" deals with slight of hand and a realistic look at a detective working in a small town. As Loki uncovers many of the dark secrets throughout the town, he finds that they might be more interconnected than he could have imagined. Apart from feeling slightly ahead of all the case revelations, the thriller still holds its surprises and has you guessing until the very end. With a superb and subtle ending, concluding the film at the exact perfect moment, this film will stay with you. Plus, any film that can tout a 150 minute run-time and still keep the suspense building and the story interesting is a massive achievement.

What would you do for the sake of another?

What would you do, Christian?

This is the question, which is not only asked - but also tested - in Denis Villeneuve's Prisoners, a drama about the human condition when placed in circumstances we never seriously consider until it's thrown upon us.

Hugh Jackman leads as Keller Dover, who dwells happily as a hunter, husband, and father. He and wife Gracie (Maria Bello) live with their two children, and nearby friends Franklin and Nancy Birch (Terrance Howard and Viola Davis), who also have a family. The family's two six year old girls are kidnapped on a cold thanksgiving - and from there, along with Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), the two families face not only questions of what they would do without their daughters, but what lengths would they go just to see their faces again?

Prisoners is unabashedly blunt in it's realizations of a fear every parent faces - I myself wanting to be a father one day struggled with the film when it presented me with tough questions concerning faith, morality, and the frailty of one's spirit when faced with anger, fear, and obsession.

What struck me the most in Prisoners was it's performances - Jackman gives his best performance I've ever seen, and Gyllenhaal's character arch is one that feels genuine and tragic. Some other strong performances come from Paul Dano, Melissa Leo, and the Birch family parents. The performances here never take any steps into the melodramatic - every scene has a character with which you latch yourself onto, believing their actions and reactions given the circumstances.

What this isn't is a cop movie - yes, an investigation takes place, but if you're hoping for a focus on the forensics and detective work, I'm sorry. Vileneuve makes the right decision in keeping the story focused straight on its characters.

While the performances are outstanding, the best I've seen this year, simultaneously the film has a powerful way of asking you the same questions multiple times. Many times I found myself finding a solution within myself to a plot point, only to be asked "Are you sure?" multiple times by the narrative's turns, and focus on the tragic desire for justice done through sinful means.

The cinematography is simple, along with the score, and both serve their purpose - their natural feel accentuates the reality in which the film is wanting to set you in - not once does it fall into the "unrealistic" category, and not once does a character make a decision that feels outside of their character for the sake of a twist.

Powerful, disturbing, haunting, and honest, Prisoners is the best drama I've seen this year. It's desire to make you work out some of the tougher questions of morality is a great reminder to never take what you hold dear for granted - and to never claim a quick decision when given any "what if?" scenario. It's a great film for discussion, and one that should not be missed.

If you're uncomfortable with even the idea of what I've described, or you have no interest in it because of some moral ground you've set yourself on, this film is for you - it is crafted for the individual who believes they have all of life's questions figured out. It will make you think, it will make you worry, and it will make examine yourself deeper than any other film I've seen this year. For the Christian who's been in a comfortable standing their whole life with questions of morality and violence - Prisoners begs you to test that - in a way which only refines and sharpens what you believe in. While I would be lying if I said this film is easy to watch, because it isn't, don't be afraid to explore its themes of justice, fatherly love, and redemption.

4.5/5 Stars

Fantastically genuine.

This was definitely well acted. Hugh Jackman blew me out of the water with his performance. The rest of the cast was really great as well, but Hugh Jackman was definitely the best.

Also it did keep you guessing. Did this person really do it? Are they innocent? That sort of thing. Overall, I thought it was a well crafted cat and mouse kind of film. It had a really good theme. You can definitely connect all the characters to the "Prisoners" theme. So that was good.

However, I did think it was a bit long in parts. There was times, where it seemed never ending. Also, there was some things a bit confusing and not well explained. And almost seemed a bit contradictory. So I liked it overall, but it wasn't perfect. Come awards season, I'd rather see Hugh Jackman get a nod than anything else.

Denis Villeneuve provides complexity, emotional and moral conflict and intense thrills, that weigh in with superb performances from Jackman, Dano, and Gyllenhaal. A brilliant character study and questioning of "How far would you go?"

Good idea. Waaaay to slow developing in the middle 2/3rds. Ending is unfulfilling and too many loose ends not tied up. Don't waste the 2.5+ hours.

The movie has an All-Star cast, but it plays out like a slow dud. This movie had the longest slowest buildup to a minor twist that just didn't make it worth it. I can't believe that the director took this cast and laid a huge Razzie stink bomb but that's what I get for watching a movie with no other well known good movies under his belt. There is absolute no pacing and the editor should be fired immediately. Save your time and don't become a prisoner for the two and a half hours where you'll clearly be wondering why oh why didn't I listen to Gene...

Prisoners was an exhausting and intense drama. Great performances from Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, beautifully shot.