Prisoners Review

Prisoners stars Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. It also features a fairly unoriginal kidnapping storyline. Or does it? What makes Denis Villeneuve's dramatic thriller stand out from the pack? Well, my first sentence is a major reason.

The film starts out with two families spending Thanksgiving together. This tactic of displaying the normalities of life before chaos ensues isn't anything extraordinary, but the film utilizes it well. It really humanizes the characters. It makes you feel like this family that had their daughter kidnapped could be anyone.

The performances in Prisoners are great. Hugh Jackman is particularly remarkable. His portrayal of this father who is willing to go far, arguably too far, to rescue his daughter is emotional, gripping, and thought-provoking, much like the film itself. I wouldn't be surprised if Jackman gets recognized during awards season for his performance. Jake Gyllenhaal also does an exceptional job as the detective for the kidnapping. His performance is riveting.

Prisoners deals with a tough subject matter. Many will find it difficult, or maybe impossible to stomach. While no actual child torture is shown, there are some gut-wrenching emotional scenes, and if you let your imagination run for even a second, you may find yourself sick to your stomach by the possible circumstances the little girls are experiencing. I think it's important to note this, as it may come as a shock for those unprepared.

That being said, the situations the film presents really make you stop and think about just how far you would go to protect those you love. Hugh Jackman's character makes decisions that provoke us to ponder on that idea. Some would agree with the choices he makes, many would never even think to do such things. It's really a personal perspective that is worth thinking about once the film is over. This isn't the type of movie you go see and forget about in a couple of days. This is the type of movie that you and your friends have coffee over after you see it. There is plenty to think about, and plenty to discuss.

Conclusion

Filled with gut-wrenching tension and suspense throughout, Prisoners is both powerful and thought-provoking, and features an award-worthy performance from Hugh Jackman. It's not for the faint of heart (or stomach), but it is a tremendous emotional achievement that I hope to see be recognized at awards season. 

Rating: 9/10

Age suggestion: 15+