Prisoners
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Terrence Howard, Melisa Leo, Maria Bello, Paul Dano, Viola Davis
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Rating: 5/5
Prisoners has been one of the movies that I have been really looking forward to as Hugh Jackman teams up with Jake Gyllenhaal for the first time.
Keller Dover is facing every parent's worst nightmare. His 6-year-old daughter and her young friend are missing, and as minutes turn to hours, panic sets in. The only lead is a dilapidated RV that had been parked on their street.
Heading the investigation, Detective Loki arrests its driver, but a lack of evidence forces the only suspect's release.
Knowing his child's life is at stake, the frantic Dover decides he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands.
Prisoners is one of the best thrillers that I have seen for some time as it is dark, bleak and, at times, incredibly chilling.
Hugh Jackman is the driving force of this film as he delivers a riveting performance as Keller Dover; a man who will do anything to find his missing daughter.
Jackman portrays a man that is heartbroken and scared at the disappearance of his child, frustrated at the lack of evidence that the police are finding and fuelled by an anger towards the man he believes to be guilty.
Through this central character of Dover, Prisoners asks some very moral questions about taking the law into your own hands. Driven by his fear and grief, Dover becomes something that he is not - at times it just chills you to the bone.
Some of the scenes between Jackman and Dano really are uncomfortable to watch, but are some of the most powerful moments in the film. Jackman really does deliver an Oscar worthy performance - let’s hope he does pick up a second nomination.
Jake Gyllenhaal is also excellent as Detective Loki, in what is quite an understated but equally fascinating performance.
Director Denis Villeneuve must be applauded for this movie as he has delivered a film that is a master class in patience. Yes, some may think that it is a little long, but the director has purposely drawn out the story to explore the situation and the characters before the big reveal.
This will keep you on the edge of your seat and will keep audiences totally captivated from start to finish.
Prisoners is everything that a thriller movie should be; intense, dark, a plot full of twists and turns as well as a truly terrific cast that turn in some fantastic performances.
In less capable hand Prisoners who have become just another abduction movie, but Villeneuve’s steady hand and great performances from Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllanhaal and Melissa Leo in particular, make this movies one of the stand out films of the year.
It is not hard to see why this movie has been whipping up a storm on the festival circuit, as it is one that is not to be missed, Don’t be surprised if you see this film in the awards mix at the beginning of next year.
Prisoners is out now
