Prisoners-2013

Director Denis Villeneuve

Starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal

Scott’s Review #75

Reviewed June 27, 2014

Grade: B+

The film Prisoners (2013) weaves a gripping, taut psychological tale amid a stellar cast, including Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Maria Bello, Viola Davis, and Paul Dano.

That is what separates it from other similar, yet mediocre, thrillers.

The gray, somber Pennsylvania town is a perfect backdrop for a story involving child abduction and a father who seeks a confession from the presumed kidnapper.

The mood and cinematography are impressive, and the bleakness fits the tone: a cold Thanksgiving holiday weekend in a working-class steel town.

At two hours and twenty-six minutes, the film is long, but it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

What intrigued me most was the audience conflict of whom to root for. Is the father purely innocent? Is the kidnapper guilty? Is someone else involved?

These questions go through the viewer’s mind during the film.

Prisoners has a major drawback: too many plot holes and questions left unanswered after the film.

The kidnapper’s motivations are weak and never fully explained. Parts of the story don’t add up and make little sense.

The film’s style is similar to Zodiac (2006) and Mystic River (2003).

Prisoners (2013) is an intense, thrilling ride to enjoy, but not over-analyze.

Oscar Nominations: Best Cinematography