A tough but brilliant watch.
Over the last decade, revenge films have seen a massive upsurge in popularity as the likes of Taken, John Wick, and Django Unchained have all gone searching for justice. This being said, the aforementioned films have always had a certain amount of ‘heightened’ style and flair – simply put, you’re very aware that they’re not what you would call ‘realistic films.’
Going against this norm, Denis Villeneuve (Sicario, Arrival) really tapped into humanity’s baser nature by asking one simple question, ‘how far would you go to protect your family?’
In Prisoners, the gifted director relentlessly pushes two families to the edge of their morality in a drama that really stays with you.
It’s not an easy watch, but there’s something absorbing, gripping and utterly relentless about Prisoners that demands your attention.
Clip via – Entertainment One UK
OK, what’s it about? The story kicks in after two young girls suddenly go missing while playing outside their home.
Hugh Jackman may be more renowned for his role as Wolverine in the X-Men films, but in Prisoners, he gives a career-best performance as the father that’s willing to go to any lengths to find his daughter.
It also helps that the Australian star is surrounded by a remarkably talented ensemble that includes Terrence Howard, Maria Bello, and Viola Davis as the grieving parents that are on the edge of a nervous breakdown. A special word of praise should go to Paul Dano because just like Jake Gyllenhaal’s character in Nightcrawler, his performance really gets under your skin and stays with you.
Speaking of Gyllenhaal, he deftly plays the detective that’s slowly cracking up as the case drags on and the situation gets more perilous.
In strictly aesthetic terms, the film is beautiful to look at with cinematographer Roger Deakins behind the lens. As for the plot, there are so many twists and turns that you’ll constantly be kept guessing over the outcome.
With an 82 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 74 percent on Metacritic, it’s clear to see why the film has frequently featured in many ‘Best Of’ lists for 2014.
Chicago Sun – “One of the most intense thrillers in recent years. Best performance of Hugh Jackman’s career.”
Los Angeles Times – “Exciting, terrifying, worrisome stuff saturates every second of Prisoners, holding you captive, keeping you guessing until the bitter end.”
Entertainment Weekly – “The thriller that’s exciting, cathartic, and powerfully disturbing. Prisoners is that type of movie. It’s rooted in 40 years of Hollywood revenge films, yet it also breaks audacious new ground.”
Variety – “A spellbinding, sensationally effective thriller with a complex moral center.”
The Hollywood Reporter – “Prisoners can at times be a hard film to watch, but thanks to all the talent involved, it’s even harder to shake off.”
Prisoners is now available to watch on Netflix.
