A murky crime/thriller, with solid performances from Jackman, Gyllenhaal & Dano.

Rating: 8/10 (7 May 2020)

The entire film is one big puzzle. The plot is extremely intricate, and at times confusing - though this is what grips your attention throughout, until a shocking reveal in the final 30 mins. The ambiguity to the ending was genius, and one of the films strengths. I particularly loved Gyllenhaal's idea to give his character a tic (which became more frequent the more distressed he felt.) It is hinted that he has a haunted past, and I felt that his character could have been given a backstory to explain his drive.
The frustration from Drover, who feels Detective Loki's (Gyllenhaal) by-the-book, methodical approach to the case isn't enough was really interesting. Though both men strive for the same end - to return the girls to safety - Jackman's character is led down a path of moral descent. Once a godly man, the grief-stricken father turns to alcohol and bloody violence as a means of justice. (The film seems to be more of a character study of the two men than anything else.) Prisoners is thoroughly enjoyable- a success from Denis Villeneuve.
More time could have been dedicated to the character of Bob Taylor & his trauma which has led to him becoming obsessed with Mazes and the "Invisible Man" (maybe an interview scene). I feel like this could have elevated the film more. Also the character of Alex - Did he have the mind of a ten year old? Or did he understand perfectly what his role was in the numerous abductions? (There could have been a scene of him being questioned in the final moments, an Edward Norton in Primal Fear style revelation would have tipped this over the edge)
Deakins cinematography is stunning. I very much appreciated the dark hues of blue and the solid, illuminating light in the background which creates a silhouette effect around the characters. Several shots are cleverly framed like this around Gyllenhaal (almost like he was destined to be the saviour/hero of the story from the start).