'Prisoners' is an unpredictable thriller with strong themes and characters.

Rating: Null/10 (3 June 2014)

There are many films about missing children. Most are predictable within the first fifteen minutes, but 'Prisoners' directed by Denis Villeneuve is a grossly entertaining film that always keeps you guessing. Hugh Jackman stars as a small town father of two named Keller Dover. When his six-year old daughter is mysteriously gone missing on a cloudy thanksgiving, he hires Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) to investigate the crime and find his daughter. Hugh Jackman and his wife (Mari Bello) have a couple they are friends with who's daughter is kidnapped at the same time. As the investigation unfolds we see deep character change. Both Dover and Loki get wrapped up in anger, fear, revenge and stress as they try and uncover the truth. Hugh Jackman gives a powerful performance and plays the small town father perfectly. His character is so realistic and isn't forced for a second. Jake Gyllenhaal is awesome as a detective, and is an interesting aspect of the story. The script by Aaron Guzokowski is full of detail and brilliant symbolism as well as character development and suspense. The dark cinematography adds an accurate feeling to the story as you get lost up in the dark tone of the film. While watching 'Prisoners' you get to think about what you as a parent would do in situations that people like Hugh Jakcman's character face. The film provides strong messages such as getting caught up in anger and haste, forgiveness, detail, and trust. What's good to see these days is a mystery film that is thrilling, entertaining, and unpredictable, and with 'Prisoners' you simply have all those elements.