Prisoners
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo
Directed By: Denis Villeneuve
Reviewed by Danielle Muir
[rating: 4.5/5]
This is not a feelgood movie. It will drain you of any ounce of happiness you may have walked in with, and make you realize humans are a disease. Oh and also, don’t have kids. Ever.
Prisoners is the deeply affecting story of the Dover family, whose little daughter Anna is abducted out of the blue, along with her friend Joy. Prime suspect Alex, an invalid whose caravan was seen near the abduction site, is questioned and set free by Detective Loki – a cop with a flawless record for catching crims. This perceived injustice sets in motion a brutal downward spiral for Keller Dover – Anna’s enraged father, that ultimately traps both families and Loki in a path to hell paved with despicable acts.
Everything in Prisoners is flawless – the film is beautifully shot, with some absolutely haunting images stuck in your brain long after the credits roll. From the dreary town to the chilling injuries of the victims, everything is superbly shot for maximum impact.
Jackman’s Oscar buzz is warranted, as he puts in a brave performance as off the rails Keller – driven to madness and horrific deeds in order to find his daughter. Gyllenhaal is also very interesting to watch as the tattooed Detective shaken by both the trails of evidence and Keller’s persistence that he isn’t doing everything to save the girls. All the performances play well off each other, and some are absolutely deplorable.
To be honest I can’t really fault this film in its elements, but the feeling that cloaks you when it’s over is just utter depression, and a flatline in spirit. You cannot feel joy or happiness after watching it, and it’s an emotionally taxing journey. If you really think you can cope with 2 and a half hours of nothing but sadness and anger, then see Prisoners because it is beautiful in its own way. Otherwise, surely there’s got to be a romantic comedy out there instead.
