A near perfect thriller

Rating: 9/10 (12 October 2013)

With a star studded cast including Hugh Jackman (X-Men, Les Miserables) and Jake Gyllenhaal (Donnie Darko, Brokeback Mountain), Prisoners always looked to have the potential to hit the right spot with audiences, and it didn't disappoint. When two young girls go missing in a quiet suburb, is it up to Detective Loki (Gyllenhaal) to track them down. But when the prime suspect Alex Jones (Paul Dano) is revealed to have the IQ of a 10 year old and no evidence against him, the case starts to run cold, and Loki turning more desperate as the hours tick away. With no new leads, father of one of the girls, Keller Dover (Jackman) takes it upon himself to find the girls by any means possible, and will let nothing stop him on his mission.
One must first credit the acting and I would not be surprised if one or more of the cast showed up in next year's Oscar nominations. Here Jackman gives the performance of a lifetime, which is nice to see after his involvement in the horrendous, Movie 43. You really feel for his character as his anger and love for his daughter drives him to unspeakable acts. But Jackman portrays this incredibly and I'm not sure another actor could have done as good a job. His performance was truly moving and you felt both saddened by his situation and even start to sympathise with him, despite some of the atrocities he carries out. But this is only due to the quality of his acting that you connect with the character so well. Gyllenhaal was also outstanding, with some masterful acting and I would argue maybe even his career defining performance. You can really feel the characters anguish at his inability to find the girls and in the end it's more a personal vendetta against the kidnapper than the detective doing his job. Prisoners also had a tremendous supporting cast with brilliant performances given by Melissa Leo (The Fighter), Paul Dano (Looper) and Terrence Howard (Iron Man).
The plot is dark and gritty and some viewers may find it a little disturbing. I certainly did which was a surprise, but this is essential for the viewers to understand the characters pain. With themes of mystery, kidnap, torture and questioning the faith of God, this thriller may not entice some of the more light hearted types. But director Denis Villeneuve weaves the viewers through a well crafted story, that whilst obvious in some places, kept the viewer excited to the very end. However it must be said that certain aspects of the plot were never fully explained, leaving for a slightly aggravating ending. Some people may watch the film and wonder "would I do such terrible things for someone in my family?" This is a little scary considering the plot, but part of the genius of the film, making you feel really involved and invested in the story throughout. The film had a fantastic score which is essential for any good dramatic piece. Many filmmakers are tempted by the ease of overusing music as mood filler, but Prisoners had just the right mix; not overusing it but rather applying it carefully where needed. The cinematography was perhaps some of the best I have ever seen, with interesting camera work, shadowy grey-scales, and wonderful use of lighting; hardcore film buffs will certainly enjoy.
Ultimately Prisoners is a near perfect thriller, taking audiences on a roller-coaster of emotions. It leaves viewers with perhaps one question to consider, that we should all think about more often when heinous crimes of this nature appear in the news: who are the real Prisoners? The young girls kidnapped or the families left behind waiting for them to come home?